national research council of sri lanka : research grants, guidelines & how to apply
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National Research Council of Sri Lanka :
Research Grants, Guidelines & How to Apply
Global Competitiveness Index 2014/15Sri Lanka ranked 73 out of 144 countries
Sri Lanka Ranked 46/144
Funding for Research
Funding Research
(1) Entitlement funding/ non-competitive funding
(2) Competitive Funding
(3) Foreign Funding
About NRCFounded in 1999
Formally established in 2007, as a special agency by H. E. the President of Sri Lanka by powers vested in him by Article 33
Presently the NRC is under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research
To assist the government to plan, coordinate and facilitate Research and Development in Science and Technology so as to build a vibrant national scientific and technological community.
Functions of the NRC
The main functions of the NRC are to call, assess and fund research proposals and to develop systems of national recognition and awards for successful research and innovations by Sri Lankan scientists.
Functions of the NRCFunctions of the NRC
15 Scientists representing different disciplines, and from different geographical locations
1 Eminent persons from the private sector
NRC secretariat supported by a small staff
Functions of the NRC
Programmes
In order to achieve its objectives the NRC has the following Programmes:
1. Investigator Driven Research Grant Programme (since 1999)
2. Private-Public Partnership Programme (since 2012) 3. Target Oriented Multidisciplinary Research Programme (since 2013)
4. Presidential Awards for Scientific Publications (since 2001)
5. Other programmes : Outreach Programmes
: Public Awareness Programme
Investigator Driven Research Grant Programme
9
2010 2011 2012 2013 20140%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
VALUE OF RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED 2010-2014
1 - MEDICAL SCIENCES / FOOD & NUTRITION
2 - AGRICULTURE / PLANTATIONS / LIVESTOCK & FISHERIES
3 - ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY / INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY / PHYSICAL SCIENCES & ELECTRONICS
4 - ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT / GEO SCIENCES / CHEMICAL SCIENCES / OTHERS
Rs. Mn. 209.35(51 Projects)
Rs. Mn. 215.61(58 Projects)
Rs. Mn. 208.57(44 Projects)
Rs. Mn. 298.01(29 Projects)
Rs. Mn. 60.90(19 Projects)
Investigator Driven Research Grant Programme (since 1999)
To facilitate research by awarding grants to individual scientists on a competitive basis which will contributed towards enhancing scientific knowledge
Fund innovative projects with a relevance to national development and S & T capacity strengthening.
Only a few proposals now request funds for major equipment, indicates that most laboratories are now reasonably well equipped. 2015
Output : Journal Publications in SICE IF ≥ 1Outcome : Knowledge creation 10
Advertise in Dec/Jan by newspaper advertisement, circulating to R & D institutes and on NRC web-site
P.I. should be from a Public InstituteMinimum qualification M.Phil.Supports Postdoctoral fellowships Funding for equipment/consumable/travel/
publication cost and allowance for RAEquipment remains the property of the NRC
Investigator Driven Research Grants Programme (I/D)
There is only one set of application formsA signed declaration from the Head of the
InstitutionThree set of completed application with soft copy
should reach us on or before the deadline. (Feb.)Grant is for a period of 1 – 3 yearsAll financial transaction should follow N.P. A.
GuidelinesNRC should be acknowledged in all publication
that arise from this research
Investigator Driven Research Grants Programme (I/D)
Grant Application Form
Application
A. Proposal Summary
B. Admin. Information
C. Scientific Information
D. Financial Information
Notes
Eligible Institutes
Guideline
Investigator Driven Research Grants Programme (I/D)
Section A – Proposal Summary
- Title of Project/ Abbr. Title / Keywords/ Duration / Starting Date/ Grant Type
- Principal Investigator’s: Information →Name, Address, Position, Function, age, academic qualifications, 5 key publications, Postgraduate students supervised, sabbatical leave, C.V.
- Names of co-investigator/s, Research Partners Est.
- Summary of the financial support requested
Section B - Administrative Information
– Has this/similar proposal been funded by any other funding organization
– Any restriction on dissemination of results (3% royalty claim)–Declaration by the Head of Organization
-Present state of knowledge - List of cited references- Define the research problem
-Objectives ( Specific /Realistic /Time bound)-Scientific hypothesis( research question to be tested)-Your experience in the proposed research area- Significance of the research(any step forward in the field )
-C.8 Description of the Proposed Research Title/Proposal summary/Details description of research
(methodology, experiment designs, sample size, sample collection .……, data analysis Etc.)
- Duration/Action plan/Expected output/Expected outcomes
Section C – Scientific Information
Section D – Financial Information
-Budget - Major equipment(>500,000/= per item) - Minor equipment(<500,000/= per item) - Consumables - Allowance for RA (only for 24 months) - Travel (local only )
-Publication cost ( upto 250,000/= )
Major Equipment : Justification/Competence/ Tech. Specifications/Quotation –CIF + 25% taxes
-List of major equipment presently available
Standard Procedure for ID Grant Program
Call for grant proposals for upcoming year
Applications close
Application directed to the relevant Panel of Council Members for selection of evaluators
Panel 3 Engineering, Electronic, Physical Sciences, ICT and Computer Sciences
Panel 1 Medical Sciences, Food and Nutrition
Panel 2 Agriculture, Plantation, Veterinary, Livestock and Fisheries
Panel 4 Ecology & Environment, Natural Resources, Water management, GIS Chemical Sciences & others
Evaluation by appropriate Evaluators*
Post-evaluation screening by relevant group of Council Members
Final screening by the Council
Grant Awarded Grant not awarded
Performance of research is evaluated by Performance Evaluation Committee annually and at the end of the grant period
Annual Report Final Report
Decision given by the Council
Decision given by the Council
Continue grant Close grant
PI informed based on performance A - Excellent B - Good C – Unsatisfactory* D – Poor*
Private-Public Partnership Programme (since 2012)
To promote and facilitate partnerships between Scientists in the Public R & D Institutions / Universities, with the Private Sector.
Focusing on demand driven researchThese projects clearly identify the research areas to
be addressed with commercial potential.It could be a innovative product /process /service
/value addtion/technology transferSharing of facilities, human resources, cost and
knowledge with private sectorTranslation of public research knowledge to private
sector usage 23
Advertise annually Dec./Jan. Applications close in April, takes a longer time to
finalize a grantNRC matches the funds put up by the private sector
for the project. Tax benefits, to the private sector on R & D
expenditureThere will be a 3% royalty fee on product sales Output- Product/Process/Service
Private-Public Partnership Programme (since 2012)
Same mode of advertising Jan. to April Expression of Interest – E.o.I. Information of Partners/R & D Activity/Funding/Declaration
PPP Detailed Application A. Proposal Summary – Public/Research & Private/Industrial Partner
B. Commercial Information- Present markets/targets
C. Scientific Information D. Financial Information – Contribution separately
E. Administrative Information – Non-disclosure agreements, other funding sources, dissemination of research results,
Private-Public Partnership Programme (since 2012)
Standard Procedure for PPP Grant Program
Call for Expression of Interest (EoI) for upcoming year
Screening of the EoI by Council Members
Call for detailed proposals of selected EoI
Evaluation of detailed proposals by Council nominated evaluators
Meeting with Selected Private–Public Partners
Grant awarded Grant not awarded
6 month Reviews by Council appointed reviewers
Final Review by Council appointed reviewers
Meeting with Selected EoI Applicants
Ongoing projects: Walla Patta Resin ProductionManufacture of respiratory care products Development of repellent Investigation the effects of a water purification
system in Vavuniya. Developing a roofing sheets
27
Private-Public Partnership Programme (since 2012)
Target Oriented Multidisciplinary Research Programme (since 2013)
To have a multidisciplinary approach to address a critical national issue in order to find a viable solution
Research Area : Ten focus areas have already been identified,where immediate R & D interventions are needed.
“National R & D Investment Framework for 2015-2020” www.nastec.lk
Grants up to Rs 50 million each. Awarded for a period of five-years.Clearly identify the problem to be solved or targets to
be achieved 28
Need to identify the pathway for the uptake of research findings and the agencies responsible
Tangible outcome at the end of the grant period is expected
A multi-sectoral and multi-centre approach in achieving the goals
There is Principal Investigator and Deputy Principal Investigator
Appointing of a Project Monitoring Consultant to monitor and evaluate grant activities
Target Oriented Multidisciplinary Research Programme (since 2013)
Target Oriented Multidisciplinary Research Programme (since 2013)
Same mode of advertising Pre-proposal Proposed project, objective, composition of the research team, budget, resources availableComprehensive Proposal Background Objectives
MethodologyBudget – Five years Action Plan – Objective/Activities on a annual basisResearch Team Deliverable 30
Call for Pre- Proposals
Applications for pre-proposals close
Screening of Pre-proposals by the Council
Rejected Short-listed for further evaluation
Short-listed applicants invited for discussion with NRC on procedure for submitting detailed proposals and evaluation
Evaluation of detailed proposals after presentation by applicants
Grant awarded Grant not awarded
Monitoring and Evaluation of performance by the Project Monitoring Consultant
After 6 months Annual Final
Standard Procedure for TO Grant Program
Target Oriented Multidisciplinary Research Programme
Five projects funded for 2014/2015 Improving dairy industry to achieve self sufficiency in
milk Developing a polyvalent anti-venom for snake bite Community mobilization and integrated vector
management for control of dengue Interdisciplinary study on chronic kidney disease of
uncertain etiology (CKDu) in the north central region Ensuring food security through developing climate
smart agriculture techniques
32
Research PlanFocus on a research idea
WHAT is the research problem ? WHAT do you intend to do ? WILL it fill gaps of knowledge ? WHY is this work important – society or industry ? WHETHER this work has already been done ? WHETHER you have the skill and knowledge to do it ? WHAT resources you need, is it cost effective ? HOW much of time will it take, can achieve the targets in time ? WHAT will be the output and outcome ?
Keep in mind that the proposals are evaluated by experts in your field, so be specific at all time.
Presidential Awards for Scientific Publications (since 2001)
It is a Presidential Directive, and one of our mandates, to develop a system of national recognition and award for scientific research.
This is based on publications in peer-reviewed, indexed journals with a Sri Lankan institution affiliation
This programme started in 2001 has encoraged scientist to publish in indexed journals
From 1991 to 2012 there has been a three-fold increase in indexed scientific publications.
The awards for 2013 will be held in November 2015. 34
President’s Awards for Scientific Publication selection criteria
1) A publication in the top 10% of Science Citation Index Expanded journals, ranked on their Impact Factor (≥ 1) under each journal category based on SCI categorization of journals
OR
2) Two or more publications in Science Citation Index Expanded journals with an Impact Factor of 1 or more.
Presidential Awards for Scientific Publications (since 2001)
Outreach Programs of 2014 Deployment of “Vidusayura” ship stimulator at Ocean
University – virtual environment for maritime education for mariners.
Launch of webiste for railway commuters to retrieve the real time information of the railway tarffic in southern railway line. www.slrail.lk
Public awareness programme on Thalassemia- educating school children
Awarness programme to doctors and health officials on Rickettsial infections in central provinces : with special references on species identification, diagnosis, transmission
36
Other Programmes
Other ProgrammesOutreach Programs for 2015
1st Quarter Programme : How to increase the yield in traditional and improved rice varieties by using bacterial inoculum.
2nd Quarter Programme : Prevention of child obesity and enhance the immunity by using porridge made out of traditional rice varieties.
37
Our Strength ……………………..
Our Scientists……..
Capital Allocation vs Expenses (2010-2015)
39
Recurrent Allocation vs Expenses (2010-2015)
40
Facts... 16 Council Member who are eminent scientists
and from private sector
Capital funds allocated by the Treasury for 2014 was Rs. 240 million of which >98% was allocated for funding.
The recurrent budget for 2014 was Rs. 14.8 million, and 99% was utilized.
A aprroved cadre of 16 with 14 employed41
Facts... Performance Review Report by NASTEC for 2011-
2013, the overall performance of the NRC was judged as “Strong”.
The Auditor General’s Report for 2013 has given the final opinion on the NRC as “True and Fair”.
42
Our Strength ……………………..
Our Scientists……..
• Middle income trap• World index• S& T spending
Presidential Awards for Scientific Publications (since 2001)
45
Outputs of Completed Grants up to 2013
Year
Activity
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
No. of Research Grant Applications received 47 74 A A 199 152 169
No. accepted for funding
25 43 A A 79 61 28
Funds released from Treasury (Rs. Millions) B B 72.00 60.00 200.00 220.94 183.00
No. of Grants awarded
14* 5* 24 19 51 58 41
Outputs of Completed Grants up to 2013
OUTPUTS FROM COMPLETED PROJECTS
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
No. of Projects Completed 16 7 5 12 17
No. of SCI Publications 10 4 1 6 7
No. of SCI Publications (Pending) -
3 -
- 3
No. of Other International Publications 8 10 8 9 9
No. of Local Publications8 4
-
2 1
No. of International Conferences 28 5 6 12 22
No. of Local Conferences 56 21 9 36 22
Others (Newspaper articles, Book chapters etc.) 6 3 6 7 3
No. of Patents (Obtained & Pending)2
-
1 1 2
No. of postgraduate degrees completed
PhD s2 1
-
1 - 2
M Phil s 1 2 3 5 4
No. of Research with Utilization 7 3 3 5 3
(e) OUTPUTS UPTO 2014 - Completed Grants (Data as at 31-12-2014)
Activity Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
47 74 A A 199 152 169 150
25 43 A A 79 61 28 21
B B 72.00 60.00 200.00 220.94 183.00 82.64
14* 5* 24 19 51 58 41 23
- - 7 7 64 66 36 12
0 1 16 16 7 5 12 17
PhD s- - - - - - 1 2
M Phil s- - - - - - 4 4
PhD s- - 3 2 1 - - 3
M Phil s- - 3 1 2 3 1 -
- 2 14 10 4 1 6 7
- - - - 3 - - 3
- - 12 8 10 8 9 9
- - 5 8 4 - 2 1
- - 16 28 5 6 12 22
- - 40 56 21 9 36 22
- - 1 6 3 6 7 3
- - 1 2 - 1 1 2
- 1 5 7 3 3 5 3
* Funds Transferred from closed grantsA Not advertised for grants as there was a backlog of applicationsB Treasury did not release funding due to the situation in the country
No. of Research with Utilization
No. of completed (non NRC funded)
No. of SCI Publications
No. of SCI Publications (Pending)
No. of Other International Publications
No. of Local Publications
No. of International Conferences
No. of Local Conferences
Others (Newspaper articles, Book chapters etc.)
No. of Patents (Obtained & Pending)
OUTPUTS FROM COMPLETED PROJECTS
No. of completed (NRC funded)
No. of Projects Completed
No. of Research Grant Applications received
No. accepted for funding
Funds released from Treasury (Rs. Millions)
No. of Grants awarded
No. of PhD/M Phil fellowships given by NRC
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