Chemical Sciences
Call for proposals
ECHO and TOP grants
2017: updated version
The Hague, October 2016
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
Contents
1
2
3
4
5
Introduction
1
1.1
Background
1
1.2
Available budget
2
1.3
Validity of the call for proposals
Aim
Guidelines for applicants
2
3
4
3.1
Who can apply
4
3.2
What can be applied for
5
3.3
When can applications be submitted
5
3.4
Preparing an application
6
3.5
Specific conditions
7
3.6
Submitting an application
4.1
Procedure
4.2
Criteria
5.1
Contact
13
5.2
Other information
13
Assessment procedure
Contact details and other information
9
10
10
11
13
1
Chapter 1: Introduction / ECHO and TOP grants
1 Introduction
1.1
Background
This brochure contains information about the submission of research
proposals for non-subject specific, curiosity-driven molecular research at
the NWO Division for Chemical Sciences 1 (CW). CW has several types of
grants for this purpose, i.e. ECHO and TOP grants, that can be applied for in
open competition.
CW promotes research in the following three main research areas. This classification
in main research areas is also used within the TOP/ECHO competition:
1.
Chemistry of Life
Understanding the natural world, the development of new medicines, molecular
studies of the human body and cellular processes in living organisms in general, and
more recently the use and change of biological processes and biomimicry are
established fields within chemical research. Researchers in biochemistry, structure
analysis, large areas of the organic chemistry and certain aspects of analytical and
macromolecular chemistry find their challenges in this main research area.
2.
Chemistry of Materials
Research in this main research area is focused on the development of new classes of
materials using nanotechnology, self-assembly. Also gaining insight into the atomic
and macroscopic behaviour of materials with new theoretical and spectroscopic
techniques falls within this main research area. Development of advanced
biodegradable and bio-based materials with specific properties and research that
increases the understanding and control of complex forms of matter are other
challenges that are addressed within this main research area. are composed of
individual entities. Interactions between entities (molecules, cells) of complex
organic, inorganic and hybrid systems lead to new features through self-organization
on a larger scale in space and/or time. Researchers in physical chemistry, polymer
chemistry, the chemistry of solids and materials science, parts of organic chemistry
and spectroscopy and theory, as well as soft matter chemistry recognize themselves
in this main research area.
3.
Chemical Conversion
Using raw materials and energy as efficiently as possible, the development of new
technologies for producing chemical products, the analysis of these in the most
modern manner using new insights from biology and materials science, and
providing guarantees for a more sustainable society, characterise the chemistry in
this main research area. Biotechnology and process-on-a-chip are just two examples
of great importance for the process technology field; catalysis aims to find the
highest atomic efficiency and stability in a chemical process. Researchers in process
technology, catalysis and aspects of organic, polymer and analytical chemistry fall
within this main research area.
1
It is expected that NWO will adopt a new organizational structure in 2017 - Chemical Sciences will
merge into the domain Exact and Natural Sciences (ENS) and the Chemical Sciences Division Board
will be succeeded by the Domain Board ENS.
2
Chapter 1: Introduction / ECHO and TOP grants
1.2
Available budget
For the TOP/ECHO call 2017, the total budget available for granting of TOP and
ECHO proposals is approximately M€ 7,1. Approximately twenty percent (20%) of
the applications will be granted within this TOP/ECHO call as long as sufficient funds
are available. Only research proposals of sufficient quality are eligible for funding.
1.3
Validity of the call for proposals
Applications for ECHO and TOP grants can be submitted continuously until December
31, 2017.
When the funds available have been exhausted before December 31, 2017, this
application round will be closed earlier. On the website http://www.nwo.nl/overnwo/organisatie/nwo-onderdelen/cw/vrije+competitie the amount of funds still
available will be posted. This website will be updated regularly. Any application
submitted after it is announced on this website that the call is closed for
applications, will be declared ineligible.
3
Chapter 2: Aim / ECHO and TOP grants
2 Aim
ECHO grants
ECHO grants are awards of a maximum of € 260,000 intended for Excellent
Chemical Research. These grants offer the opportunity to carry out high-quality,
curiosity-driven research in molecular biochemistry, chemistry or chemical
technology. This allows creative and daring ideas to be pursued, the seeds of future
research themes to be sown and/or scientific innovations to be realised. The funding
can be used for personnel, consumables and equipment.
TOP grants
TOP grants are awards of a maximum of € 780,000 intended for established, top
research groups in (bio)chemistry and chemical technology with a proven
outstanding track record. An excellent track record and excellent scientific results
obtained by the group in the past form important criteria in the assessment of the
TOP applications. TOP grants give these top-research groups the opportunity and
freedom to strengthen and/or extend excellent, challenging and innovative lines of
research. The funding can be used during the award period (maximum 6 years) for
personnel, consumables and equipment. At present there are 45 current TOP grants
from previous funding rounds. With the Top grants CW wants to provide continuity
for excellent and innovative research.
4
Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants
3 Guidelines for applicants
3.1
Who can apply
All (additional) conditions and criteria below apply to the main applicants as well as
to all co-applicants.
Conditions/criteria:
Full professors, associate professors and assistant professors as well as other
researchers holding a similar position can apply if they:
−
are employed at a Dutch University or a research institute acknowledged by
NWO 2 (i.e. are appointed at a paid position) and
−
have at least a master’s degree in science or engineering or an equivalent
qualification and
−
have an employment contract (paid position) for at least the duration of the
application procedure and the duration of the research the grant is applied for.
Exceptions to the required employment duration can be made:
−
For main applicants holding a ‘tenure track’ position that covers at least half the
duration required. The applicants need prove by means of a letter that adequate
supervision of all researchers for whom funding is applied for, can be guaranteed
for the full duration of the grant.
−
For co-applicants if the applicants prove by means of a letter that adequate
supervision of all researchers for whom funding is applied for, can be guaranteed
for the full duration of the grant.
Additional conditions/criteria:
−
A researcher may (co-)submit only an application when he/she has submitted no
other application in the NWO-CW Open Competition (i.e. TOP, ECHO and TOPPUNT) or the NWO-VI Vidi/Vici rounds that is still being assessed.
−
Researchers who satisfy the submission criteria for the Innovational Research
Incentive Scheme Veni or Vidi as described in the Innovational Research
Incentive Scheme brochure (see http://www.nwo.nl/vernieuwingsimpuls) or
researchers who are executing a Veni grant are not allowed to apply for a
regular TOP or ECHO grant.
−
Current NWO Vernieuwingsimpuls and NWO-CW open competition grants should
be completely committed, in other words all positions for personnel provided for
in NWO Vernieuwingsimpuls (Veni, Vidi, Vici) and NWO-CW grants (TOP/TOPPUNT/ECHO/ECHO-STIP) awarded more than 6 months prior to submission of
the current TOP or ECHO proposal, should all have been appointed before a
regular TOP or ECHO grant application can be submitted to CW.
−
To be eligible for a TOP grant, the applicant must belong to one of the top
research groups in the Netherlands for biochemistry/chemistry/chemical
technology. Only one TOP grant application can be submitted per research
group; a research group is defined as researchers who have published 50% or
more together in the past three years. An individual intending to submit an
application, should inform the other members of the research group.
−
Research groups which have been awarded a TOP grant in one of the previous
three years (2014-2016) by one of the divisions of NWO cannot submit a TOP
2
See NWO Regulation on Granting http://www.nwo.nl/subsidieregeling
5
Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants
grant application to CW. A CW-TOP grant application that is being considered in
the current round, is expelled from the procedure when one of the divisions of
NWO awards the research group concerned a TOP grant in the meantime.
The representation and advancement of women in science is far behind that of men,
especially in the natural sciences. Women are particularly encouraged to submit
proposals.
3.2
What can be applied for
−
The maximum budget for a TOP grant is € 780,000 and for an ECHO grant
€ 260,000.
−
The TOP and ECHO grants should be used at least partially to create temporary
research positions (PhDs, post-docs) – at least one temporary research position
for a minimum of two years should be included in the proposal. NOTE: a
research position for a PhD student is always four years.
Additionally, one can apply for budget for consumables, additional travel costs,
data management costs and equipment related to the research proposal. This
involves expenses directly related to the aims described in the application.
−
The grants are paid once per year over the duration of the grant. Personnel
costs are subsidised in accordance with the most recent ‘Agreement on
Employers’ responsibilities NWO - VSNU’. The agreement and maximum
subsidised personnel costs can be found here:
http://www.nwo.nl/akkoordbekostiging and www.nwo.nl/salaristabellen). A
personal bench fee is granted for every PhD student or postdoc for (partial)
coverage of for example travel costs or printing costs of the PhD thesis. The
maximum amounts (including a bench fee for among others travel and
promotion costs): PhD student (4 yr) – k€ 214, postdoc 1 yr – k€ 73, postdoc 2
yr – k€ 142, postdoc 3 yr – k€ 212.
3.3
When can applications be submitted
Applications can be submitted at any time between the publicationd of this call and
December 31, 2017. There are no deadlines.
The CW office processes application in order of arrival. If your application is declared
admissible CW strives to inform you within 5 months about the award or rejection of
your proposal. During this period you will receive the reviewers comments for your
reaction.
An application you have submitted cannot be modified during the processing. You do
have the right to withdraw your proposal.
6
Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants
3.4
Preparing an application
Your ECHO or TOP grant application has two parts: a factsheet and the application
form.
−
Complete the fact sheet directly in NWO’s electronic application system ISAAC
(www.ISAAC.nwo.nl). The online factsheet must be completed using ASCII
symbols only (plain text). It is not possible to use formulae, italics, figures
etcetera. These may, however, be used in the research proposal.
−
Please note that it is compulsory to fill out the main research field that
corresponds to the subject of your research proposal. You can do so in the
ISAAC factsheet on the tab “General Information” (Algemeen) section
”Research fields” (Disciplines) before submitting the proposal. If applicable
you can also select other relevant fields of research. The research fields have
no relation to the NWO science divisions. You can only refer to the
descriptions and codes from the NWO research field list. You find the list at
www.nwo.nl/researchfields.
−
Use the correct application form for the drafting of your proposal. The forms
and guidelines can be downloaded from the CW website (www.nwo.nl/cw/top
or www.nwo.nl/echo) or in NWO’s electronic application system ISAAC. The
guidelines to the grant application form and the referee suggestions can also
be found in the annexes of this call (chapter 6).
−
Applications should be completed in English.
ATTENTION
−
Initially, referees are invited by providing the English scientific summary
submitted via the factsheet in ISAAC. Therefore, this summary should cover
all key aspects of the application.
−
It is not allowed to attach additional information to the application (e.g. an
annexe with results, manuscripts, support letters etcetera).
−
You should be aware that the summary for non-specialists can be used for
publication purposes (for example on the internet), if your application is
granted.
Referees
It is compulsory to suggest potential referees with a non-Dutch affiliation for your
application. Use the factsheet in ISAAC to deliver your 5 suggestions. Only
independent 3 referees are eligible for reviewing. Please do not put forward the name
of anyone with whom you have collaborated in the past three years, are currently
collaborating, or plan to collaborate. This applies not exclusively to co-authors but
also to other forms of collaboration. The referees suggested should not be working in
the Netherlands.
The boards of the CW study teams will be requested to assess your suggestions and
to complete the list. A number of the referees suggested will be approached. Experts
other than those suggested by the applicant will also be approached as referees.
3
The NWO Code of Conduct on Conflicts of Interest can be found on the NWO website:
http://www.nwo.nl/en/documents/nwo/legal/nwo-code-of-conduct-on-conflicts-of-interest.
7
Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants
Non-referees
If you want CW to exclude certain researchers as referee for your proposal, please
use the factsheet in ISAAC to inform CW. You can submit a maximum of three nonreferees. Members of the accredited board 4 cannot be excluded.
3.5
Conditions on granting
3.5.1
General conditions
The NWO Regulation on Granting and the Agreement on the Payment of Costs for
Scientific Research apply to all applications.
Open Access
All scientific publications resulting from research that is funded by grants derived
from this call for proposals are to be immediately (at the time of publication) freely
accessible worldwide (Open Access). There are several ways for researchers to
publish Open Access. A detailed explanation regarding Open Access can be found on
www.nwo.nl/openscience-en.
Data management
Responsible data management is part of good research. NWO wants research data
that emerge from publicly funded research to become freely and sustainably
available, as much as possible, for reuse by other researchers. Furthermore NWO
wants to raise awareness among researchers about the importance of responsible
data management. Proposals should therefore satisfy the data management
protocol of NWO. This protocol consists of two steps:
1. Data management section
The data management section is part of the research proposal. Researchers should
answer four questions about data management within their intended research
project. Therefore before the research starts the researcher will be asked to think
about how the data collected must be ordered and categorised so that it can be
made freely available. Measures will often need to be taken during the production
and analysis of the data to make their later storage and dissemination possible.
Researchers can state which research data they consider to be relevant for storage
and reuse.
2. Data management plan
After a proposal has been awarded funding the researcher should elaborate the data
management section into a data management plan. The plan should be submitted
to NWO via ISAAC within a maximum of 4 months after the proposal has been
awarded funding. NWO will approve the plan as quickly as possible. Approval of the
data management plan by NWO is a condition for disbursement of the funding. The
plan can be adjusted during the research.
4
In 2017 NWO will have new organizational structure with a central Board and four Domain Boards.
(http://www.nwo.nl/en/news-and-events/news/2015/contours-new-nwo-announced.html). Once it
is formally known what the “accredited board” for this call is, this will be published on the grants
page.
8
Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants
Further information about the data management protocol of NWO can be found at
www.nwo.nl/datamanagement.
Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol became effective on 12 October 2014 and ensures an honest
and reasonable distribution of benefits emerging from the use of genetic resources
(Access and Benefit Sharing; ABS). Researchers who make use of genetic sources
from the Netherlands or abroad for their research should familiarise themselves
with the Nagoya Protocol (www.absfocalpoint.nl). NWO assumes that researchers
will take all necessary actions with respect to the Nagoya Protocol.
Ethical aspects
Research proposals that can elicit ethical questions must be considered carefully
before the research starts. For certain research projects, a statement of approval is
needed from the recognised medical ethics review committee (MERC) or animal
experiments committee (DEC). In addition, for certain research proposals a licence is
needed in accordance with the Population Screening Act (WBO). Further information
about the medical ethics review committees is available from the Central Committee
on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO). Information about the DECs can be
obtained from the Dutch Association of Animal Experiment Committees and
information about the WBO can be obtained, for example, from the Health Council of
the Netherlands.
An applicant is responsible for checking whether his/her research proposal can elicit
ethical questions and, if applicable, for obtaining a statement of approval from the
appropriate ethics committee and/or obtaining a licence in accordance with the
WBO, or from similar organisations.
NWO subscribes to the Animal Experiments Openness Code and the Code of Conduct
for Biosecurity. Applicants should subscribe to and comply with the existing codes.
A research project can only start if NWO (if applicable) has received a copy of the
ethical statement of approval and/or WBO licence. NWO expects that the candidates
take into account the timetable of the selection procedure and the time that is
needed for the assessment by an ethical committee or the application for a WBO
licence. For complex questions about ethical issues NWO reserves the right to
consult an external advisor.
If after consulting with the applicant NWO is of the opinion that an ethical
assessment is needed for an application then the applicant is nonetheless required
take measures for an assessment by an ethics committee. If the necessary
statement of approval from the ethics committee is not obtained then the funding
will be withdrawn. If applicants have any questions then they can contact the central
coordinator, see Section 5.1 for details.
9
Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants
3.5.2
Specific conditions
These are some of the specific conditions 5 that apply to ECHO and TOP grants
awarded by NWO Chemical Sciences:
−
The research must have started within six months after awarding of the grant.
If this is not the case then NWO reserves the right to take appropriate
measures.
−
An ECHO grant has a maximum duration of 5 years and a TOP grant has a
maximum duration of six years. If the research funded is not completed
within this period, NWO reserves the right to take appropriate measures.
−
The project leader should inform NWO Chemical Sciences about any
substantial deviations from the original research plan of awarded proposal. In
the granting letter and/or the approved budget, the awarded grant is
regarded as a maximum. In accordance with the NWO Regulation on Granting
changes to the research plan and/or the budget require the consent of the
NWO. Consent in advance is required for substantial changes to the research
plans and budget shifts between the main cost items (i.e. between personnel
and material/investment costs); budget shifts compared to the approved
budget within main cost items, you need to justify in the ( progress and) final
report.
−
The NWO Regulation on Granting applies insofar as it does not deviate from
the specific conditions for TOP and ECHO grants stated above or this call for
proposals for ECHO and TOP grants.
3.6
Submitting an application
An application can only be submitted to NWO via the online application system
ISAAC. Applications not submitted via ISAAC will not be considered. A principal
applicant must submit his/her application via his/her own ISAAC account. If the
principal applicant does not have an ISAAC account yet, then this should be created
at least one day before the application is submitted to ensure that any registration
problems can be resolved on time. If the principal applicant already has an NWOaccount, then he/she does not need to create a new account to submit an
application.
When you submit your application to ISAAC you need to enter several additional
details online. Make sure you allow enough time for this.
For technical questions please contact the ISAAC helpdesk, see Section 5.1.2.
5
All specific conditions that apply to TOP and ECHO grants can be found on the NWO-CW website:
http://www.nwo.nl/en/research-and-results/programmes/top+grants/top+grants+chemical+sciences.
10
Chapter 4: Assessment procedure / ECHO and TOP grants
4 Assessment procedure
4.1
Procedure
General
The NWO Code of Conduct on Conflicts of Interest applies to all persons and NWO
staff involved in the assessment and/or decision-making process. See:
http://www.nwo.nl/gedragscode.
The general terms and conditions of NWO grants specify that all NWO-funded
research is to be conducted in accordance with the nationally and internationally
accepted standards of conduct laid down in the Netherlands Code of Conduct for
Scientific Practice 2012 (VSNU). More information about the NWO policy scientific
integrity can be found on the website: www.nwo.nl/integriteit.
With effect from 1 January 2012 NWO uses a new qualification for applications
assessed. Information about the qualification can be found on the NWO website:
http://www.nwo.nl/kwalificaties.
Eligibility
The accredited board 6 assesses the suitability of the applications within CW at the
start of the procedure (a description of the CW main research areas can be found in
section 1 of this call for proposals – a proposal must fit in at least one of the main
research areas). Applications that are assessed as not sufficiently suited, are
excluded from the assessment procedure. In addition, NWO determines the
admissibility of the application. This is done using the conditions/criteria stated in
Chapter 3 of this call for proposals. Only applications that meet all conditions/criteria
can be taken into consideration. The main applicant will be informed of this decision
by means of a letter.
If your application is declared admissible CW strives to inform you within 5 months
about the award or rejection of your proposal.
Referees
All applications will be submitted to external consultants, called referees. They are
asked to assess the applications for the criteria set out in section 4.2 of this call for
proposals. Referees are experts in the field of applicants who write the referees
report which they appoint the strengths and weaknesses of the application.
Applicants will be given the opportunity to respond to the referees' reports in writing
with a rebuttal.
It is compulsory to suggest potential referees for the application with a non-Dutch
affiliation. Further explanation regarding the suggestion of referees can be found in
paragraph 3.4.
6
In 2017 NWO will have new organizational structure with a central Board and four Domain Boards.
(http://www.nwo.nl/en/news-and-events/news/2015/contours-new-nwo-announced.html). Once it
is formally known what the “accredited board” for this call is, this will be published on the grants
page.
11
Chapter 4: Assessment procedure / ECHO and TOP grants
Assessment committee
Depending on the number of applications received TOP and ECHO proposals will be
prioritized in one or more assessment committees. When working with one
assessment committee, this committee will be composed of members representing a
chemistry wide expertise. When working with multiple assessment committees,
proposals will be subdivided according to the NWO CW main research areas:
Chemistry of Life; Chemistry of Materials and Chemical Conversion. A description of
these main research areas can be found in section 1.1.
The candidates for these committees will be nominated by the boards of the study
groups. The accredited board will appoint suitable committees drawn from the pool
of candidates. During this procedure every effort will be taken to ensure that the
committee members have as large a level of independence and expertise as
possible. The composition of the assessment committees in the 2015 round are
available on the website. The composition of the assessment committees in the 2016
round will be posted on the website directly after this round is concluded.
It is the task of the committees to make its own independent assessment of the
applications submitted on the basis of the application, the referees' reports and the
rebuttal. The referees' reports are a very important 'guideline' for the final
assessment, but the referees opinion does not have to be fully endorsed by the
assessment committee. The evaluation committee will consider the arguments of the
different referees and checks whether the rebuttal formulates a good response to
criticisms from the referees' reports. Moreover, the evaluation committee has, unlike
the referees, an overview of the quality of the other applications and rebuttals.
The evaluation committees advise the accredited board of the quality of the research
proposals.
Final decision
The accredited board makes the final decisions about which proposals to grant within
the three main research areas, based on the ranking/advice of the assessment
committees. The distribution of the funds between the three main research areas is
not fixed in advance nor is the number of TOP and ECHO grants to be awarded; the
board reaches a decision about this based on the findings of the assessment
committees.
Approximately twenty percent (20%) of the applications will be granted within this
TOP/ECHO call as long as sufficient funds are available. Only research proposals of
sufficient quality are eligible for funding.
4.2
Criteria
The following assessment criteria apply to both TOP applications and ECHO
applications:
1. Scientific quality of the research proposal in terms of approach, methods,
feasibility, infrastructure, international position and long-term importance for the
research area.
2. Innovative character, in terms of originality of the research problem,
molecular/chemical challenge and the approach chosen.
3. Knowledge utilisation, in terms of the potential use and relevance of the
knowledge generated beyond your field(s) of research or beyond the academic
world (economical, technical, societal or cultural).
12
Chapter 4: Assessment procedure / ECHO and TOP grants
For the TOP applications an extra criterion applies:
4. Past performance / track record of the applicant(s); this can include: scientific
achievements to date, results from previous TOP grants, quality and embedding
of the group(s), publications, grants obtained, forms of recognition, Centre for
Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) analyses, Association of Dutch
Universities (VSNU) research assessment exercises, etcetera.
The criteria are weighed as follows:
ECHO applications
Scientific quality (criterion 1) and innovative character (criterion 2) weigh equally,
each contributing 45% to the total score. Knowledge utilisation (criterion 3)
accounts for the remaining 10%.
TOP applications
Scientific quality (criterion 1), innovative character (criterion 2) and past
performance (criterion 4) weigh equally, each accounting for 30% of the total score.
Knowledge utilisation (criterion 3) accounts for the remaining 10%.
13
Chapter 5: Contact details and other information / ECHO and TOP grants
5 Contact details and other
information
5.1
Contact
5.1.1
Specific questions
For specific questions about ECHO and TOP grants and this call for proposals please
contact:
Dr A.B. (Arlette) Werner, phone +31 (0)70 3494586, email: [email protected].
5.1.2
Technical questions about the electronic application system ISAAC
For technical questions about the use of ISAAC please contact the ISAAC helpdesk.
Please read the manual first before consulting the helpdesk. The ISAAC helpdesk can
be contacted from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 17:00 hours CET on +31
(0)20-3467179. You can also submit your question by e-mail to
[email protected]. You will then receive an answer within two working days.
5.1.3
NWO Objections Committee
There is an appeals procedure for the submission of formal objections against
decisions taken within the framework of this programme. After the submission of an
eligible appeal the candidate is invited to a hearing of the NWO Objections
Committee. Further information about the appeal and objection procedure can be
obtained from the secretariat of the NWO Objections Committee, Ms C. Hansildaar,
+31 70 344 0807, e-mail: [email protected].
5.2
Other information
A Dutch version of this Call is available on the CW website (www.nwo.nl/cw/top or
www.nwo.nl/echo).
The Dutch version of the Call for proposals “ECHO- en TOP-subsidies 2017”
supersedes the English translation. No rights can be derived from the English
translation.
Published by:
Netherlands Organisation
for Scientific Research
Visiting address:
Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 300
2593 CE The Hague
The Netherlands
November 2015