Overview
The LSE Bridging Fund is designed to provide short-term financial support to fixed-term research and policy staff who experience a gap between the end of one externally funded project and the start of another confirmed project. This fund aims to retain research talent and ensure continuity in research activities during transitional periods.
Scheme objectives
- Support the retention of skilled research and policy staff during short-term funding gaps.
- Ensure continuity in research projects and institutional knowledge.
- Provide interim funding when departmental or centre funds are insufficient.
Funding available
Funding is available to cover salary costs for the bridging period between two externally funded projects.
The duration of support is limited to the gap period between the end of the current project and the start of the confirmed upcoming project. The total Bridging Period should not exceed 3 months.
Funding is contingent upon the unavailability of departmental or centre funds to cover the bridging period.
Timetable
Due to the nature of this funding, calls are open ended and responsive.
Applicants can expect to receive an outcome 10-15 working days after submission.
Eligibility to apply
- Applicants must be a member of Research and Policy Staff as listed in LSE HR Role Profiles.
- Applicants must confirm that they have the full support of their host academic unit as part of their application, including a statement on the availability of unit funding.
Application process
Applications must be submitted the relevant departmental manager or research lead on behalf of the staff member.
If you are considering making an application, we strongly encourage you to contact the R&I Senior Research Culture Manager c.m.ulmer@lse.ac.uk as soon as possible and no later than 2 weeks before the intended submission date.
All applications are submitted through the Internal Funding Application Form.
You can find the guidance for the application form here (LINK).
Costing your application
The following costs are eligible for this scheme:
- Directly Incurred Salaried research and policy staff costs within the project and contract periods.
No other costs are available under the Bridging Scheme.
Review and selection
Applications will be sent for selection by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) or the Academic Director of Impact as appropriate.
Outcomes
All applications will receive feedback from the selection process within the timelines stated above. Projects are awarded based on the information received during the application process and subject to any conditions.
Support
Please contact the R&I Senior Research Culture Manager c.m.ulmer@lse.ac.uk for guidance on your application.
General queries, feedback and comments on this scheme can be sent to ri.internalschemes@lse.ac.uk