EPSRC Not-Equal Network Launches Call for Collaborative Proposals

The EPSRC-funded ‘Social Justice through the Digital Economy Network Plus’, otherwise known as Not-Equal, aims to foster new collaborations to create the conditions for digital technology to support social justice, and to develop a path for inclusive digital innovation and a fairer future for all in and through the digital economy.

Not-Equal has launched a call to support innovative cross disciplinary pilot research projects from UK Higher Education Institutions in partnership with one or more non-academic entities. The ambition is to support exploratory research projects that open new technological directions, new approaches and new ways to model and design socio-technical systems that help meet social aspirations and goals.

Up to seven projects will be supported with funding of up to £40,000 (at 80% fEC). Funding will be available for six to eight months and can be used for investigator/researcher time, travel and subsistence appropriate to delivery of the project, and small scale consumables.

Projects should align with Not-Equal’s Challenge Areas:

Algorithmic Social Justice

Digital Security for All

Fairer Futures for Business and Workforces

They should also address the following key topics:

Recognition

Redistribution

Enablement and Radical Trust

Proactive Resilience and Reparation

Accountability and Care

Eligible lead organisations include all UK Higher Education Institutions that receive grant funding from one of the UK higher education funding bodies. SMEs/industry and community groups are expected to engage in collaborative applications.

Applicants will have the opportunity to post their ideas to the new Catalyst website prior to application, in order to find a project partner. Not-Equal will also host several events to assist finding partners, developing ideas and writing applications. 

Applicants should download the application form from the Not-Equal website and return it via email by the 30 April 2020 deadline.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.