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Research & Development Management

Research Excellence Grants Scheme Guidelines

Please note: Divisional Offices now administer this scheme. Please refer to the Grants Administration for REGS web page for further information. This current page should be used for information purposes only.

Background

The application process for the Research Excellence Grant Scheme (REGS) will be administered by each Division. Early Career Researchers are encouraged to apply for an Early Career Research Grant also administered by each Division. Funds will be provided by the R&D Board.

This Research Excellence Grant Scheme replaces previous funding provided for Special Research Grants, Early Career Research Grants, Post-doctoral Fellowships and funds provided directly to Area of Research Strength in 2001.

This R&D Board research initiative aims to

<>·         encourage and foster a research culture that encourages high quality research and innovation through external linkages

<>·         support researchers with an excellent performance in the DEST indicators of research performance

<>·         increase Murdoch's research performance against the DEST indicators

<>·         encourage multi- and cross-disciplinary research

<>Early Career Researcher·         encourage early and interrupted career researchers (ECR)

The Research Excellence Grant Scheme aims to support, on a competitive basis, high quality research projects and pilot research projects with external linkages. It is expected that support of such projects will lead to future applications for research support to external funding agencies. Failure to so do will mean that future applications to this funding scheme will not be considered.

The Divisions should use this scheme to support researchers within or outside of an Area of Research Strength.

Recommendations for funding of proposals will be made by Divisional Research Committees. Attention needs to be given to ensuring that cross-Divisional applications are considered in an equitable manner. The Divisional Research Committees will be provided with funding guidelines and research performance data to assist them in their work. Where possible, each Divisional Committee should co-opt a member of the Research Committee of another Division for this process.

Criteria for funding

Funding provided to applicants is based on a formula that includes factors related to the following:

<>1.       The quality of the proposal would need to be demonstrated.   Applications could include funding proposals for salaries (including postdoctoral salaries), equipment and infrastructure, maintenance, travel, and other research requirement, and external support for the project.

<>2.       Excellent research performance should be recognised. The research performance (using DEST indicators) of the individuals included in the proposal is a major factor in the formula.  The Divisional Research Committees will be provided with data on the research performance of the participants. They are expected to consider these data in relation to applications from established researchers. Early and interrupted career researchers are encouraged to create partnerships with strong research groups.

<>3.       Encouragement of linkages and collaboration in the research application.  While individuals may apply, applications from groups that collaborate to establish critical mass are encouraged.

<>4.       Applications should attempt to demonstrate external financial support (cash or in-kind) to ensure additional income to Murdoch.

<>5.       Encouragement of multi- and cross-disciplinary research.

Grants for funding research projects will be provided ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for individuals, and up to $50,000 for groups, Centres or Areas of Research Strength. The committee assessing the applications has the discretion to award grants smaller than $5,000. Divisions will be advised in July of each year of the amount of funding available and must complete the application process by October each year.

Limit on number of Applications

Applications may be made by individuals, groups, Centres or Areas of Research Strength. Individual researchers may apply for only one Research Excellence Grant as a sole Investigator, however linkages are strongly encouraged. Researchers can apply for another REG if it is in collaboration with other researchers or a partner organisation. A maximum of two applications per researcher applies, except where a researcher is a relatively small part of a much larger group, a substantial Centre or an Areas of Research Strength. An application from a large group, Centre, or an Areas of Research Strength will not adversely affect the opportunities of an individual or small group application for a REG.

Items and types of work NOT supported by the Scheme

<>1.       Teaching materials or course development

<>2.       Data compilation or the development of research aids and tools

<>3.       Travel: Conference travel is not provided. Travel for data collection is permitted.

Publication of scholarly books or journals

<>5.       Fees of overseas students: Funds are not provided to pay the fees of overseas students.

<>6.       Stipends for research students.

Chief Investigator Eligibility

Only Murdoch University researchers with fractional appointments of half time or more are eligible to apply to this scheme. Funds will not be provided to staff members for research projects while they are enrolled for postgraduate research degrees. A staff member may apply for funding if he/she believes that thesis submission will be completed before funding is approved. Funds will not be released until the thesis is submitted.

Grantees with limited term contracts should ensure that they are in a position to accept a grant (ie. they should be able to complete the research and submit a report before their contract expires.)

Adjunct Appointments

Holders of Adjunct appointments are not eligible to apply as individuals in their own right, but may apply as second Chief Investigators.

Emeritus Staff

Emeritus staff are not eligible to apply as individuals in their own right, but may apply as second Chief Investigators.

Postdoctoral/Research Fellows

Postdoctoral Research Fellows are encouraged to seek external funding for their research proposals and are not eligible to apply to the Murdoch Special Research Grants scheme for 2002 funding.

Procedure

Each Division has the discretion to determine aspects of the process, including the composition of the assessment committee, the format of the application form and the timelines for applying. Contact your Division for details.

Previous recipients of ARC Small Grants and Murdoch Special Research Grants must demonstrate in their application that they have sought and received external funding for such previously supported research projects to warrant favourable consideration under this scheme.

Period of Funding

REG projects are to be of a maximum 12 month duration.

Appeals Mechanism

Applicants wishing to appeal against a decision must do so by notifying the Grants Office in the Division of Research and Development in writing. Appeals against decisions must be lodged within 28 days from the date of the notification of the SRG application outcome.

Appeals will be heard only against the procedures followed and not in relation to the judgements on the content of the proposal.

The membership of the Appeals Committee is the Chair of the Research and Development Board and a member of the R&D Board not involved in the original decision.

Applicants may also be interested in the Division of Research and Development web page, which contains suggestions on how to write a winning research grant application. Remember that the ECRG Scheme is a competitive process, and only the high quality applications that best address these guidelines be supported.

Results

The final funding allocations will be announced in late November or early December of each year. Applicants will have until 28 days to appeal against the decision.

Responsible Officer: Director, Research and Development
Date of Last Review: 31 August 2005
Date of Authorisation/Approval: 31 August 2005
Authorising/Approving Officer: Research and Development Board