JISC

The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) invites institutions to submit funding proposals for projects to implement technical work to widen the range of functionality the virtual learning environment (VLE) can provide in an interoperable way so as to meet identified user needs.

Strand A: Technical rapid innovation projects

Technical rapid innovation projects will design and deliver light-weight solutions to one or more priority user needs by widening the range of functionality the VLE can provide in an interoperable way.

Projects for Strand A will be up to six months' duration and up to £30,000 is available per project. A total of up to five projects will receive funding. Funding is available for projects starting from 1 July 2010. Strand A projects must be complete by 31 December 2010.

Strand B: Institutional pilots

Institutional pilots will review their virtual learning environment and related systems to establish to what extent they meet the current and projected needs of the wide range of users in the institution and beyond, and implement technical work to widen the range of functionality the VLE can provide in an interoperable way.

Projects for Strand B will be up to 18 months' duration and up to £100,000 is available per project. A total of up to three projects will receive funding. Funding is available for projects starting from 1 July 2010. Strand B projects must be complete by 31 December 2011.

The deadline for receipt of proposals in response to this call is 12:00 noon UK time on Wednesday 21 April 2010.

Eligibility 

Proposals may be submitted by HE institutions funded via HEFCE, SFC, HEFCW and DEL Northern Ireland, and by FE institutions funded via SFC, DCELLS Wales and DEL Northern Ireland. FE institutions in England that teach HE to more than 400 FTEs are also eligible to bid provided proposals demonstrate how the work supports the HE in FE agenda.

Proposals may be from single institutions or consortia unless indicated otherwise in the relevant call. Partnership arrangements may be developed outside the sector (for example with research council sites, publishers, commercial suppliers), but the lead partner must meet the criteria outlined above. Funds can only be allocated through the lead partner.

Further information can be found in the full call document below.