From the archive: Choose the good money over the big money

Why research managers and academic leaders need a holistic approach when choosing funding opportunities

Over the last decade, major national and international funders have tended to favour big project or programme grants necessitating multi-partner bids—and there is little sign of a reversal.

Applying to these schemes takes lots of work, drawing academic and research-office time and resource away from other activities. Clearly a strategic judgment on whether to apply is necessary. When should universities and departments take the plunge? Ragnar Lie, a senior adviser at Universities Norway, had some suggestions in this article published in January 2021.