Grants, Policy and Projects

The Grants, Policy and Projects team provide specialist advice and support to staff seeking grants for research/strategic activities from Regional, National, EU and International sources. This support covers all aspects of the funding process and includes:

  • disseminating up to date information about funding sources and opportunities to support research and strategic objectives
  • bid support - helping staff to write compelling and effective bids
  • project delivery - assisting with the project management of successful bids
  • networking and lobbying external bodies to ensure LJMU’s research and strategic interests are aligned with key regional funding streams

Please address any queries to researchgrants@ljmu.ac.uk and the appropriate member of the team will contact you.

The GPP Team

Alison Thornber, Head of Grants, Policy and Projects
Telephone ext. 6474
Email Alison Thornber
I develop and lead LJMU’s external funding strategy; supporting collaboration within the University and building partnerships to support LJMU’s engagement with National, European and International stakeholders.

Mike Hession, Research Grants Manager
Telephone ext. 6148
Email Mike Hession
I am responsible for managing the research grants team and developing strategies, policies and processes aimed at securing research grants from external funders.

Dan Carrington, Project Development Officer
Telephone ext. 6147
Email Dan Carrington
My role involves horizon scanning, reviewing European, National and Local Government funding policies and strategies to highlight key messages and opportunities for LJMU. I also support the development of Erasmus+ and other grant funding applications from across the University.

Kevin Egerton, Research and European Funding Officer
Telephone ext. 6468
Email Kevin Egerton
I provide expert support to all Faculties, helping researchers prepare and submit compelling research funding applications. Funders range from the Research Councils, British Academy, Newton Fund to the Leverhulme Trust and Arts Council England. I have also successfully supported various ERDF European funded projects.

Caroline Little, Research and European Funding Officer
Telephone ext. 6473
Email Caroline Little
I provide expert support to all Faculties; helping researchers prepare and submit compelling research funding applications. Funders range from the Research Councils, British Academy, Newton Fund to various Charitable Trusts. I have also successfully supported Erasmus European funded projects.

Alessandra Messeder, Research Contracts Officer
Telephone ext. 2298
Email Alessandra Messeder
I am responsible for facilitating all aspects of research grant contracting. Working closely with colleagues in RIS, Finance, Legals and Principal Investigators to support the contracting process from a grant being awarded through to the contract and any associated collaboration agreements being negotiated, agreed and signed.

Jacinta Ellis, Research and European Funding Officer
Telephone ext. 6477
Email Jacinta Ellis
I support academics and other members of staff to apply for and run externally funded projects, with particular specialism in European & SPF funds.

Angela Woodward, Research and European Funding Officer
Telephone ext. 6469
Email Angela Woodward
I support academics and other members of staff to apply for and run externally funded projects, with particular specialism in European & SPF funds.

Finn Shaw-McIver, Monitoring Officer
Telephone ext. 6471
Email Finn Shaw-McIver
I provide support to SPF-funded staff and members of RIS in order to support the delivery and compliance of projects funded through, SPF, Innovate UK and European funds.

Brittany Mason, International Research Funding Officer
Telephone ext. 1853
Email Brittany Mason
I support Researchers from all Faculties in preparing and submitting international research funding applications including to Horizon Europe and other international opportunities. This includes supporting Researchers in navigating the current UKRI Horizon Funding Guarantee application process and the requirements that go alongside this. 

Faculty Support

Each Faculty has a dedicated Faculty Support staff member who can help you navigate GaP and support you with your funding application.

  • APSS – Shulah Jones
  • Business and Law – Jill Sullivan
  • FET – Natasha Walden-Jones
  • Health – Dave Seddon
  • Science – Zoe Miveld