The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FoNS) is committed to multidisciplinary research both internally across Imperial and in partnership with external academic and industrial collaborators. Our Centres and Networks of Excellence cut across the traditional silos of fundamental research conducted in our departments with the aim to addressing the multidisciplinary scientific challenges of the future.

In order to support these research activities, Imperial has created a formal process of endorsement and consistent branding for multi-Faculty Centres and Networks.

In parallel with this process, we run an annual call for Centres and Networks that are mainly based in FoNS. Applications should be submitted by the Centre Directors or Network Leaders to the Head of Research Strategy and Development and require Head of Department approval.

Applications are reviewed and approved by the Faculty Research Committee.

Faculty-approved initiatives will be featured in marketing material to prospective partners and funders. Faculty Centres and Networks will be required to write a short annual report to the Faculty Research Committee.

The Faculty also hosts a broad range of Centres for Doctoral Training and Doctoral Training Programmes.

How to create and register your Centre or Network of Excellence

Below are the guidance and application forms to create and register a new Centre or Network of Excellence.

How to create and register a new centre or network

Multi-Faculty Centres and Networks

A formal process of endorsement and consistent branding for multi-Faculty Networks and Centres has been created. This framework will apply to all new initiatives. Those that already exist are encouraged to work within the expectations of the framework, including its nomenclature, though this is not necessarily required if a compelling case can be made for keeping existing branding. Applications require support from the Head of Department and Faculty Vice-Dean (Research).

Multi-Faculty structures interested in the approval process should contact the Research Office in the first instance.

FoNS-Centric Centres and Networks

The Faculty of Natural Sciences runs a registration call for FoNS-centric Centres and Networks in parallel with the Imperial process.

Applications should be submitted by the Centre Directors or Network Leaders to the Head of Research Strategy and Development and require Head of Department approval.

Guidance documents and application forms are available below. The Faculty Research Committee runs an annual call, usually at the start of the Autumn.

Global Institutes

The College's Global Institutes integrate research across all areas in a multidisciplinary manner with the aim at applying the discoveries to benefit humanity.