This call has now closed. The following is for information only.
This is a joint initiative funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Department of Health (DH), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF), Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG).
Background and Summary
Subjective well-being is happiness or life satisfaction as reported by individuals. Public policy and services in the UK have increasingly recognised the importance of subjective well-being. However, current and foreseeable economic circumstances on the one hand and rapid scientific progress on the other demand a further investment in research to underpin public policy development that will enhance the well-being of citizens. The topic is a complex one. The area crosses the responsibilities of many government departments and authorities, and the scientific challenges require research across a range of social sciences in engagement with important developments in natural and medical science and the arts and humanities. The funders also believe that investment is required to strengthen research methods and measurement methods in this field, and focus upon the ways in which they feed into policy and services.
Call for Proposals
The funding partners listed above have joined together to create a competition for a major new interdisciplinary Research Group to address these issues. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is taking the lead in commissioning and management of the proposed Group on behalf of the funders. The strategic aim of the Group will be to add value by acting as a focal point for this area of research amongst researchers and policy makers; undertaking high quality research that has the potential to deliver excellence with impact; and developing research methods and measurement methods that can be translated pragmatically into policy solutions. In order to achieve maximum impact of research on subjective well-being and public policy and services, researchers will be required to work closely at all stages of the research, including co-production of knowledge, with the funding Government Departments and other policy makers, members of the public, families and communities. Funding partners recognise the need for such interaction to be resourced.
Submitting an Application
ESRC's expectations and requirements of applicants, including the assessment criteria and commissioning timetable are provided in the call Specification. It is important that applicants read this document in advance of preparing their proposal in addition to the Guidance Notes for Applicants (please see 'Supporting Information' below).
If you intend to apply, we request that you submit a 1 page (max 500 words) Expression of Interest by 16 October 2009, outlining your research and listing the Principal Investigator and any Co-Investigators, by email to dawn.woodgate@esrc.ac.uk
Full applications should be made via the Research Council Joint Electronic Submission System (Je-S), and submitted to ESRC by no later than 4pm on 10 November 2009. All applicants must be Je-S registered. If you are not currently Je-S registered and intend to apply please ensure that you allow sufficient time for registration as no extensions to the deadline will be permitted. Hard-copy, faxed or email applications will not be accepted.
Proposals must be costed and approved by the relevant institutional authority at the Research Organisation before submission to ESRC.
Commissioning Timetable| Date | Event |
|---|
| Sept 2009 | Call Launch |
| 16 Oct 2009 | Deadline for Expressions of Interest |
| 10 Nov 2009 | Call closing date |
| Feb 2010 | Panel meeting to shortlist for Interview |
| Mar 2010 | Interviews and Funding Decisions |
Supporting Information
Contact:
Any query regarding the competition should be directed to: