Joint Research Projects
Closing Date Round One: 30 May 2008/
Closing Date Round Two: 3 October 2008
Overview
The Joint Research Projects Scheme is designed to support collaborative research projects with overseas and Australian research partners, leading to research of high quality and impact; facilitate the development and enhancement of research and research training linkages; and lay the basis for joint funding proposals to granting bodies, government or industry for larger, longer-term projects.
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, the project must:
- Be led by an eligible University of Melbourne Chief Investigator
- Involve a high degree of collaboration with a research partner (eligible partners include: businesses, primary producers, public sector organisations, universities, government departments and community organizations)
- Specify matching cash or in-kind contributions from the research partner
- Pose a clear research question with objectives achievable within the period of funding. (The duration of the grant is for 12 months from the date of award)
- Demonstrate the development of new collaborative links or the significant enhancement of existing links
- Demonstrate potential to increase the competitiveness of University of Melbourne researchers to secure external funding
To be eligible as a University of Melbourne Chief Investigator, the researcher must:
- Demonstrate they have the time and capacity to successfully undertake the project
- Have met all reporting requirements under previous University of Melbourne internal grants (and therein have demonstrated strong outcomes from previous grants)
and meet one of the following:
- Be a salaried academic staff member at the University of Melbourne
OR
- Be the holder of an Associate/Honorary appointment in an academic department of the University of Melbourne or equivalent.
If the Chief Investigator is a salaried academic staff member but does not hold a continuing appointment, a letter from the Head of Department must be included which describes how the collaboration will continue in the future.
Please note: only ONE application per round will be considered from each University of Melbourne investigator. Applicants who submit multiple applications will have all applications removed from the assessment process.
Please note: if there is MORE THAN ONE APPLICATION from a department in each round, the Head of Department must rank the applications (advising which application in their view has the most merit for the department given the objectives of the Scheme).
Applicants must agree in writing (on the application form) to the Conditions of Award. Please note the conditions relating to Intellectual Property.
Funding
Funding is provided by the University of Melbourne Planning and Budget Committee through the Research and Research Training Committee.
- The maximum amount available per grant is $15,000. (The exact amount will be determined by the Committee)
- All applicants must specify and justify the matching cash and in-kind assistance being provided by their research partner
- Funds received cannot be used to attend conferences or be used in place of assistance awarded through the Special Studies Program.
In addition, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) is making additional funds available under the International Engagement Strategy to seed-fund
- Collaboration with partner universities where a bilateral agreement exists and an implementation plan is agreed
- Development of new strategic relationships in emerging regions of importance to the university to foster diversity of engagement (for 2007-2008 the designated regions are Latin America, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Middle East).
Assessment Criteria
In assessing applications the Academic Panel will take into account:
- The quality of the proposed collaboration (and especially the depth of the intellectual collaboration rather than simply access to or exchange of material resources)
- The strength of the existing or developing collaboration
- The likelihood that assistance will contribute to further research collaboration
- The potential to enhance the research links between the University of Melbourne and the overseas university or research institution
And specifically for the funds available under the International Engagement Strategy
- Whether the overseas institution has a formal Agreement for Academic Cooperation and Exchange with the University of Melbourne, is a Member of Universitas 21 or the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). http://www.iro.unimelb.edu.au
- Whether the project will help develop new strategic relationships in emerging regions of importance to the university (for 2007-2008 these regions will be Latin America, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Middle East).
Priority will normally be given to early career researchers.
Preference may be given to projects which support collaboration with highly ranked/internationally recognised institutions in the field of research.
Application Form
- Applicants should complete the Joint Research Project Application Form 2008. Applications need to be entered into Themis Submissions. Attach the application to the Themis submission as one attachment.
- A letter from the research partner outlining support (cash and in-kind contributions) must be attached. (Refer to Section 8.3 of the Application Form.)
- A letter, signed by the University of Melbourne Head of Department must be attached. The letter should state the significance of the collaboration, and outline how the project fits within the research priorities of the department. (Refer to Section 8.4 of the Application Form.)
Lodgement
One complete application should be submitted to the Melbourne Research Office, Level 5, 161 Barry Street (cnr Grattan Street) on or before the due date.
Conditions of Award
Applicants and collaborators must read and agree to the Conditions of Award prior to applying.
Reporting Requirements
Chief investigators must provide a final report on the research project (activities and outcomes) within the following respective time-frames:-
- Round 1: 31 July 2009
- Round 2: 31 Dec 2009
Reports must be endorsed by the Head of Department and forwarded to the Melbourne Research Office. Refer to the Conditions of Award for details. Use the Collaborative Grant Report Form.
Contact for Enquiries
Cavell Ferrier
Email: c.ferrier@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: (03) 8344 2614