Business Engagement and Partnerships (BEP)

Business engagement can take many different forms, including undertaking an industry placement or internship; conducting a research project to address specific industry challenges; testing and analysing business partners’ existing methods; and securing an industrial partner’s support in a research grant bid.

BEP-related funding schemes include:

Business Engagement Seed Fund – closed as of 19 January 2024
Small amounts of funding (up to £6,000) available to build mutually beneficial partnerships with external stakeholders. Funding covers direct costs and can typically include RA time, travel and subsistence, costs for online activity and external consultancy. Projects must finish by 30 June 2024.

ASPECT Social Science Innovation Fellowships - closed as of 3 May 2022
Applicants may apply for up to £12,500 to fund salary or buy-out, depending on contractual circumstances. Funds can also be used for direct costs, including RA time, related to impact or engagement activities. Innovation Fellowships will run until 31 March 2023. 

Aspect Research Commercialisation (ARC) Accelerator - Closed
Provides entrepreneurial skills training and the chance to compete to win £50,000 to support your proposed venture. Open to applications from social sciences researchers across Oxford and its Aspect partners. Contact chris.fellingham@innovation.ox.ac.uk for details.