Requirements for new work
The Agency publishes a Research Requirements Document four times a year and occassional ad hoc calls.
Obtaining the Research Requirements Document
The current Research Requirements Document (RRD) can be accessed from the relevant page in this section. Also the standard application form (RCU-A3) can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format, along with guidance and our standard Terms and Conditions.
Previous versions of the RRD (in Adobe Acrobat pdf format) can also be dowloaded.
Printed copies can be made available to interested parties who lack or have limited Internet access on written application to the procurement address given below.
Programme advisers and co-ordinators
In addition to commissioning research projects, the Agency appoints programme advisers and co-ordinators to maintain an overview and provide an external perspective on the various programme areas. As well as this independent expert advice on Agency-supported research, programme advisers and co-ordinators have a key role in monitoring and managing the programme and make an important contribution to the communication, quality and standing of the research that is carried out.
Programme advisers and co-ordinators are usually appointed for a fixed period on a part-time basis; the amount of time will vary according to the number of projects and degree of involvement required by the programme.
Future calls for applicants will be advertised via the research requirements document or as ad hoc calls on this web page.
Quality Assurance in research: code of practice
The Food Standards Agency, together with the Department for Environment Farming and Rural Affairs, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council, have been considering ways to improve the quality of research processes in the research we commission.
The Quality Assurance in Research Code of Practice is intended to provide a framework for auditing research processes and will apply, where possible, to all research funded by the FSA.
From 1 June 2004, it is expected that all successful applications for Agency-funded research will be performed in compliance with the requirements of the Joint Code of Practice for Research. The Agency reserves the right to audit projects against the Code.
Applications will not be automatically rejected if the project will not be performed under quality assurance measures that fully meet the Code's requirements. However, you will need to specify (in section B6 of the application form) which quality assurance measures you feel are not yet in place (or are not relevant) and, where appropriate, state the timescale in which these will be addressed to meet the Code's requirements.
Where quality assurance measures require development, appropriate interim project management arrangements should be outlined with the project milestones. These factors will be taken into account in appraising this proposal and managing the project if the proposal is successful.
The Principle Investigator is responsible for all work carried out in the project, including work supplied by sub-contractors. You should therefore assure yourself that the contribution they provide to the project is carried out in accordance with your stated compliance with the Code of Practice.
Further information
For further information on resesarch or science issues please contact:
Research Co-ordination Unit
Food Standards Agency
Room 211C Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7276 8762
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7276 8235
Email: MB-RCU@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
For further information on procurement issues, please contact:
Procurement and Contracts Team,
Food Standards Agency
Room 224 Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London WC2B 6NH
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7276 8600
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7276 8289
Email: procurement@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
