Food Ins+tu+onal Research Measure (FIRM)
Call for Submission of Proposals
GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
FIRM – Dairy Programme
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION – Tuesday 7 December 2010 @ 1pm
All applica7ons will be treated in confidence and no informa7on contained therein will be
communicated to any third party without the wri8en permission of the applicant except insofar
as is specifically required for the evalua7on of the proposal.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Introduc7on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.
Research Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3.
Proposal Submission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.
Criteria for Assessment of Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.
Contract nego7a7on and procedure for award of grant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6.
Funding payment procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7.
Informa7on and Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8.
Intellectual Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
9.
Further informa7on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ANNEX 1: Technical Guidelines for the Comple7on of Applica7on Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.
INTRODUCTION
The Food Ins7tu7onal Research Measure (FIRM) forms part of the Science, Technology and
Innova7on (STI) Programme of the Na7onal Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013. A key objec7ve of
the NDP is to fully implement the Strategy for Science Technology and Innova7on in the period to
2013, thereby achieving a transforma7onal change in the quan7ty and quality of research,
enhancing the contribu7on of research to economic and social development, and increasing the
numbers of people with advanced qualifica7ons.
In the case of the food industry, investment is provided through the Agri-Food Research SubProgramme to develop a scien7fic founda7on and support for a sustainable, compe77ve, market
oriented and innova7ve sector. To that end, funding is provided through core-funded programmes
and through compe77ve public good research programmes, one of which is FIRM.
The Food Ins7tu7onal Research Measure has three objec7ves:
(1) To provide a base of scien7fic knowledge and exper7se in generic technologies that will support
innova7on and product development in the Irish food industry;
(2) To assist in assuring consumer protec7on and in ensuring that development is underpinned by
a8en7on to food safety and quality issues;
(3) To communicate the results of publicly funded food research so as to ensure maximum uptake
of new technologies and innova7ons by Irish food companies.
FIRM provides funding for research which addresses the objec7ves outlined above. All suitable Irish
Ins7tu7ons that can demonstrate the necessary research capabili7es including Universi7es,
Ins7tutes of Technology, Teagasc and DAFF Laboratories are eligible to submit proposals. In this
regard, Research Ins7tutes in Northern Ireland collabora7ng with a lead southern-based Ins7tute will
be considered for funding. The research funded will be of a ‘public good’ nature, the results of which
are required to be publicly disseminated subject to the need to protect intellectual property (IP)
where it arises.
FIRM provides funding for 100% of eligible costs. Funding under the measure is provided in respect
of research that is neither commissioned nor carried out in-house by individual firms. Thus, FIRM
may only fund public good research that is basic/fundamental to pre-commercial. It does not fund
the commercialisa7on of research, however, FIRM works closely with the Technology Transfer
Officers (TTO’s) and Enterprise Ireland to ensure research outputs with commercial poten7al are
managed appropriately.
FIRM welcomes collabora7on between industry and research ins7tutes. Industry par7cipa7on in
research projects may include financial contribu7ons, provision of research facili7es, provision of
experimental materials/samples, advice, 7me contribu7ons etc. However, FIRM does not provide
funding to industry for par7cipa7on in the research. Industry par7cipa7on will assist in
demonstra7ng the relevance of the research to the end users, will build symbio7c collabora7ons
between researchers and industry and assist in technology and knowledge transfer. As FIRM is a
public good measure, industry partners do not have exclusive ownership rights to any knowledge
generated, however, they may exploit the knowledge by means of licensing arrangements in
accordance with the Na7onal Code of Prac7ce for Managing Intellectual Property from Publicly
Funded Research.
The 7meframe given in applica7ons for the comple7on of a project should be that required to
achieve the stated objec7ve(s). It would be expected that this should not exceed 4 years in the case
of projects and 5 years in the case of programmes.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (DAFF) has responsibility for the implementa7on
of the measure.
Guidelines for Applications
1
2.
RESEARCH THEMES
FIRM, under the remit of the AgriVision 2015 Food Research Advisory Group, is in the process of
finalising “A Na7onal Food Research Strategy”. In addi7on, the areas that have been targeted for
funding in this round of support are directly in line with the areas of growth iden7fied in “Food
Harvest 2020”. It is in the context of that strategy that the following areas for research will be
considered for support.
The dairy industry is one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries and comprises a vital
part of the agri-food sector. In 2008 milk accounted for the second largest share of Ireland’s gross
agriculture output at 28%. It is an export driven sector with 85% of dairy products exported,
represen7ng 27% of all food and drink exports in 2008. The value of these exports was €2.3 billion
in 2008 with the UK accoun7ng for 32% and the rest of the EU accoun7ng for 48% of these exports.
Ireland enjoys a compara7ve advantage in the produc7on of milk within the EU and the industry is
renowned both for its rela7vely high produc7vity and for being an early adopter of new technologies
at producer level. However, the sector operates in a very compe77ve environment with our major
compe7ng dairy expor7ng countries including Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
There has been a longstanding need to develop the industry’s product mix par7cularly so given the
compe77ve pressures associated with the recent dairy commodity price decreases and the ongoing
removal of price supports. The industry needs to become less reliant on low margin commodity
products and focus more on the higher value added products. To achieve this, ongoing research and
development is required. Some progress has been made in the last decade on this issue with the
infant milk formula sector in Ireland now strategically very important to the Irish dairy industry and
the wider economy. Three of the key players interna7onally in the infant milk formula sector are
located in Ireland supplying 15% of the global requirement with a combined turnover of €667m in
2008. Recent research by Bord Bia on the European dairy sector highlighted significant poten7al
market opportuni7es in the hard/semi hard cheese area as well as specialised dairy ingredients that
deliver on health, nutri7onal and func7onal a8ributes.
Food Harvest 2020 states that prospects for the dairy sector in the medium to long term are posi7ve.
Given projec7ons for significantly increased demand, the aboli7on of EU milk quotas in 2015
presents a real opportunity for the Irish dairy sector, with a significant poten7al for increased milk
produc7on. On the basis of available data the Food Harvest 2020 Commi8ee believes that a target
of a 50 % increase in milk produc7on by 2020 (using the average of the years 2007 to 2009 as a
baseline) would be realis7c and achievable, and that this will set the founda7on for further
expansion in subsequent years. This 2.75 billion litre increase would enhance the primary output
value of the sector by about €700 million with further downstream benefits in the form of increased
dairy product values, export earnings and employment. It is in this context and that of the recently
completed Strategic Research Agenda for the Dairy Sector, FIRM propose to fund a dairy research
programme which will contain the following elements:
A. CHEESE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
A knowledge deficit has been iden7fied by the industry in the following areas with regard to cheese:
• Produc7on of reduced fat, low salt cheddar variants to address health concerns;
• Applica7on of cheese curd in processed cheese;
• The health and nutri7onal benefits of cheese;
• Management of dairy fats, i.e. how to deal with dairy fats and/or whether they can be minimised
through husbandry and gene7c improvements.
Guidelines for Applications
2
In order to address these knowledge gaps, FIRM are invi7ng collabora7ve proposals for a cheese
research programme which should include all of the following key elements:
i. Reduced fat/salt cheeses with improved texture and flavour;
ii. Applica7on of cheese curd in processed/other applica7ons for cheese;
iii. Cheese as a vector for bioac7ves/probio7cs/vitamins/minerals;
iv. New cheese varie7es/diversifica7on of exis7ng product por6olio;
v. Analy7cal techniques capable of differen7a7ng between natural and industrial trans fats;
vi. Knowledge of the drivers of consumer choice/percep7on/acceptance with respect to cheese.
Proposals should be collabora7ve and involve more than three research ins7tu7ons. Research
ins7tu7ons from Northern Ireland are eligible for funding as partners in a proposal. The maximum
level of funding is €1.3 m over five years. The programme should build on and add value to all
exis7ng knowledge on cheese that has been funded in the past. It should not be duplica7ve of
research going on under any other ini7a7ve which is funded by FIRM or any other funding agency.
In addi7on, the proposal should outline plans to a8ract addi7onal funds from other sources, na7onal
and interna7onal, to build on the proposed research programme. Please refer to the sec7on on
Funding Payment Procedure below for further details on costs allowed under this ini7a7ve.
B. APPLICATION OF DAIRY INGREDIENTS IN NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS
There is a limited understanding of how dairy derived ingredients such as WPC, WPI, MPC/MPI,
hydrolysates, phospholipid frac7ons, oligosaccharide enriched frac7ons and milk powders, perform
or could be manipulated to op7mise performance in nutri7onal beverage, dessert or handheld
snacks. Research projects are invited from qualified researchers to address this issue under the
following sub-theme areas:
i. Improvements in formula7on and shelf life of dairy based products;
ii. Understanding how bioac7ves act within the food matrix in the context of dairy based products
and survival of bioac7ves in the gut;
iii. Protec7on/op7misa7on of dairy ingredients during processing;
iv. Impact of processing/novel technologies on the sensory a8ributes of the dairy based products;
v. Incorpora7on of dairy ingredients into nutri7onal formula7ons and the processability of those
formula7ons.
Proposals should be collabora7ve involving two or more research ins7tu7ons and should build on
exis7ng knowledge and technologies in the area. It should not be duplica7ve of research going on
under any other ini7a7ve which is funded by FIRM or any other funding agency. The maximum level
of funding for this element of the overall Dairy Programme is €900k over four years. Please refer to
the sec7on on Funding Payment Procedure below for further details on costs allowed under this
ini7a7ve.
C. KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERPIN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFANT FORMULA INDUSTRY
The infant milk formula sector in Ireland is strategically very important to the Irish dairy industry and
the wider economy. Three of the key players interna7onally in the infant milk formula sector are
located in Ireland supplying 15% of the global requirement with a combined turnover of €667m in
2008. With the removal of the quota for produc7on of liquid milk in 2015, there is an opportunity
for Ireland to develop new knowledge that will provide opportuni7es for the sector. FIRM invite
proposals for research projects to address the following:
Guidelines for Applications
3
i. To develop novel dairy ingredients for incorpora7on into infant formula and to develop
knowledge that will enhance and/or protect the bioavailability of ingredients through processing.
This may include the development of new minimal processing technologies;
ii. To inves7gate the composi7on of the gut microbiota in early life and how it changes over 7me.
The project should also inves7gate how the infant gut can be programmed through early dietary
infant-formula-based interven7ons and the implica7ons for infant health.
Proposals should be collabora7ve involving two or more research ins7tu7ons and should be provide
new knowledge in this area. It should not be duplica7ve of research going on under any other
ini7a7ve which is funded by FIRM or any other funding agency. The maximum level of funding for
this ini7a7ve is €600k over four years. The indica7ve budget for individual projects in this area should
be no greater than €400k. Please refer to the sec7on on Funding Payment Procedure below for
further details on costs allowed under this ini7a7ve.
D. NUTRITIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE MILK FAT GLOBULE MEMBRANE
The milk fat globule membrane has many nutri7onal and func7onal a8ributes. Currently, there is a
gap in the industry’s knowledge regarding the processing and frac7ona7on of bu8ermilk with a view
to developing nutri7onal and func7onal ingredients from the milk fat globule membrane. FIRM
invite applica7ons for research projects in the following areas:
i. Bu8ermilk processing and frac7ona7on including mining for nutri7onal and func7onal a8ributes;
ii. Applica7on in beverages/desserts/other products;
iii. Future applica7ons.
The proposed research should provide a deeper knowledge of the nutri7onal variants which could
subsequently be used by the food industry; of the func7onal variants and their use as natural
emulsifiers and finally the use of the phospholipid frac7ons for medical and/or cosme7c applica7on.
Proposals should be collabora7ve involving two or more research ins7tu7ons and should build on
exis7ng knowledge and technologies in the area. It should not be duplica7ve of research going on
under any other ini7a7ve which is funded by FIRM or any other funding agency. The maximum level
of funding for this ini7a7ve is €600k over four years. The indica7ve budget for individual projects in
this area should be no greater than €300k. Please refer to the sec7on on Funding Payment Procedure
below for further details on costs allowed under this ini7a7ve.
3.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
All completed applica7on forms must be signed by the VP of Research/Head of Research and the TTO
or equivalent within the lead research organisa7on. Applica7ons should be submi8ed electronically
from the lead research organisa7on to [email protected] with the following in the Subject
box of the email: FIRM – Dairy Programme - Applicants Name – Lead Research Organisa7on (For
example: FIRM – Dairy Programme - Joe Bloggs - University College Cork). Applica7ons will be
acknowledged. All applica7ons should comply with the Guidelines below. Applica7ons which do not
adhere to the guidelines will not be reviewed and will be returned to the applicant.
• Applica7ons will only be accepted on the FIRM – Dairy Programme Applica7on Form which is
available to download from www.agriculture.gov.ie/research. All sec7ons of the applica7on form
must be completed. Incomplete applica7ons will be returned without review to the applicant.
• All text in a8achments should be wri8en in single-spaced using at least 12 point Times New
Roman font, or similar, with at least 2.54 cm (1 in) right and le' margins.
Guidelines for Applications
4
• The number of words/pages in any given sec7on must not exceed the specifica7ons.
• Appendices, or other unsolicited documenta7on, (e.g. team member CV’s, le8ers of support
from individuals other the official collaborators, equipment quota7ons) are not permi8ed.
• The currency to be used is the euro (€)
• Applica7ons arriving a'er the stated deadline will not be accepted.
The closing date for receipt of completed applica+on forms is 7 December 2010 @1 pm.
4.
CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSALS
Only completed applica7ons received on or before the closing date specified in the public call for
proposals will be assessed for funding. The proposals will be assessed according to the following 3
stage process:
1. Each applica7on will be ini7ally assessed by Department staff to ensure that it is complete,
contains adequate informa7on to properly assess the project proposal, and that the proposal
qualifies for assistance under the terms of the measure as set out above.
2. Following this preliminary assessment, the project proposal will be assigned to an expert
evalua7on panel. The panels established for this purpose will consist of experts from external
food research ins7tu7ons, academia, the food industry and the public service.
Expert evaluators will take account of the key elements of the FIRM when evalua7ng and
priori7sing the proposals according to the following criteria:
CRITERIA
RELEVANCE AND POTENTIAL IMPACT
• Relevance to the aims of FIRM
• Relevance to the needs of the Irish Food Industry/end users
• Relevance to na7onal research policies
• Poten7al impact of research outputs on end users
• Relevance to the needs of the Irish Agri-Food Sector with par7cular reference to the DAFF Food Harvest 2020 report
SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE AND FAMILIARITY
• Familiarity with relevant R&D/knowledge of the area
• Understanding of the current state of knowledge
• Relevant recent bibliography/references
• Avoidance of duplica7on of research done elsewhere
• Quality of the research proposed/scien7fic excellence
• Originality and degree of innova7on
• Progress beyond current state-of-the-art
• Quality of experimental methodologies
• Considera7on of the major scien7fic and technical risks/obstacles
MANAGEMENT, PARTNERSHIP AND EXPLOITATION
• Suitability of collabora7on and size of project
• Qualifica7on of the key personnel and level of par7cipa7on
• Balance of alloca7on and coordina7on of work between partners
• Work organisa7on and management plans
• Par7cipa7on in previous R&D
• Track record of the Ins7tu7ons
• Quality of the exploita7ve/technology transfer plans
• Dissemina7on plans
• Benefits to be derived from successful outcome
• Implica7ons for environmental policy
• Implica7ons for rural development policy
• Implica7on for equality policy
COSTING AND VALUE FOR MONEY
• Total cost in rela7on to work done
• Detail of cos7ngs
• Balance of cost alloca7on between budget categories and between ins7tu7ons
• Value for money
Guidelines for Applications
MARK
0 –5
0–5
Must achieve greater
than 3/5 to be considered
eligible for funding
0–5
0–5
5
Each criterion will be marked and the total score will be converted into a % mark. In order to be
considered eligible for funding, proposals must achieve:
a.
/5 for scien7fic excellence and familiarity and;
3
b. an overall score of at least 60%.
3. Following the expert evalua7on of project proposals, all project proposals considered eligible
for funding will be forwarded to the DAFF Research Advisory Commi8ee comprising of
representa7ves from the public and private sectors. This Commi8ee will advise DAFF on the
projects to be funded. In addi7on, applicants who have demonstrated involvement in (or at
least applied for funding to) the EU Framework Programme will be favoured where two
applica7ons have passed the threshold and have received the same overall score.
Where a project proposal is in an area that may be of relevance to other sectoral research priori7es
set out in the Science, Technology and Innova7on Programme, the views of the relevant
Implemen7ng Agency may be sought and taken into account by the DAFF Research Advisory
Commi8ee.
5.
All applicants will be no7fied of the outcome of the selec7on process.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATION AND
PROCEDURE FOR AWARD OF GRANT
The co-ordinators of projects earmarked for funding will be informed of the indica7ve level of
funding and will be invited to address any issues raised in the Evalua7on Summary Report within a
given 7meframe. As part of the contract nego7a7ons, DAFF may also:
•
Seek addi7onal informa7on it considers necessary on the details of the project
•
Seek and agree adjustments or modifica7ons to proposals. If changes are of a major nature,
DAFF may consult the DAFF Research Advisory Commi8ee.
•
Nego7ate adjustments to proposal details to achieve consistency in approach across projects
in the programme.
Following successful contract nego7a7ons, an award le8er will be issued to successful applicants.
This le8er will outline the contractual obliga7ons and condi7ons that will apply to the award.
Successful applicants must acknowledge receipt of the award le8er and acceptance of the contract
condi7ons.
In accep7ng the award, the applicant agrees to carry out the project according to the work
programme as laid out in the project proposal and the agreed budget.
6.
FUNDING PAYMENT PROCEDURE
The grant rate may be up to 100% funding for eligible costs. Where there is industry involvement in
the project, the relevant industry sector would be expected to make contribu7ons towards costs
where research is likely to benefit that par7cular sector. Eligible costs are the costs necessarily
incurred in carrying out the research project as described in the project document. They must fulfil
the following condi7ons:
Guidelines for Applications
6
• Be wholly necessary for the project;
• Be incurred during the 7meframe of the project;
• Be recorded in the accounts that will be maintained throughout the dura7on of the project and
reported on as required.
Eligible costs will be allowed in the categories of:
(a) Staff costs.
(b) Equipment.
(c) Travel & subsistence.
(d) Consumables.
(e) Overheads.
(f) Other agreed costs.
Annex 1 sets out further relevant details in rela7on to these categories.
Following acceptance of the contract condi7ons, an advance payment not exceeding one half of
year 1 costs may be made.
Further payments will be dependent on sa7sfactory progress as assessed by DAFF on submission of
progress reports, to include a technical report and details on financial expenditure incurred in the
repor7ng period.
A comprehensive final report will also be required. Twenty percent of the grant award will be
withheld un7l the final report is submi8ed, evaluated and deemed acceptable
The beneficiary must maintain separate records for all transac7ons rela7ng to the project to be
aided and must make this and all suppor7ng documents available as and when required for
examina7on by officers of DAFF (a separate file holding all documents rela7ng to the project must
be kept).
Officers of DAFF must be allowed access to the beneficiary’s premises at all reasonable 7mes for the
purposes of assessing the progress of projects and examining the financial and other records rela7ng
to it. DAFF aims to carry out on site inspec7on for all projects at least once during their life7me. All
equipment purchased using FIRM funding should be labelled with the NDP and DAFF logos, which
are available on request from DAFF.
In the event of failure by a beneficiary to comply with any or all of the grant aid condi7ons, payment
of aid may be reduced, suspended or cancelled.
DAFF will impose financial deduc7ons where the grant aid condi7ons have not been met.
Payment of the final claim is dependent on DAFF being sa7sfied that the project has been
successfully completed.
7.
INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY
Prospec7ve applicants should note that:
(a) As this is a public good measure, the research team are required to disseminate results/outputs
of the project. However, dissemina7on ac7vi7es should take account of the need to generate
and/or protect any intellectual property (IP) arising from the research in the interest of public
good. Where knowledge generated has IP value, then it should be protected in accordance with
the code of prac7ce employed in the researchers Ins7tute.
Guidelines for Applications
7
(b) In dissemina7ng research achievements, ins7tutes should acknowledge that funding was
provided under the Na7onal Development Plan, through the Food Ins7tu7onal Research
Measure, administered by the DAFF. Logos for the above may be obtained from DAFF at the
address provided below.
(c) The Department may publicise details of applica7ons and awards made under this measure.
(d) Informa7on supplied to the Department may be disclosed in response to a request under the
Freedom of Informa7on Act 1997 and in accordance with the condi7ons of that Act.
8.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
There is a requirement that the IP produced by the research project, where commercially
appropriate, will be exploited and commercialised in line with the recommenda7ons of the Na7onal
Code of Prac7ce for Managing Intellectual Property from Publicly Funded Research. This document
is available at: h8p://www.forfas.ie/ics7/statements/ics7040407/index.html
Successful applicants are required to take necessary steps to:
(a) Preserve and protect such IP rights including, where appropriate, applying for patent registra7on;
and
(b) Ac7vely exploit any discoveries, inven7ons or processes resul7ng from the research, by means
of commercial licensing arrangements and otherwise.
Whenever possible, IP shall be managed for the benefit of enterprise development in Ireland.
Where relevant, researchers are encouraged to discuss research outputs and poten7al IP with their
Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs).
9.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Any enquiry with regard to the above should be addressed to:
Geraldine Corcoran
Research & CODEX Division
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Phone: (01) 6072142
Fax: (01) 6072038
Email: [email protected]
Guidelines for Applications
8
ANNEX 1:
TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE
COMPLETION OF APPLICATION FORMS
The proposal form is in six sec7ons, as follows:
• Sec7on 1: Project Details
• Sec7on 2: Project Informa7on
• Sec7on 3: Project Task List
• Sec7on 4: Project Management and Integra7on
• Sec7on 5: Relevant References
• Sec7on 6: Budget Details
The relevant part of each sec7on must be completed.
SECTION 1: PROJECT DETAILS
RESEARCH THEME
The proposal should be classified under one of the themes listed in the call for proposals adver7sed
in the public press and on the DAFF website (www.agriculture.gov.ie/research).
PROJECT TITLE
Title, as given by the lead Ins7tu7on. Please keep the 7tle as short as possible.
PROJECT ACRONYM
Please provide a suitable acronym for the project, preferably one that is easy to pronounce.
LEAD INSTITUTION
Please indicate which ins7tu7on is responsible for the project. This is the ins7tu7on where the
Project Co-ordinator and/or the Principal Inves7gator are employed.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Each project should have a principal inves7gator (PI) and the PI must be permanent member of
staff. The principal inves7gator and the project co-ordinator may be the same person. If that is the
case, please indicate this in the Applica7on Form. Where the Project Co-ordinator is a contract
researcher, then the permanent member of staff/principal inves7gator responsible for the research
ac7vi7es of the project co-ordinator should also be indicated on the Applica7on Form and should
sign the Declara7on at the end of the Applica7on Form.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Each project must have one, named, co-ordinator. The project co-ordinator may be either a
permanent member of staff or a contract researcher with a PhD qualifica7on plus a significant
amount of addi7onal research experience, and a contract that extends beyond the end date of the
project.
Guidelines for Applications
9
The role of the project co-ordinator is pivotal to the project. All wri8en communica7ons to the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) must be via the project co-ordinator. The
project co-ordinator is responsible for comple7ng and signing off all project reports. The project coordinator assumes responsibility for the budget figures and in doing so must ensure that the project
remains within the budget and that all expenditure is correctly and fully accounted for. The project
co-ordinator must ensure that all partners and collaborators are kept fully informed on ma8ers
rela7ng to the project and must ensure that any concerns are appropriately dealt with in a 7mely
manner.
ADDRESS/TEL/FAX/E2MAIL
In the case of the project, these details should be those for the project co-ordinator.
DATES
The start and finish date of the project must be in dd/mm/yy format. The start date included should
indicate the most probable start date of the project bearing in mind that the grant award contract
is unlikely to be finalised before the end of March 2011.
COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS
All ins7tu7ons involved should be listed showing individual Total Project Costs (including financial
contribu7ons) and the Grant Requested for each ins7tu7on.
SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL
Details of whether this proposal or a similar proposal was previously submi8ed to DAFF or any other
funding body must be provided. Please include project 7tle and number. In addi7on, it must be
indicated whether the proposal that is being submi8ed to DAFF, in part or full, is being submi8ed
to any other funding body.
RESEARCH CONTINUUM
Indicate on the research con7nuum, from basic/fundamental research to applied/pre-commercial
research, where you feel your proposal fits. Place an ‘X’ in the appropriate box.
SECTION 2: PROJECT INFORMATION
Sec7on 2 requires the comple7on of statements that describe the project, place it in context, specify
objec7ves and outline poten7al benefits. Responses should be kept brief, preferably expressed in
point form and repe77on should be avoided.
The following indicate the type of responses required to the various sub-sec7ons within Sec7on 2.
2.1 PROJECT ABSTRACT
The abstract should be short, precise and not more than 200 words. It should provide a clear
descrip7on of the objec7ves of the project proposal and how these objec7ves will be achieved.
2.2 PROJECT CONTEXT
2.2.1 This sec7on should answer the ques7on: ’why is this research needed? It should clearly
outline the ra7onale for undertaking the research. It should jus7fy the need for the research
with regard to industry/end users, the relevance of the proposed research to
Guidelines for Applications
10
FIRM/RSF/COFORD. The magnitude of the problem iden7fied should be supported with
quan7ta7ve, factual evidence.
2.2.2 The proposed research should be set in context of other related research, both na7onally and
interna7onally. It should provide details of previous and ongoing related research (7tle and
reference number), outline how the current proposal fits in with this research and outline
how it builds on exis7ng knowledge and capability. Details should be provided on the specific
issues that may require further study and the specific addi7onal advances to be gained from
the current proposal. Details of ongoing projects are available from the DAFF website and
relevant EU Framework websites.
2.2.3 This sec7on should also demonstrate how the current research proposal fits into the research
agenda of the ins7tu7ons involved, broader government policy including the SSTI, NDP and
the European Framework Programmes and DAFF’s recently published Food Harvest 2020
report.
2.3 OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH
This sec7on should answer the ques7on: ‘what are the research objec7ves and how will you achieve
them?’ It should therefore provide an overview of the objec7ves (bullet point format is preferable)
and an overview of the method or approach being pursued, including an explana7on of why those
methods have been selected.
2.4 IMPACT OF THE RESEARCH
This sec7on should answer the ques7on: ‘what are the likely outcomes?’ The impacts of the research
relate to the impacts to the scien7fic community and to the end users. This could include a
descrip7on of benefits such as the development of cri7cal mass, recognised exper7se, contribu7on
to the pool of scien7fic knowledge, na7onal collabora7on, links between research ins7tu7ons and
industry, and dissemina7on of results. It could also include likely beneficial outcomes on consumers,
industry, end users, State Agencies etc and reference to any likely commercial applica7on. This
includes any poten7al for new product, process or technology development, the poten7al for
intellectual property (IP), including patents or licenses, how it may assist innova7on or
compe77veness in the industry and so forth. The poten7al market/economic impact should be
quan7fied where appropriate.
SECTION 3: PROJECT TASK LIST
PROJECT TASK LIST
The task list is intended to provide details of the work being carried out in terms of the research
methodologies being proposed, division of responsibili7es, the outcome of the work and the
progress of the research over 7me. It allows the evaluators of the proposal to determine the
scien7fic excellence of the research, and, subsequently to facilitate the evalua7on of progress made
on the task at the designated intervals. It should enable the evaluators to determine exactly who is
responsible for which aspects of the work, on both an ins7tu7onal and principal researcher basis.
The la8er informa7on should be included within the text of the task descrip7on. A project can have
as many tasks as is necessary to undertake the research and deliver the stated objec7ves. Please
note that a task on dissemina7on must be included as the final task.
The dates should clearly specify the 7me period over which the task is scheduled to take place.
• TASKS: Each task should be given a 7tle.
• START AND FINISH: The start and finish dates should be included as month number e.g. start
month no. 1 and finish month no. 12.
Guidelines for Applications
11
• LEAD INSTITUTION: Please indicate the lead ins7tu7on for each task, the name of the lead
researcher and the other ins7tu7ons involved in carrying out the task. Within the task
descrip7on, the role of the various collaborators should be clear.
• OBJECTIVES: The objec7ves of the task should be provided and these should be related to
achieving the overall objec7ves of the project.
• DESCRIPTION: The descrip7on should provide an outline of the work to be done to achieve the
objec7ves. It should include, for example, experimental methodologies, numbers of
experimental units, specialised equipment, ins7tu7ons involved and role of collaborators etc.
• MILESTONES: Milestones denote when aspects of the work are complete and must be completed
for each task. Each milestone should indicate the work that should be completed by a certain
date. The dates should be given as month number.
• DELIVERABLES: Deliverables should indicate what the outcomes of the task will be. The outputs
and deliverables expected from the task as a whole should be described. They should be
measurable/quan7fiable. Dates for deliverable to be achieved should be indicated.
DISSEMINATION TASK
The final task should outline the dissemina7on plans for the project in its en7rety. It should include
all forms of dissemina7on, including scien7fic and technical. Dissemina7on should be appropriate
to the project. In considering how the research will be disseminated, the research team should
include all stakeholders that may benefit from these outputs and develop plans to target these
stakeholders. Details such as the journals that will be targeted, technical publica7ons, workshops etc.
should be provided and the ra7onale for their use.
Coordinators are advised to seek advice from their ins7tu7ons’ technical transfer officer on
dissemina7on of sensi7ve informa7on, which may be subject to an intellectual property applica7on.
SECTION 4: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATION
Experience and capability of the research team is one of the criteria on which the proposals are
evaluated. It is necessary to provide sufficient informa7on to convince those who read it that the
project will be well managed and co-ordinated, and that mechanisms for the exchange of
informa7on have been formalised (i.e. team mee7ngs, teleconferences etc.). Obviously, the more
complex the project and the greater the number of collaborators, the greater the need for
formalised, concrete plans. Synergis7c collabora7on is viewed favourably by FIRM.
4.1 MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATION PLAN
The sec7on should outline the project management into that rela7ng to the management of the
collabora7on and the management of the research work. However, as both are intrinsically linked
there is also opportunity to provide graphs and diagrams and flow charts that demonstrate key
responsibili7es, the 7ming of tasks rela7ve to each other and how the various tasks and sub-projects
interact (or stand alone) to achieve the overall objec7ves and outcomes of the research.
4.2 COLLABORATORS 4 PRINCIPAL RESEARCHERS
This sec7on is designed to provide evidence of the capability of the principal researchers to conduct
the research, in terms of both scien7fic exper7se and management skills. This evidence should be
found within the ‘Brief Resumé’ and should include a list of relevant publica7ons (within past five
years only). ‘Project Responsibili7es’ relates to specific responsibili7es within the project including
tasks.
Guidelines for Applications
12
4.3 STAFF RECRUITED TO THE PROJECT
This sec7on is intended to demonstrate both (i) the nature of the staff being recruited (‘Posi7on’
should denote M.Sc./Ph.D./postdoctorate/research assistant/technician etc.) and (ii) their necessity
in terms of the responsibili7es they will hold within the project. The tasks on which they will work
should be included.
4.4 EXISTING RESEARCH FACILITIES
It is assumed that in addi7on to requiring certain items of equipment to conduct the research, that
the ins7tu7on(s) will also be able to make exis7ng equipment and facili7es available to the project.
This is in order to sa7sfy the DAFF condi7on that funding is provided to ins7tu7ons that can
demonstrate a capability for the research, however it also provides evidence in support of the
proposed collabora7ve links, and is part of the compe77ve funding process.
4.5 EXISTING AND RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Evidence should be provided that the area of research you propose to explore is not covered by an
exis7ng restric7ve IP licence. For an IP search database please refer to
h8p://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/ or similar. Please outline, in a concise format, the results of the
search in the applica7on form. Any exis7ng IP in the same research area and held by the
collabora7ng ins7tu7ons, such as patents or licenses, should be described. This will provide a track
record of IP management, and reassure those who read the proposal that the research can be
conducted without conflic7ng with any exis7ng IP, i.e. that the researchers have freedom to operate
in that area.
4.6 EXPLOITATION PLANS
In most cases, there is poten7al for results generated in research projects to be further developed,
regardless of its posi7on on the research con7nuum. This sec7on should demonstrate that applicants
have adequately considered immediate and medium/long-term future plans to exploit and u7lise
results generated. The nature of, and path to exploita7on of the results of the research should be
clear, i.e. it should clearly indicate how the results will be further developed to the next level and
by whom.
It is accepted that not all projects will lead to the development of IP. However, where it may arise,
its proper management is an important considera7on as it is one of the ways in which the public
good of the FIRM/RSF/COFORD programmes can be maximised. Without IP, many of the discoveries
funded by DAFF may never reach the marketplace or benefit society. Researchers should
demonstrate that they have acquainted themselves with the development of IP, what is required in
this respect and where support for this ac7vity may be obtained. Researchers should also ensure that
they have considered the poten7al IP which may arise from their research and how they propose
to manage it. This sec7on may also be used to demonstrate industry interest in the research, as this
may demonstrate poten7al for future commercialisa7on.
In addi7on, the research team should take into account future EU Framework collabora7on and
iden7fy any future involvement in this area.
4.7 RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Research carries a risk of not achieving the an7cipated outcomes or objec7ves for a variety of
reasons. Experience has also shown that the more specula7ve the research the greater the risk of
it failing to be completed within the specified 7me frames of the project. Project management
includes the need to manage such risks. This sec7on should indicate that where such risks exist (Risk
Guidelines for Applications
13
Assessment) that there are alterna7ve approaches to the research that can be pursued in the event
of them occurring (‘Risk Management’). In other words, there should be a ‘Plan B’ should ‘Plan A’
fail to deliver.
SECTION 5: RELEVANT REFERENCES
References that appear in the applica7on should be listed in this sec7on. References should be listed
in alphabe7cal order in the form:
Fewer, D.R., Murphy, O., Cosgrove, J. 2003. Echinococcosis - an interna7onal public health issue.
Research in Veterinary Science 174, 891-902.
In the body of the proposal, the reference should be cited in the form: (Fewer et al. 2003) or ‘….as
stated by Fewer et al. (2003)’.
SECTION 6: BUDGET
Budget details should be completed on the excel file located at www.agriculture.gov.ie/research.
Informa7on on how to complete this file is provided below. When emailing the completed
applica7on, please a8ach both the completed applica7on and the completed budget tables. Sec7on
6.1 includes the excel budget tables, instruc7ons for the comple7on of this file are detailed below
and Sec7on 6.2 provides jus7fica7on for the costs outlined in the budget sheets.
6.1 GUIDELINES WHEN COMPLETING BUDGET DETAILS 7SECTION 6.18 USING THE EXCEL FILE
PROVIDED
Table 1
SUMMARY OF TOTAL GRANT REQUESTED: This is a linked sheet, with formulas
embedded. Therefore, this sheet will fill out automa7cally when data is entered into
the other linked sheets.
Table 2a
CONSOLIDATED BUDGET SHEETS: This is a linked sheet, with formulas embedded.
Therefore, this sheet will fill out automa7cally when data is entered into the other
linked sheets.
Table(s) 2b
INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTE BUDGET SHEETS: Each ins7tute’s budgets must be completed
on an individual worksheet. Each ins7tu7on must input the percentage claim for
overheads in the cell provided (up to 30% or a maximum of 25% in the case of
economic, desk-based research). Totals are automa7cally calculated and are linked
into appropriate summary tables (1 and 2a). All categories must be completed
manually except for (a) ‘overheads’ which is automa7cally calculated and (b) ‘other
financial contribu7ons’ which is linked to Table 3. Please ensure figures for staff and
equipment correspond to figures included in Tables 5 and 6.
Travel and subsistence
Travel and related subsistence costs for personnel may be claimed. These costs must be specifically
related to a project. Rates paid cannot exceed those for the Public Sector and airfares should be
economy class. Travel, subsistence costs may also be claimed for Advisory Group members should
such a group be deemed necessary/appropriate for a project. Honoraria may also be claimed for any
such members who are not Irish Public Servants.
Guidelines for Applications
14
Consumables
Items of consumables acquired for and used on the project may be allowed. All consumables should
be necessary and directly related to the carrying out of the project. A consumable is defined as an
item which is used up/expires/is exhausted over the dura7on of the project. It does not include
items such as laboratory coats, general safety equipment, detergents, etc. – these should be met
through the overheads. Subscrip7ons to scien7fic journals or membership of ins7tutes are not
eligible for funding.
Staff costs
Costs will be allowed for addi7onal staff specifically hired to carry out work on the project including
postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers/contract researchers, research assistants and
research technicians. It excludes permanent staff employed by the ins7tu7ons concerned.
All working 7me charged to the project must be recorded throughout the dura7on of the project.
All staff working on the project must be recorded even if their costs are not being charged to the
project.
The recruitment of postgraduate students is encouraged where the dura7on of the project permits,
and their successful comple7on of the course may be described as a deliverable or outcome of the
project.
Overheads
DAFF will fund up to 30% of the direct costs of scien7fic-type research not including equipment and
subcontrac7ng costs (25% for desk-based socio-economic/policy type analysis).
Other agreed costs
The FIRM/RSF/COFORD Programmes may agree to fund costs, which are relevant to approved
projects and are not covered by the categories cited above.
External assistance may be provided by an ins7tute, consultant or industry only where such a
service/ facility/ exper7se on the Island of Ireland is unavailable or unwilling to be part of the project
consor7um. Where such external assistance is provided it is eligible for 100% of costs for services
rendered. However, as a subcontractor it has no claim to any of the results or Intellectual Property
generated by the project.
Table 3
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: This table must be completed showing
financial contribu7on from industry (e.g. a forestry company) and any other sources
(e.g. a state body) to each individual ins7tute. This does not include FIRM/ RSF/
COFORD contribu7ons. These figures are automa7cally linked to tables in 2b.
Table 4
SUMMARY OF NONKFINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS PBENEFITKINKKINDQ: This table must
be completed showing any non-financial contribu7ons (benefit-in-kind) from industry
(e.g. a forestry company) and any other sources (e.g. a state body) to each individual
ins7tute.
Table 5
DURABLE EQUIPMENT APPROVED FOR PURCHASE: Please list items of equipment that
are proposed to be purchased or leased. It should be clear exactly what the equipment
is, thus the use of brand names is discouraged. The loca7on of the equipment should
Guidelines for Applications
15
be clearly indicated. VAT should be applicable in accordance with the ins7tu7ons
accoun7ng procedures.
The costs of durable equipment to be charged to the project shall be calculated
according to the following formula:
()
A xCxD
B
A = the period in months during which the durable equipment is used for the project a'er invoicing
B = the deprecia7on period for the durable equipment: 36 months for computer equipment or 60
months for other equipment
C = the actual cost of the durable equipment
D =the percentage of usage of the durable equipment for the project.
Leased equipment from external sources is not subject to depreciated calcula7ons
and thus full costs should be included directly in the appropriate rows.
Equipment costs for each ins7tu7on must equate with the corresponding figure in
tables 2b and must be inpu8ed manually.
Table 6
SUMMARY OF STAFFING: All staff working on the project should be listed and the
required informa7on provided under the various headings. Category codes for all staff
must be included as DAFF requires this informa7on for na7onal repor7ng. As regards
permanent staff employed by the Ins7tu7ons and any other staff not paid for by the
Ins7tu7onal Research Grant the cost element alone can be omi8ed but all other
informa7on should be given. All staff costs should be in line with those on
IUA/equivalent scale. DAFF will contribute a maximum of €6,000 towards the annual
cost of postgraduate fees for up to four years (this is reduced accordingly where
ins7tu7ons charge reduced fees in final years). In addi7on DAFF will fund
postgraduate student s7pends at a flat rate of €16,000 per annum for up to four years.
The total costs in this table are calculated automa7cally.
Staff costs for each ins7tu7on must equate with the corresponding figure in tables
2b and must be inpu8ed manually.
6.2 JUSTIFICATION OF COSTS
The cost and value for money of each project is evaluated. This table serves to clarify the basis for
the budgets being requested. Under the budget procedures, there is a certain amount of flexibility
for changes in expenditure across the different budget categories, with the excep7on of equipment
and overheads, whose budget will be fixed.
6.2.1 STAFF: Jus7fy the role, cost and need of each par7cipant in the project (exclude permanent
researchers). Informa7on on the salary scales, point on the salary scale, costs covered by the
salary may be included here.
6.2.2 EQUIPMENT: FIRM provides for equipment of all types, including compu7ng equipment if it
can be shown to be necessary to the project and otherwise unavailable. Each item listed in
the Equipment List should be included in this sec7on.
Guidelines for Applications
16
6.2.3 CONSUMABLES: Consumables may be iden7fied specifically (i.e. petri dishes) or by category
(i.e. microbiological culture consumables). Either way, an indica7on of the amount needed
– which should relate to the informa7on provided in the Task List – their use and jus7fica7on
for their cost is required. Invoices from previous projects may be supplied as suppor7ng
evidence for cost for example. Queries over what may be included as a consumable may be
addressed to DAFF for clarifica7on.
6.2.4 TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE (T&S): The T&S required for the project should be divided in home
and foreign travel. The major conferences to be a8ended, the reasons for a8ending them and
their loca7on should be iden7fied. Other travel – to mee7ngs, to collect samples etc, should
be described.
6.2.5 OTHER AGREED COSTS: A descrip7on of what the ‘other’ budget costs cover, the jus7fica7on
for those costs and their necessity to the project should be supplied.
Guidelines for Applications
17