Editing Funding of science (section)

==== Process ====
Often scientists apply for research funding which a granting agency may (or may not) approve to financially support. These ''grants'' require a lengthy process as the granting agency can inquire about the researcher(s)'s background, the facilities used, the equipment needed, the time involved, and the overall potential of the scientific outcome. The process of grant writing and grant proposing is a somewhat delicate process for both the grantor and the grantee: the grantors want to choose the research that best fits their scientific principles, and the individual grantees want to apply for research in which they have the best chances but also in which they can build a body of work towards future scientific endeavors.{{Citation needed|date=September 2012}}

As of 2009, the [[Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council]] in the United Kingdom devised an alternative method of fund-distribution: the sandpit.<ref>{{cite news |last=Corbyn |first=Zoë |date=2009-07-02 |title='Sandpits' bring out worst in 'infantilised' researchers |newspaper=Times Higher Education |publisher=TSL Education |url=http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=407201 |quote=Sandpits, which were devised by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, typically involve about 30 selected researchers from different areas who are brought together for several days of intensive discussions about a particular topic. [...] The wheels of such events are oiled with the promise of up to £1 million in funding, which is dished out at the end through a group peer-review process. |archive-date=2020-06-20 |access-date=2013-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620022849/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/search?e=404&search=story%20asp%20storycode%20407201 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Most universities have research administration offices to facilitate the interaction between the researcher and the granting agency.<ref>Gonzales, Evelina Garza, "External Funding and Tenure at Texas State University-San Marcos" (2009). Texas State University. Applied Research Projects. Paper 315.  http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/315 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913065311/https://digital.library.txstate.edu/handle/10877/3445 |date=2020-09-13 }}</ref> "Research administration is all about service—service to our faculty, to our academic units, to the institution, and to our sponsors. To be of service, we first have to know what our customers want and then determine whether or not we are meeting those needs and expectations."<ref>Robert A. Killoren Jr., Associate Vice President for Research, Office of Sponsored Programs, Penn State U, Fall 2005.  From Lowry, Peggy (2006)  "Assessing the Sponsored Research Office". ''[http://www.aiseducation.com/RAG_product.html Sponsored Research Administration: A Guide to Effective Strategies and Recommended Practices]''. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422083401/http://www.aiseducation.com/RAG_product.html|date=2009-04-22}}</ref>

In the United States of America, the [[National Council of University Research Administrators]] serves its members and advances the field of research administration through education and professional development programs, the sharing of knowledge and experience, and by fostering a professional, collegial, and respected community.{{cn|date=March 2025}}