Trinity Research Policy Engagement Fund

Pilot Phase

Purpose

Trinity’s Living Research Excellence Strategy and Research Charter commit the University to a set of core principles that are central to our research philosophy. The pilot Policy Engagement Fund supports Trinity researchers to design and deliver targeted, high-quality policy engagement activities that strengthen connections between research and public policy. The Fund is intended to contribute to the development of a coordinated and strategic approach to research-policy engagement across Trinity College Dublin.
The Fund will support activities that facilitate meaningful engagement between researchers, policymakers, public bodies, and other relevant stakeholders. Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Policy roundtables, brokerage and networking events.
• Expert briefings for policymakers.
• Policy stakeholder consultation events.
• Panel discussions and public policy dialogues.
• Launch events for evidence reports and policy briefs.
• Invitation-only workshops tailored to the needs of specific government departments, agencies, or public bodies.
• Activities designed to develop new policy-focused collaborations and networks.
• Production of policy engagement outputs that enhance the visibility and accessibility of Trinity research.

The Fund aims to:

• Support the development of a coordinated, strategic approach to research-policy engagement and knowledge brokerage across Trinity.
• Strengthen links between Trinity researchers and policymakers.
• Increase the visibility and policy relevance of Trinity research.

Terms and Conditions

The Policy Engagement Fund is intended to provide flexible support for activities that advance policy engagement and research impact.
Funding may be used for costs directly associated with approved policy engagement activities, including:

• Venue hire and event delivery costs.
• Travel and accommodation costs for speakers, policymakers, or researchers where appropriately justified.
• Facilitation and moderation services.
• Production and dissemination of policy briefs, evidence summaries, and event materials.
• Communications and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Consultancy or specialist support required for policy engagement planning or delivery.
• Costs associated with hosting stakeholder workshops, roundtables, or consultation exercises.
• Other reasonable costs that are essential to the successful delivery of the proposed activity.

Funding will not normally support:

• General School or administrative operating costs.
• Activities unrelated to research-policy engagement.
• Retrospective claims for expenditure incurred prior to the award date.
• Capital equipment purchases.
• Undergraduate or postgraduate student stipends.
• Permanent staff salary costs.

All funded activities must clearly demonstrate how they will contribute to strengthening research-policy engagement and generate benefit for Trinity researchers and policy stakeholders.

Eligibility and Funding

This programme is open to:

• Trinity College Dublin staff in research-performing and research-supporting roles in all faculties and disciplines.
• Individual researchers, research groups, centres, institutes, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Applications involving external collaborators, provided the Trinity applicant is the lead applicant and funding recipient.

The programme is not open to:

• Undergraduate students.
• Postgraduate students acting as lead applicants.

For the pilot phase, funding awards will be of a maximum €5,000.
Applicants must:

• Submit applications using the official application form provided by Trinity Research.
• Adhere to all specified word limits.
• Complete all sections of the application form.
• Clearly outline the objectives, intended participants, anticipated policy outcomes, and budget justification.

Preference may be given to proposals that:

• Demonstrate strong potential for policy impact.
• Build new relationships with policymakers or public bodies.
• Establish sustainable policy engagement networks.
• Involve interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Contribute to Trinity's broader research impact and knowledge brokerage objectives.

Application Process and Timelines

Applications will be submitted through the online application form administered by Trinity Research

Click here to complete application form (local access)

For the pilot funding phase:

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Funding decisions will be based on the published evaluation criteria and available budget.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

Criterion	Weighting
Strategic relevance and importance of the proposed policy engagement activity	30%
Potential to strengthen research-policy relationships and generate policy impact	30%
Quality and feasibility of the engagement plan	20%
Value for money and demonstrated need for funding	20%

The minimum threshold for funding consideration will normally be 70%.

Payment of Research Costs

Funds will be awarded following acceptance of the funding offer and will be transferred to a nominated Trinity account.

Successful applicants must:

• Provide a valid Trinity account code for receipt of funds.  Funds cannot be transferred outside Trinity and must be held in a nominated Trinity account.
• Use funds solely for the purpose outlined in the approved application.
• Comply with all University financial, procurement, and audit requirements.
• Retain appropriate documentation, invoices, and receipts for all expenditure.

All expenditure must represent reasonable and justifiable costs directly related to the approved activity.
Where procurement is required, applicants must comply with Trinity procurement policies and procedures, including obtaining quotations or tendering where applicable.
Funding must be used within 12 months of award unless a written extension has been approved by Trinity Research.
Any unspent funds, or funds not used in accordance with the approved application, must be returned to Trinity Research.
Successful applicants will be required to submit a short report upon completion of their project/event.

• Activities undertaken.
• Stakeholders engaged.
• Outputs produced.
• Policy engagement outcomes achieved.
• Future engagement opportunities arising from the activity.

This information may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund and support the ongoing development of Trinity's policy engagement and knowledge brokerage activities.