Apply to participate in this sandpit by completing the following Expression of Interest. 

Sandpits are designed to be highly collaborative therefore applicants will be assessed on their expertise, skill set and suitability.

Achieving the sandpit aims will require participants from an appropriate mix of diverse backgrounds and relevant disciplines. Researchers from a diverse range of disciplines are therefore encouraged to apply to attend this sandpit.
We are not defining the disciplines that should be represented but asking potential participants to indicate how their expertise can address the challenge of driving forward the levelling up agenda.

When completing the survey, please respect the maximum word limit set for each question and make sure that you answer all questions. Please note that incomplete surveys will be rejected and late submissions will not be considered.

How UK Research and Innovation will use your personal data
The personal data you give us will be used to assess your expression of interest and might be used to run an evaluation of the process, which would be used for internal purposes only.
If selected, we will use your contact details to invite you to attend the sandpit and share information with you throughout the process. Successful and unsuccessful applications will be retained for 9 months, then deleted. Your personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation and managed securely. If you would like to know more, including how to exercise your Rights, please see our privacy notice.

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* 1. Please confirm your name, department and organisation.

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* 2. Please select from the following list which discipline area best matches your expertise.

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* 3. Applicants are expected to attend all 4 sandpit days. Our expected dates are: 

  • Friday 12 January 2024 (in person)
  • Tuesday 16 January 2024 (virtual)
  • Wednesday 17 January 2024 (virtual)
  • Thursday  25 January 2024 (virtual)

Please confirm you are available on these dates.

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* 4. The sandpit will be especially suited to individuals who:
 

·     Enjoy stepping outside their area of expertise or interest
·     Are positively driven
·     Enjoy creative activity and can think innovatively
 

The sandpit is an intensive setting requiring you to develop novel approaches with individuals you may not know. What skills/experience do you have that align to this and what do you hope to gain from participating in this sandpit? (max 300 words)

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* 5. The overall aim of this sandpit is to drive forward the UK levelling up agenda, producing new research evidence that can advance policy solutions. This will require researchers from a diverse range of disciplines and sectors to work collaboratively and bring new thinking into the problem, although they may not have worked on the challenge before. Please describe how your research interests and experience complement the scope of this sandpit (max 300 words).

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* 6. Policymakers are intended to be among the primary users of the research funded through this sandpit, therefore your ability to convey research to non-expert audiences will be an important part of this process. Please describe your research for a lay audience (max 300 words).

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* 7. The expectation of this sandpit is that research findings will be used by LUAC members to inform expert advice to Ministers. Please give an example of when you were able to use evidence to influence others (max 300 words).

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* 8. The sandpit is a unique environment providing you with the opportunity to meet and work with new individuals from a diverse range of disciplines. Please describe your approach to interdisciplinary teamworking and any experience you may have in this area (max 300 words).

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