DIIF aims to encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, in order to generate lasting impact and solve major challenges.
What is DIIF?
Dundee Interdisciplinary and Innovation Forum (DIIF) is a University of Dundee forum that aims to increase interdisciplinary working opportunities and research collaborations – both internally and externally with partners and industry.
The forum facilitates events throughout the year which are designed to:
- Provide networking environments where introductions can be made and ideas explored.
- Encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, with the long term view of solving major challenges and creating lasting social and economic impact.
- Encourage early intervention of major research challenges.
- Explore the funding landscape and prepare researchers for new funding opportunities.
- Stimulate new research ideas/approaches.
- Support Early Career Researchers.
Why DIIF?
Interdisciplinary research is central to the University Transformation Strategy. It allows us to be joined up in our thinking and to present challenges to solutions that proactively solve a number of real-life problems. DIIF events can be used as a vehicle to encourage and facilitate collaborations and to form new working groups.
How do DIIF events work?
DIIF events are typically led by a University academic and supported by Research and Innovation Services (RIS). They range from small focussed meetings to regional events with 100+ delegates. Each event is contextualised by a research theme and knowledge and understanding of the funding landscapes for these themes are provided and explored.
RIS proactively scope for industry collaborations pre and post event and provide additional support with applications and partnerships that arise.
Programme of upcoming internal events
You will find details of our upcoming events along with links to register your attendance in the table below. We develop our programme using feedback from previous events, and welcome ideas for future events from staff, students and external parties. If you are interested in leading or participating in a DIIF event, please let us know by contacting RIS via ris-events@dundee.ac.uk
Theme | Title | Date | Location | Contact |
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Partner Visit | Horizon Europe with Nabil Ali, European Advisor at UK Research Office | 24 February 2021 | Microsoft Teams | Grant Davidson |
Researcher Development | Knowledge Exchange for PGRs with the UoD Doctoral Academy | 24 March 2021 | Microsoft Teams | Rachel Simpson |
Past events
Recordings and materials from past events can be found in our dedicated DIIF MS Team. This is open to all staff and students at UoD, please contact ris-events@dundee.ac.uk if you would like to be added.
If you would like require any additional information regarding past events, please email the associated contact noted or ris-events@dundee.ac.uk.
Early Innovation Toolkit with Interface, KTN and North Scotland KTP Centre
Wednesday 10 February 2021, 11:00 - 12:30, Online
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This even provided an opportunity to explore the many ways to access industry to begin or develop collaborations.
We were joined by the following partners who are driving these early innovation opportunities:
- Lorna Watson, Business Engagement Executive (Interface)
- Janet Pettigrew, Funding Executive (Interface)
- Alison Reith, KTP Development Officer (North of Scotland KTP Centre)
- Lorna Howarth, Knowledge Transfer Adviser for East of Scotland (KTN)
Contact: Jamie Henderson
Virtually Writing it Right!
Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 November 2020, 14:00 - 15:00, Online
- Adapted from the popular ‘Write it Right!’ series, these sessions were aimed at early career researchers and those new to writing grants. The workshop provided essential background information on how to navigate the funding landscape and express aims and research plans to develop a high quality grant application. Participants were also given the opportunity to contribute their own ideas and receive feedback from the Research Development Team.
Contact: Emma Warbrick
Design and Innovation
Wednesday 28 October 2020, 16:00 - 17:00, Online
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A presentation from Tatiana Schofield, Head of Knowledge Exchange at the Royal College of Art. Sharing expertise and best practise from the Royal College's breadth of knowledge exchange activity.
Contact: Rachel Simpson
Public Services Reform
Wednesday 28 October 2020, 11:00 - 12:30, Online
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Led by Prof Nick Fyfe, Dean of Social Sciences, this event provided an opportunity to discuss upcoming challenges and opportunities across reformation within public services. With presentations from Nick Bibby (Director, Scottish Policy and Research Exchange) and Mark McPherson (Audit Scotland), sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Contact: Grant Davidson
Global Challenges
Wednesday 30 September 2020, 11:00 - 12:30, Online
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A showcase of research from colleagues at the University of Dundee and their partners, supported by the UK Govt-funded Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). Highlighting the work taking place to tackle some of the most pressing development challenges around the world and related funding opportunities.
Contact: Alastair Strickland
Virtually Writing it Right!
Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 September 2020, 14:00 - 15:30, Online
- Adapted from the popular ‘Write it Right!’ series, these sessions were aimed at early career researchers and those new to writing grants. The workshop provided essential background information on how to navigate the funding landscape and express aims and research plans to develop a high quality grant application. Participants were also given the opportunity to contribute their own ideas and receive feedback from the Research Development Team.
Contact: Emma Warbrick
Data Science at UoD
Wednesday 5 August 2020, 11:00 - 12:30, Online
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A discussion of research expertise across disciplines at the University in the areas of data science. This event provided an overview of funding opportunities, presentations from research staff and PhD students, followed by a Q&A.
Contact: Fiona Mitchell
Research Connect
Wednesday 29 July 2020, 14:00 - 15:00, Online
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A demonstration of how to access and search Research Connect, an external database with thousands funding opportunities from hundreds of UK and international funders.
Contact: Emma Warbrick
Creative Cities
Thursday 16 July 2020, 14:00 - 16:00, Online
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Led by Prof Anita Taylor and Prof Jim Livesey, providing an overview of the University's concept for the ESRC Centres Call and an opportunity for colleagues across all Schools to ask questions and discuss further development of the bid.
Contact: Orla Kelly
What next for research? EU Funding
Wednesday 1 July 2020, 11:00 - 12:30, Online
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The second in a series of 'What Next' discussions, aiming to identify opportunities early and connect with researchers across the University.
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This session was led by Jen Morgan, European Advisor UK Research Office (UKRO), Brussels. Jen outlined some of the key remaining opportunities for UK participants within the Horizon 2020 programme, including the EU Green Deal (€1bn of funding) in September.
Contact: Grant Davidson
What next for research? COVID-19
Tuesday 2 June 2020, 10:00 - 11:30, Online
- The first in a series of 'What Next' discussions, aiming to identify opportunities early and connect with researchers across the University. This pilot session focussed on healthcare and social sciences, highlighting the following calls:
Strategic Priorities Fund: Adolescence, Mental Health and the Developing Mind – closing date 15 September 2020
Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund: Healthy Ageing Social, Behavioural & Design - outline closing date June 2020
UKRI Sandpit: Digital Technologies for Health and Care - EOI deadline 8 September 2020
Joint Programming Initiative: Equality and Wellbeing Across Generations – submission deadline 14 September 2020
Contact: Orla Kelly
Management KTP Opportunities
Monday 26 May 2020, 14:00 - 15:30, Online
- A virtual meeting with the School of Business, Dr Alison Reith (KTP Development Officer, North of Scotland KTP Centre) and Dr Lorna Howarth (KTP Advisor, Fife and Tayside). Focussing on the support network and grant funding initiatives available to business school academics interested in working with companies on applied innovative research and development projects.
- For those with a University of Dundee login, a recording of this event can be viewed here and associated materials can be found via this link.
Contact: Jamie Henderson, Consultancy Manager
Transforming Michelin in Dundee: Q&A with John Reid, CEO of MSIP
Monday 25 May 2020, 11:30 - 13:00, Online
- A virtual meeting with with John Reid, CEO of Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. Focussing on what to expect in the coming months, and how the University of Dundee community can get involved. Including presentations from John Reid (CEO, MSIP), John Rowan (VP Research & Knowledge Exchange, UoD) and Moray Newlands (Associate Dean for Industrial Engagement, UoD).
- A recording of this event and associated materials can be viewed by those with a University of Dundee login via this link.
Contact: Orla Kelly, Industrial Strategy Manager
COVID-19 Research Funding
Thursday 14 May 2020, 14:00 - 15:00, Online
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A virtual drop-in session Grant Davidson from RIS. Providing a brief overview of open funding opportunities for COVID-19 related research, followed by Q&A.
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For those with a University of Dundee login, a recording of this event can be viewed here.
Contact: Grant Davidson
EPSRC Presentation with Q&A
Wednesday 8 April 2020, 09:30 - 12:30, Online
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- This event was recorded and can be viewed by those with a University of Dundee account via SharePoint by following this link.
Contact: Orla Kelly, Industrial Strategy Manager
Joanne Butterworth
Project Officer - Strategic Initiatives
+44 (0)1382 386650j.butterworth@dundee.ac.uk