Protocols for Research Projects Within

Extended Research (XP) Project Proposal 2018

Project Title:xx

Primary Supervisor:xx

Secondary Supervisor(s): xx

Industrial Partner (if applicable):xx

Industrial Contact/Supervisor (if applicable):xx

• TRL?

• Research theme?

• Possibility of Extension to PhD? Yes/ No(delete as appropriate)

1. Background

Why is this research important? What has been done before?Demonstrate how the research falls within the scope of the CDT (see

1. Main Research Challenge/Question

Highlight the novelty. Why is this exciting?

1. Objectives

Briefly describe the overall objectives and an initial timeline – it is accepted that this may change. If applicable, give an indication of how the research might develop and branch out over the three years.

1. Resources and Techniques

What approaches/techniques will the student employ? What resources will they require? Modest resources are available to support each project, please indicate any significant items which would be needed for the project to proceed.Links to other academic groups or industrial partners?

1. References

Background reading / a few key references.

Important Notes:

1. Supervisor Responsibilities: Submission of a proposal indicates agreement to the following;
2. Attendance at an initial kick-off meeting involving all key supervisors in person and regular progress meetings as required.
3. Interaction with and support of project student via email/telephone as required.

1. Industrially supported PhD projects require a financial contribution – contact r further details.

1. The selection of projects is an open and competitive process where students make individual choices, a point worth considering when pitching your idea.

1. Submit your completed proposal by email to by Friday 20thApril 2018. Regrettably late proposals will not be accepted.

1. Confidentiality: Proposals are collated in an online catalogue and released to the students via the ACCIS CDT Blackboard site (Blackboard is the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)). This site is accessible to ACCIS staff and ACCIS CDT students only. It is advisable, however, not to include any confidential or sensitive information in your proposal.

1. TRL Scales:

The basic scientific principles upon which a particular development is founded have to be in place before the TRL system can be used.

TRL 1 Basic principles observed and reported
Lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development.

TRL 2 Technology concept and/or application formulated
Invention begins and a specific application area is targeted. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented.

TRL 3 Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept
Active research and development includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.

TRL 4 Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment
Basic technological components are integrated to establish that the pieces will work together. This is relatively “low fidelity” compared to the eventual system.

TRL 5 Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment
Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so that the technology can be tested in a simulated environment.

TRL 6 System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment
Representative model or prototype system, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness.

TRL7 and above are in the realms of in-company Product and System Development

Note that the evidence needed to demonstrate which TRL a project is at increases rapidly as the level goes up, and much of that evidence is non-technical. The AFRL TRL calculator spreadsheet has 12 checklist items at TRL1, 26 at TRL2, 31 at TRL3 and 45 at TRL4.