Research Branch Bulletin

Pre-Submission Eligibility Exemption/Advice Requests for Linkage Projects proposals for funding commencing in July 2010 (LP10 Round 2) are now open in the ARC Research Management System (RMS), accessible via the ARC website (https://rms.arc.gov.au).

The closing date for Pre-Submission Eligibility Exemption/Advice Requests is 17.00 (ACST) on Wednesday 7 October 2009. Linkage Projects Eligibility Exemption/Advice Request instructions and forms are available on the ARC website at: http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/lp/lp_eligibility.htm.

Upon submission of your Eligibility Exemption/Advice Request could you please send an email to arcgrants@adelaide.edu.au letting us know that you have done so? RMS does not automatically inform us that there are pending requests. Please contact the Research Branch if you have any questions.

The ARC has released a consultation paper seeking input on improving their peer review process.  They are also engaging an external reference group. The paper seeks comment on a wide-ranging review of the peer review process to be used by the ARC. Researchers interested in providing input can do so by:

• Forwarding comments to their Associate Dean (Research) by 2nd October 2009, or
• Individually completing and returning the response proforma to the ARC.

The Consultation paper and response proforma can be found at:
http://www.arc.gov.au/general/peer_consultation.htm

Research publications provide recognition for individuals and the University in terms of research output and quality. These publications attract annual Commonwealth research funding allocations for infrastructure, and research higher degree student places, which further enhance the University's research capability and profile.

All researchers are encouraged to submit their 2009 HERDC publications to their school/discipline coordinators. If you have queries regarding the HERDC, please contact Sue Delaine (33340), Donna Holloway (33789) or Julie Blake (34992), in the Research Branch. Publications details can be viewed in ORBIT in the publications section of the Researchers Profile Module:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/research/researchers/orbit/

The Harmonisation of Multi-centre Ethical Review (HoMER) Project is seeking expressions of interest from researchers to participate in pilot exercises starting in November 2009. The exercises are aimed at multi-centre health and medical research conducted in multiple jurisdictions. The Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), which would normally review the research project individually, will be engaged in a cooperative analysis and discussion of the review process. The use of both prospective and retrospective research projects will be considered. The pilots will assist with the development of the national approach for single ethical review of multi-centre research. For more information please contact the HoMER project group on homer@nhmrc.gov.au or phone (02) 6217 9213.

For further information, please visit:
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health_ethics/homer/index.htm

The NHMRC has undertaken a review of the NHMRC-European Union (EU) Collaborative Research Grants scheme.  The scheme helps Australian researchers participate in projects with international researchers under the European Commission’s (EC) Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).  

The revised NHMRC-EU scheme Funding Policy, approved by Research Committee in May this year, and the revised application form, are now available on the updated webpage of the NHMRC website located at: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/types/granttype/strategic/austeu.htm.  

Information about the recently published FP7 calls is available on the EC website at:
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html.

The Field Naturalists Society of South Australia Inc. (FNSSA) established the Lirabenda Endowment Fund with the intention of making available research grants to encourage and promote research into the biota and natural environment of South Australia. 

The Lirabenda Research Grants Committee considers all applications for grants from the Lirabenda Endowment Fund with this intention in mind. It promotes the conservation of natural features and habitat and the preservation of native flora, fauna and fungi of Australia and, in particular, South Australia.

Applications are encouraged from research institutions for supervised project funding at the Honours Degree, Masters Degree and PhD levels and for projects conducted by researchers at South Australian Research Institutes. 

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/involved/field_naturalists.html

The South Australian Government’s Wildlife Conservation Fund grants money annually for conservation and research projects concerned with South Australia’s biodiversity.

Projects should be capable of completion within one year. Research institutions are encouraged to apply for supervised project funding at the Honours Degree, Masters Degree and PhD levels. Funding for individual projects will be capped at $20,000. Applicants need not possess formal qualifications and applications from individuals, groups or societies are welcomed.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/science/partnerships/wildlife-cf.html

Each calendar year the Society donates approximately $150,000 to maintain its programme of sponsorship of Australian adventurers, scientific and environmental research, and community projects. Over the years it has spent more than $8,000,000 supporting Australian endeavour in all these fields. Australian scientists, community organisations and individuals developing projects in Australia and abroad are welcome to apply for Society sponsorship. In 2009 there are two types of sponsorships available through the Australian Geographic Society:

• Seed Grants (up to $3000)
• Project Sponsorships ($5,000 to $15,000)

In 2009 the total amount of funds allocated in the each funding round for Seed Grants will be a maximum of $25,000 and for Project Sponsorship a maximum of $15,000. The total amount of funds distributed may be less than these amounts. The number of projects sponsored in each category is dependent upon the amount sought by each applicant.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/society/AG-Society-sponsorship-applications.htm

The W V Scott Charitable Trust was established in 1986 and is governed by a Will which states it is “…concerned with the promotion and encouragement of kindness towards animal or wildlife or the protection and preservation of animals or wildlife or the protection of endangered species of animals or wildlife as my Trustees may select…”

Please see the information sheet for further information and application guidelines. Applications should be forwarded to Research Branch together with a University application coversheet signed by Head of School by 24 September 2009.

The Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) National Taxonomy Research Grant Program provides grants for taxonomic research. Grants are awarded for research projects where the primary aim is to undertake taxonomic research on the Australian biota or to develop products that aid in the dissemination of taxonomic information. The program also supports projects that build Australian taxonomic capacity. All research grants awarded in the 2010/2011 grants round will be of three years duration.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/funding-and-research/research-grants/index.html

Australian wine industry is facing a number of challenges. The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) manages research investments on behalf of the Australian wine industry and the Australian Government.  Research and extension organisations, consultants and individuals are invited to submit preliminary project applications, which address any of the priorities outlined in the GWRDC’s Five Year R&D Plan 2007-12.

The GWRDC will prioritise available research and extension resources toward proposals that will help the wine industry to respond to global competition and adapt to changing environmental conditions.  Accordingly, applications addressing these objectives within all GWRDC research programs will be of high priority.  Issues of regional significance will also be considered.

For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.gwrdc.com.au/

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Investment Plan (Open and Multi-stage Tenders) outlines some of the Corporation's new investment priorities for 2010-11. The GRDC partners with researchers and other investors to help drive innovation in the Australian grains industry and ensure that grain growers have the technologies to enable them to effectively compete in global grain markets.

To access the full plan, a complete listing of GRDC's priorities and projects for tender and application information go to:
www.grdc.com.au/investmentplan.

Please note that anyone intending to apply should notify us at rbsciences@adelaide.edu.au asap.

To apply for beamtime at the Australian synchrotron, applications can be submitted via an online proposal system.

Proposals are peer reviewed for scientific merit by a specialist committee. The technical feasibility of the proposal is also reviewed.  Proposals are then allocated time based on these reviews by the Proposal Allocation Committee (PAC) for each beamline. Please note that the number of trips that a researcher may participate in has been reduced to one per year. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.synchrotron.org.au/index.php/features/applying-for-beamtime/how-to-get-beamtime

ICAS supports high quality research which is timely and relevant to the accountancy profession or business. Applications are encouraged from researchers and institutions anywhere in the world. Successful applicants benefit from a close working relationship with a world class professional body which has close links with national and international policy makers and regulators. Research results are widely distributed and discussion events may be held to launch reports and encourage debate.

Three levels of grants are normally available:

• Seedcorn (up to £750)
• Small project (under £2,000)
• Large project (£2,000-£25,000)

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.icas.org.uk/site/cms/contentViewArticle.asp?article=1051

The LCRP Lung Cancer Biospecimen Resource Network (LCBRN) Award is intended to provide infrastructure support for the development of a lung cancer biospecimen resource that will facilitate the collection, processing, annotation, storage, and distribution of high-quality human lung cancer biospecimens through a collaborative network across multiple institutions.

The period of performance for this award is 4 years and the maximum allowable funding for the entire period of performance is $3,800,000, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/lcrp.htm

The Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program's (PRORP) Career Development Award is being offered for the first time in FY09. This award supports a mentored research experience to prepare military investigators without significant experience in orthopaedic research for a productive, independent career in this field. This award supports individuals in the early stages of their careers by providing the experience necessary to pursue career opportunities at the forefront of orthopaedic research and make significant contributions to combat-relevant orthopaedic research and/or clinical care.

The maximum period of performance is 3 years and the maximum allowable funding for the entire period of performance is $225,000 in direct costs.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/prorp.htm

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Training Award Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the 2009-2010 Research Program are currently open.

Postdoctoral Fellowships provide up to $180,000 over 3 years to expand the skills and expertise of breast cancer researchers and position trainees for independent careers in breast cancer research. Komen is committed to training across the research continuum and therefore has developed 3 types of PDF training awards: Basic Research; Translational Research; and—new this year—Clinical Research.

Post Baccalaureate Training in Disparities Research (PBTDR) provide up to $135,000 per student over 3 years to support training for students very early in their career to allow them to begin to define meaningful career paths focused on disparities in breast cancer.

The deadline for submission of pre-applications for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Training Awards is Thursday, October 1, at 8:00 PM, EST. Submission of pre-application is required to submit a full application.

AICR awards grants to support fundamental or translational research into the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. AICR do not support clinical research. AICR will consider applications that include some clinical research in a project which is mostly basic or translational.

Before submitting applications that include clinical research, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact AICR for advice.
AICR accepts applications from non-profit research institutions anywhere in the world. Projects are for a maximum of three years and can include funding for research staff (post doctoral and/or PhD students), consumables, essential items of equipment and travel.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.aicr.org.uk/ApplyingforResearchGrants.stm

Applications are sought for research studies that have the potential to contribute to the understanding of Tourette Syndrome, including genetics, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical studies and animal model development.

Candidates must have a M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent.  Previous experience in the field of movement disorders is desirable, but not essential. Applicants may reside outside the United States.

• Post-Doctoral Fellowships: up to $40,000 for 1 year
• Research Grant Awards: up to $75,000 for 1 year. 

Typically TSA Awards are for one year only. In special cases, second year funding will be considered. Applications for second year funding must be related clearly in terms of the goals stated in the original grant application. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.tsa-usa.org/research.html

Grants to support proposed research and the relevance of the research to improving our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Applications are invited for both Standard Awards, Pilot Project Awards and Research Fellowships.

Standard Award: $400,000 ($133,333 per year for three years).

Pilot Award: $150,000 ($75,000 per year for three years).

Research Fellowship: $100,000 ($50,000 per year for 2 years).

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.ahaf.org/research/apply/main.html#apply

National Glaucoma Research (NGR) Standard Award Program sponsors basic research into the causes and potential treatments of glaucoma, especially for new investigators with little or no previous grant support and established investigators with new ideas or directions for their research.

The standard award provides significant funding for researchers who have already generated some amount of preliminary data, but often still require significant progress before they can apply to governmental or industrial funding agencies. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.ahaf.org/research/apply/openawards.html

NARSAD's Young Investigator Award Program provides support for the most promising young scientists conducting neurobiological research. One and two year awards up to $30,000 per year are provided to enable promising investigators to either extend research fellowship training or begin careers as independent research faculty. Basic and/or clinical investigators are supported, but research must be relevant to serious psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.

Please note that the Young Investigator Award review calendar has been restructured and NARSAD will begin accepting applications on December 1, 2009. Any updated information regarding this award will be posted on their website at:
http://www.narsad.org/?q=node/105/grants-and-prizes 

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia is now calling for applications for its International Grants Schemes. The Academy welcomes applications for Exchanges and Joint-action Projects involving travel in 2010 to:

● United Kingdom
● France
● Netherlands
● China

The Academy of the Social Sciences International Grants Schemes offer grants of up to $6,000 for individuals and internationally collaborative research teams, for use for travel and accommodation costs.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.assa.edu.au/programs/international/international_grant_schemes.php

The objectives of the fund is to support projects that will lead to the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their important wetland habitats in Asia through partnership with, and which will bring socio-economic benefits to the local community at the site.

Cathay Pacific placed an initial donation of HK$500,000 (approx. US$65,000) into the Fund and further donations are actively being sought from other sources to increase the amount in the Fund so that a greater number of worthwhile projects can be supported in future. At present, the maximum amount that can be applied for each project shall not exceed US$4,000.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.wwf.org.hk/eng/maipo/awcf/info.php

The aim of the Fyssen Foundation is to "encourage all forms of scientific inquiry into cognitive mechanisms, including thought and reasoning, which underlie animal and human behavior; their biological and cultural bases, and phylogenetic and ontogenetic development".

The Foundation supports research in ethology, psychology, neurobiology, anthropology, ethnology, human paleontology and archaeologie. Within the context of general activities. The research grant could range from 15.000 to 30.000 euros without renewal.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.fondation-fyssen.org/subventionsUS.html

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is now accepting grant proposals for Round 4 of Grand Challenges Explorations, a US$100 million initiative to encourage unconventional global health solutions. Anyone can apply, regardless of education or experience level.

Topics for Round 4 are:

● create new technologies for contraception
● create new ways to induce and measure mucosal immunity
● create low-cost diagnostics for priority global health conditions
● create new ways to protect against infectious disease

Initial grants will be $100,000 each, and projects showing promise will have the opportunity to receive additional funding of $1 million or more. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.grandchallenges.org/Explorations/Pages/ApplicationInstructions.aspx

Multidisciplinary

The Australian Academy of Science receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) to support Australian research organisations participating in the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES). The project is supported by the International Science Linkages (ISL) program. The ISL program supports professional Australian researchers, from both the public and private sectors, to collaborate with international partners on leading edge science and technology in order to contribute to Australia's economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

Only Australian organisations that are partners of a European-led consortium that has already been selected in 2009 to receive funding from the European Commission’s IRSES program are eligible to apply. DIISR has provided funding totalling $200,000 towards Australian participation in IRSES. Australian organisations may receive a grant-in-aid of a maximum of $50,000 as a contribution towards travel and subsistence costs.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.science.org.au/internat/irses.htm

The Max Weber Programme is Europe’s largest postdoctoral programme in the social sciences. The Programme offers 1-2 year fellowships for junior post-docs who have received a doctorate in economics, social and political sciences, law or history within the last 5 years and who want to consolidate their research and training in an active multidisciplinary environment before entering the international job market, or who wish to develop their skills in advanced research and academic practice.

Fellows are selected on the basis of their research accomplishments and potential, their academic career interests, and the availability of the EUI faculty to provide mentorship. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.eui.eu/ServicesAndAdmin/AcademicService/PostdoctoralFellowships/MaxWeberFellowships/Index.aspx

The American Australian Association is currently accepting applications for its US to Australia Fellowship Program. The program offers fellowships of up to
US$25,000 to American researchers or students wishing to undertake advanced research or study in Australia. Proof of acceptance into an Australian educational institution is required. Fields of study/research supported by the fellowships:

• Medicine
• Life sciences (particularly in oceanography/marine sciences and stem cell research)
• Science
• Engineering
• Mining

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.americanaustralian.org/usa%5Fto%5Faust%5Fapps/

The award is to recognise a researcher with a demonstrated track record of significant work in human health, and for whom the award will facilitate career development and further achievements with potential importance to human health and Australian Research.

The GlaxoSmithKline Australia Award for Research Excellence Trophy to commemorate the occasion. $60,000 to further the scientist's work and knowledge.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.gsk.com.au/research-development_awards-grants_gskaawardforresearchexcellence.aspx

The 2009 Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History will be awarded to an individual or a group, for an outstanding publication or body of work that contributes significantly to an understanding of Australian history. The Prize comprises an embossed gold medallion and a tax free grant of $100,000.

The subject of works submitted could include, but is not limited to:

1. historical events;
2. historical figures (including biographies); and
3. work covering a particular subject.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/Programs/AustralianHistory/Pages/Home.aspx

The Millennium Technology Prize is a biannual award of one million euros given to a groundbreaking innovation that promotes people's quality of life, contributes toward the realization of humane values and encourages sustainable development.

Candidates for the 2010 Millennium Technology Prize are sought across the world and in all fields of technology. Citizens of all nations are eligible. The Millennium Technology Prize is awarded by the Technology Academy Foundation, an independent fund established together by the Finnish industry and the state of Finland. For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.millenniumprize.fi/index.php?page=600

The Stockholm Water Prize is the world's most prestigious prize for outstanding achievements in water-related activities. It honours individuals, institutions or organisations whose work contributes broadly to the conservation and protection of water resources and to improved health of the planet´s inhabitants and ecosystems.

Nominations should be submitted to the Stockholm International Water Institute before September 30, 2009. For further information and application instructions, please visit: http://www.siwi.org/sa/node.asp?node=54

The Sophie Prize is an international award (US $100,000), for environment and sustainable development, awarded annually. The Sophie Prize is established to inspire people working towards a sustainable future.

Voluntary organisations, independent research institutions and individual’s worldwide, with knowledge or interest in environment and/or sustainable development or other closely related topics, can nominate candidates for the Sophie Prize. The Sophie Prize is awarded to one or several persons, or an organisation, which has created awareness of alternatives to modern-day development and/or initiated such alternatives in a pioneering or particularly inventive manner.

For further information and application instructions, please visit:
http://www.sophieprize.org/Nomination_Guidelines/index.html