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LIDA Launches First Ever Bursary Scheme for Small Research Projects 

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The Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) is excited to announce the launch of the LASER Small Project Bursary, a brand-new funding initiative designed to empower researchers to leverage sensitive data for impactful small-scale research projects. This innovative scheme will offer financial support to select projects during the 2024-25 academic year. 

The bursary is aimed at researchers conducting work aligned with one of LIDA’s strategic challenge areas or cross-cutting methodological programs. With a deadline of 5pm, Friday 28th February 2025, the scheme seeks to foster pioneering research that can deliver high-quality outputs, strengthen partnerships, and act as a springboard for larger, funded projects. 

Key Highlights of the LASER Small Project Bursary 

  • Who Can Apply: Any researcher planning to run a small project using sensitive data during 2024-25. 
  • Funding Limit: The guideline is £500 per project, with flexibility for projects of exceptional merit. (The average project on LASER costs c. £1,000) 
  • Assessment Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to: 
    • Generate high-quality outputs such as publications, models, or demonstrators. 
    • Pilot larger projects with significant funding potential. 
    • Enhance strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as local authorities or government bodies. 
    • Your research project does not already have access to a source of funding for the use of research infrastructure such as LASER 
  • Application Process: Applicants must first book a LASER consultation with the Data Analytics Team to check the suitability of their project for LASER. Following this, an application form must be completed. 

Why the LASER Bursary Matters 

The LASER Small Project Bursary is a pioneering initiative designed to address a key gap: enabling impactful research where funding for data storage, processing, and analysis is unavailable. By covering these critical costs, LIDA is ensuring researchers can pursue valuable studies that might otherwise go unrealized. 

The bursary, supported by LIDA’s strategic funds, underscores the institute’s commitment to advancing data-driven solutions in critical areas of theoretical and applied research. Depending on resource requirements, LIDA anticipates supporting up to four projects annually. 

Join Us in Driving Innovation 

Susan Grant Muller, Co-Director of LIDA said, “The LASER Small Project Bursary represents LIDA’s dedication to empowering researchers to overcome barriers and unlock the transformative potential of sensitive data. We’re eager to support projects that will not only make an impact but also open doors to larger collaborations and meaningful advancements in data analytics.” 

Adam Keeley, Data Analytics Team Manager said, “We’re really looking forward to seeing what projects come forward for this new scheme, it’s a great opportunity for those who might not have the access to funds elsewhere. This level of funding is perfect for LASER projects and is a common size of project we typically welcome onto the platform.” 

Read more about the LASER Small Projects Bursary