Curtin Sarawak Research Clusters Fund (CSRCF)

Application for the Curtin Sarawak Research Clusters Fund [download.pdf]

1. OVERVIEW
Curtin Sarawak Research Clusters Fund (CRCF) scheme is a seed fund aimed at encouraging
the research clusters at Curtin Sarawak Malaysia to initiate Research and Development
activities. The application format is designed to capture the essential requirements of a
proposed research project. Applicants are advised to follow these guidelines.

2. ELIGIBILITY
Chief Investigators
To be eligible to apply for funding under the CSRCF scheme, applicants must:-
• be a member of the school research cluster;
• have sufficient tenure at Curtin to allow completion of their projects.
Associate Investigators
Applications should include at least two more Associate Investigators from the same research cluster.

3. CSRCS FUNDING CRITERIA
Curtin Sarawak Research Clusters Fund can be used to fund individual projects up to a value of RM2,000. Grants are available in all research clusters. Expenditure is not permitted in respect of:
• Expensive, non project-specific equipment (eg: computers, camera);
• Time release (other than that provided by the School/Department).
All expenditures must comply with the procedures and norms Curtin Sarawak. The budget must be checked by the applicant to ensure that appropriate costing on all budgeted items is confirmed. Applicants must provide a justification statement for all budget items requested.
Independently of the full duration of a project, requests for funding that have been approved for the 2010 budget of CSRCF are allocated in their totality to this same budget. Funds that have been allocated in the 2010 budget of CSRCF but not spent by 31 December 2010 will remain allocated and be carried over to the 2011 budget of CSRCF.

4. CERTIFICATION
The applicant must certify that, to the best of his/her knowledge:
• All the details in his/her application are true and complete;
• The applicant satisfies the criteria of eligibility outlined above;
• The applicant is able to commit the time specified in the application of this project to ensure the projected outcomes are realised;
• If successful, the applicant will accept the Conditions of Award relating to the CSRCF scheme as outlined in these Guidelines;
• The applicant has sought all relevant clearances for this research project; and
• The applicant will conduct the project in accordance with CSM's Ethics, Occupational, Health and Safety Regulations.

5. ETHICAL AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
All research proposals should have the approval of the Ethics Committee of Curtin Sarawak Malaysia. Where relevant, external clearances from the corresponding entity (e.g. Ministry) must be sought. Funds will not be released until copies of the appropriate clearances are
received by the R&D Office. To conform to Curtin University policy, all research data must be retained by the Chief Investigator for a minimum period of five years after completion of the period of research.

6. CLOSING DATES AND APPLICATION PROCESS
A complete application package consists of the following:

Table 1: Complete Application Package
• The complete application package can be lodged with the respective persons throughout the year.

7. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
A flowchart of the Assessment Procedures is shown in Figure 1. Research projects will go through a screening process within Curtin Sarawak Malaysia. After having been successfully screened by the Research Committee of the respective school, the proposal is forwarded to the R&D office of Curtin Sarawak.

Figure 1: Flowchart of Assessment Procedures

8. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Primary and Other Assessment Criteria
The primary criteria used for the assessment of applications are:
• the quality of the proposed research; and
• the quality of the researcher(s), viz track record.

Quality of the proposed research
In assessing the quality of the research proposal, the assessor should take particular account of:
• the soundness of the planning and methodology;
• the originality of the project;
• the scientific, theoretical or technological merit; and
• the scope of the project.

Quality of the researcher
In assessing the quality of the researcher, consideration will be given to the applicant's track record, covering their recent research activities and achievements, publications and other outputs, relative to opportunities.

ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
The decision regarding the approval of a project and the sum allocated will be based on:
• CSRCF application form;
• Certification by applicant and Research Cluster Coordinator;
• Certification by Research Coordinator/Dean of School;
• Ethics Clearance; and
• Availability of funds.
Successful applicant will be given written notification of the decision by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak.

9. REPORTING
Grantees will be responsible for the conduct of projects and correct expenditure of funds. The chief investigator must submit interim progress reports as requested by the R&D office. A final report outlining methodology, budgetary expenditure, publications and/or presentations, must be submitted to the R&D office after completion of the research project. The Chief Investigator will be asked to verify that the budget support was provided by the School/Department.

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Ownership rights of products or processes resulting from research conducted at Curtin Sarawak Malaysia are as provided under the "Ownership of Intellectual Property" document of Curtin Perth, and under the protection of the relevant Malaysian copyright and intellectual property laws.