Individual Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan

An Individual Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan (IRKEP) is an opportunity for academic staff to outline their research intentions for the year ahead and to request institutional support for those activities.

The Individual Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan (IRKEP) was originally launched in 2017. In December 2021, a five-year review took place to help evidence the strengths and weaknesses of the existing process and plan, and determine where improvements could be made particularly in the context of the new Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan (.pdf)with 53% of respondents citing that they felt the layout of the form could be improved, several respondents suggested the need for more long-term planning/goal setting.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank those members of staff who contributed to the recent IRKEP survey. The feedback has helped inform some of the changes listed below

Staff invited to look ahead to a period of two years – For awards greater than one year, funds will only be allocated if there is sufficient evidence of progress in the first year.
The introduction of four SMART objectives – can include research and/or knowledge exchange type activity.
Individual resource requests – to support 10% of additional time to undertake research and financial requests above £1,000 (Resource requests below £1,000 will be managed within each Faculty, Deans to provide an update soon).
PhD staff requests – Such requests must be supported and signed off by the line manager and supported by the Dean of Faculty.
Knowledge Exchange – this is also an opportunity to identify opportunities and aspirations around Knowledge Exchange activities – please include these in your response. The Plan will therefore be referred to as an Individual Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan (IRKEP).