Bidding for Research Funding 35 If you are resubmitting a previously unsuccessful proposal, explain how you have amended and improved its content in the light of its initial evaluation. Bear in mind that a significant proportion of research proposals fall at the first compliance hurdle because they do not fulfil all the submission requirements. Quality management is essential. Research council and government funding There are seven Research Councils in the UK: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Medical Research Council (MRC) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) The Research Councils are estimated to fund research programmes with an annual value of about £3 billion. Their website ( www.rcuk.ac.uk ) is the portal for information about the opportunities and types of funding available from each of these organizations. Each has its set of application procedures and information requirements, supported by handbooks and other detailed guidance information for applicants. BusinessLink ( http://www.businesslink.gov.uk ) offers information on government-funded innovation, research and development initiatives. For example, the Grants for Research and Development scheme provides fund- ing to help individuals and SMEs involved in researching and developing technologically innovative products and processes. Grants are also available for collaborative R&D programmes in science and technology. BusinessLink hosts the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), led by the government's Technical Strategy Board, which enables businesses to bid for technology-based public sector development contracts. Through SBRI competitions, businesses are invited to develop innovative solutions and products for specified problems and unmet needs in the public sector. Successful companies are awarded commercial contracts to prove the technical feasibility of their proposals, typically within six months and for up to £100,000. The most promising technologies can receive a further contract for demonstration of product capability, to be completed usually within two years, and for up to £1 million. Most government departments and agencies fund research projects, which are normally subject to open competitive tendering procedures and