CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The UK Science & Innovation Network is pleased to accept applications for the collaboration development award programme, with a focus on research addressing ocean acidification. These awards provide funding so that UK and US scientists, engineers, academic leaders and innovation experts can travel abroad for short visits to lay the groundwork for collaborative efforts. The programme is sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) and Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Global Partnership Fund.
The programme aims to develop new relationships, leading to long‐term research collaborations. Ideal (long-term) outcomes include joint publications; sharing of equipment, materials, data, and facilities; knowledge exchange of skills and techniques; institutional linkages; joint or complementary funding applications; student / researcher exchange programmes; technology transfer; and industry or philanthropic sponsorship. Please do not be limited by these ideas ‐ we strongly encourage the development of innovative models for collaboration. Initial outcomes should be delivered over the first 6 to 12 months following the visit and lead to the development of long‐term relationships.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE
Awards are to support the applicant’s travel and subsistence either to or from the UK. The value of awards funded under this call will be up to a maximum of £2000 per visit. Expenses that are eligible for reimbursement include economy class airfare (not premium economy), accommodation, and a £50 per diem to support subsistence and local travel. No other costs will be permitted. Travel sponsored through this programme has to be completed by 15 March 2011.
ELIGIBILITY AND FUNDING CRITERIA
CDA funding is available to UK‐ and US‐based researchers (PIs / group leaders) from universities and non‐profit research institutions. Applications from postdoctoral researchers will be given lower priority.
One of the two participants must be based in the US and the other must be based in the UK. Multi-national networks are encouraged, but this needs to be discussed prior to submitting the application (e-mail maike.rentel@fco.gov.uk).
Funding through this CDA is to support a short, 1–2 week visit between institutions, with only the applicant travelling. This program does not fund research. Successful applicants will be required to complete an evaluation form immediately after the visit and must commit to providing brief updates on follow up activity and outcomes at 6, 12 and 18 months following the visit.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Quality of proposed outcomes and expected ability to deliver them
- Potential for significant, long‐term collaboration
- Potential to broaden the collaboration to a wider network or to institutional level
- Use of creative / innovative collaboration models
- Innovative use of key research infrastructure and / or large facilities
DISBURSEMENT OF CDA FUNDING
CDA funds will be provided as a reimbursement for incurred expenses. Receipts, invoices, and expense forms must be returned together with a completed evaluation before payment will be issued. We will provide more details at the time of the award. Disbursement of funds is contingent upon return of all requested materials including a final evaluation form.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made on the following application form and submitted according to the instructions on page 8. The application should be completed by both the visitor (applicant) and by the host.
Awards will be made on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, with a first announcement of awards on 6 December 2010. To be considered for this first round, please send in your application by 30 November 2010.
