By now the HEA's formal notice of invitation to apply for funding has been received by the colleges.
It is an extensive document, of more than 15 pages, setting out the requirements, procedures and timetable for funding applications.
There will be a February deadline for the first round of applications. A second cycle is due to be launched in late 1999.
The document outlines the criteria under which applications for funding may be made by institutions. These include strategic planning, the quality of the research and its impact on the quality of teaching. The HEA promises multilateral meetings with the institutions, during December, to clarify procedures. Before they make applications for funding, the universities will be required to develop strategic research plans.
It is understood that a number of leading third-level institutions were turned down for funding under the Department of Education and Science's £5 million science and technology research scheme, earlier this year, because their proposals lacked the requisite strategic dimension.
