It is important to build on collaboration for future projects, especially when applying for European Grant funding. Partner search schemes are available through UKRO. In collaborating on projects, universities and funding bodies will frequently have standard agreements that need to be signed by all involved. Further information on collaborative agreements will be available on your own research support unit's web pages.

If you are unable to fill the requirements of the project bid on your own, look for another institution or university with complementary expertise to develop a joint application. Try and collaborate with high profile departments and key individuals at different institutions. If developing these collaborations is successful it also has the advantage of taking the key competitors out of the competition. As they won’t be working with any other university it will also strengthen your proposal and maximise the potential to secure the grant. Write to potential partners with your outline proposal and encourage them to contribute to ‘shaping’ the particular area of work that you would like them to contribute to.