MERLION Programme 2017

Transcription

1 MERLION Programme 2017 CALL FOR JOINT FRANCO-SINGAPOREAN RESEARCH PROJECTS Contents: 1. General Framework and aim of Merlion programme Financial support Eligibility Evaluation Application Deadline Contacts... 12

2 1. General Framework and aim of Merlion programme Partners involved This call for proposals 1 is jointly launched by the Institut Français de Singapour (IFS)/ French Embassy, and the following Singaporean partners: - Four Singaporean universities : National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), - the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Purpose and Principles This call and the subsequent support for the selected projects aim to create or strengthen existing scientific co-operation between France and Singapore. Submitted projects must be joint research projects involving a French and a Singaporean partner. Therefore, the aim of this twelfth call for proposals is: To provide support for joint scientific and technological projects, To enable scientists to meet and discuss on future collaborative projects, To encourage the creation of research laboratories jointly run by France and Singapore, such as BMC3 2, CINTRA 3, IPAL 4, MajuLab 5, SONDRA 6, the creation of startups and facilitating technology transfer. This programme is based on the following principles: Transparency: open and clear procedures for the call for proposals and candidates, Scientific evaluation of the proposals by experts in their respective fields, Flexibility and simplicity, Visibility of the joint cooperative activities between the French and Singaporean parties, Co-funding between the French and Singaporean partners. A grant to support mobility for joint research projects or workshops The programme is co-funded by the Singaporean partner institution and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEDI). The support given is not intended for the research work itself but will instead be used in the implementation of international cooperation such as exchanges and travels. Therefore, the support is mainly for logistical purposes and can take the three forms as detailed in part 2. 1 Merlion is part of the PHC programmes (Partenariats Hubert Curien), cooperative joint research programmes in science supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local institutions. The Singapore Ministry of Education described, in 2007, the Merlion initiative as one that facilitates international collaboration for researchers in Singaporean universities and research institutes ( ) and that will broaden the training of Ph.D students through overseas attachments. 2 BioMechanics of Cell-Cell Contact, joint laboratory based in Singapore between CNRS and NUS. 3 CNRS International NTU Thales Research Alliance is a joint research laboratory based in Singapore between CNRS, NTU and the French company Thalès. 4 Image & Pervasive Access Lab, a joint laboratory based in Singapore between CNRS, University Joseph Fourier, Institut Télécom, Pierre et Marie Curie University, NUS and A*STAR. 5 MajuLab is a joint laboratory based in Singapore between CNRS, NUS and NTU. 6 Supélec, ONERA, NUS, DSO Research Alliance is a joint research laboratory involving ONERA, Supélec, NUS and DSO, based in France. Page 2 of 12

3 2. Financial support You may apply for 3 different grants: 1. Merlion Project 2. Merlion Workshop 3. Merlion Ph.D Applications for more than one grant are allowed. 1. Merlion Project The maximum total amount allocated to projects is 30,000 over 2 years. As Merlion is based on the principle of co-financing, both IFS and the Singaporean partner institution for the selected projects each agree to provide up to 7,500 per annum per project. The financial support from the Singaporean side has to be equivalent to the French financial support. The actual financial support given may vary according to the type and importance of the activities carried out, and the overall budget set aside based on annually budget availabilities. IFS and the Singaporean institution involved in the project agree to allocate funds for at least one stay to France or Singapore each year. But please note that IFS and the Singaporean partners are sovereign to decide the final amount actually allocated to each project each year, even if the maximal amount theoretically available, i.e., 7,500, has not been fully used. The financial participation of an industrial partner is strongly encouraged. The financial support from the Merlion Project can take three forms: 1. Missions to France for Singapore-based scientists 7, 2. Missions to Singapore for France-based scientists, 3. Missions up to 3 months for doctoral or post-doctoral scientists. The financial support may cover expenses for a trip from/to a country other than France or Singapore in exceptional cases (e.g. before leaving for France, the Singapore-based researcher may go to another European country in the present framework of his / her Merlion project for a conference). IFS and the Singaporean partners reserve the right to decide whether or not to cover such a travel. Collaborations with NUS and NTU: - IFS will finance the travel from Singapore to France of a Singapore-based scientist and his / her daily allowance (per-diem) of up to 10 days. - IFS will finance the travel from Singapore to France of a Singapore-based doctoral or postdoctoral scientist and offer him / her a scholarship (monthly allowance 8 ). - NUS andntu will finance the travel from France to Singapore of a France-based scientist and his / her daily allowance (per-diem) of up to 10 days. - NUS and NTU will finance the travel from France to Singapore of a France-based doctoral or post-doctoral scientist and offer him / her a scholarship (monthly allowance). Collaborations with A*STAR, SMU and SUTD: - IFS will finance the travel from France to Singapore of a France-based scientist and his / her daily allowance (per-diem) up to 10 days. - A*STAR, SMU and SUTD will finance the travel from Singapore to France of a Singapore-based scientist and his / her daily allowance (per-diem) of up to 10 days. 7 The scientists have to be affiliated to a Singaporean partner institution 8 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishes each year scholarship rates according to the scientist s level. Page 3 of 12

4 You may have any number of missions and scholarships within the calendar year provided the total amount does not exceed 7,500 per year. If either a Singapore-based or France-based company is involved in a project, the Merlion funding will cover the travel expenses for its Ph.D students and post-docs only, following the conditions previously explained. Travel expenses which will not have been declared and/or not have been claimed before the annually budget closure will not be covered. The submission of an annual progress report and a final report is mandatory. The annual report will briefly explain the results and the progresses obtained on the first year, the perspectives for the second year, and the full budget plan, including the estimated number of trips for the second year. IFS and the Singaporean partners reserve the right to fund or not the second year of a given Merlion project depending on this first annual report. The final report will summarize the results obtained, the benefits of the collaboration, the perspectives and a final budget report. Important: Projects are funded on an annual basis. The continuation of funding for the second year will be subject to: the submission of a progress report for the year just ended, the submission of an estimation of the number of trips to be undertaken for the coming year, the completion of at least one travel from each side, an equitable use of the funding and an equal number of travels by each partner. 2. Merlion Workshop A Franco-Singaporean project can also take the form of a workshop involving senior or junior researchers, Ph.D students, post-docs, etc from both countries. Speakers from others countries can be invited. The objective of the workshop is to strengthen bilateral research ties through the development of new partnerships between the two countries. The workshop can take place in either France or Singapore, in The estimated budget has to clearly state all the expenses and revenue from all the sponsors (IFS, Singaporean partner, private companies, foundations, other institutions, etc ). The total funding is to be divided and not restricted to the IFS and the Singaporean partner. Those two partners should fund at a balanced level and the total amount cannot exceed 30,000. This is a one-time grant for logistical expenses directly linked to the organisation of the workshop. The amount 9 allocated to the selected project will be discussed before the workshop. A final report will have to be submitted. The financial participation of an industrial partner is strongly encouraged. 9 The whole budget has to be approved by IFS and the Singaporean partner prior to the workshop and any expenditure. Expenses which are allowed to be claimed are: Travel Support (Airfare, per diem, accommodation), Local domestic travel (i.e., to and from venue), Conference meals, Conference-related consumables, Printing charges, Communication expenses, Honorarium (for distinguished presenters). Anything out of the list has to be approved by both IFS and the Singapore partner. Page 4 of 12

5 3. Merlion Ph.D The Merlion Ph.D is designed to attract high-calibre Ph.D candidates between France and Singapore. Successful candidates will do their thesis both in France and Singapore. Thus, the research project must be jointly defined and agreed upon by both French and Singaporean partners along with the student. The two Ph.D supervisors (one based in France and the other in Singapore) must be clearly identified and the periods of stay in France or Singapore for the research project detailed precisely. 1/ Singapore to France The eligible candidate 10, whose first attachment is in a Singaporean institution, has to be in his / her second year of Ph.D studies (after master validation) at the start of the grant, and has to be involved in a Franco-Singaporean research project of which the subject area is in accordance with the scientific priorities of both partners. This grant provides complementary funding that enables the Ph.D candidate to spend up to 18 months over a 3-year period, up to 6 months per year, in France. Singapore-based candidates who possess a grant or a scholarship from any Singaporean institution are eligible to apply for the Merlion Ph.D grant and may accumulate several funding sources. For each stay in France (one per year, to be approved annually by IFS based on budget availabilities), the Ph.D student will receive: - one return air ticket, - a monthly allowance 11, - free visa, - help to find accommodation, - a medical and civil liability coverage. The submission of an annual progress report and a final report is required. Important: The proposal must be a joint submission by the French and Singaporean supervisors and the candidate. Applications by individual candidates will not be accepted. The Ph.D student must already be identified and about to start his/her second (up to four) year of doctoral studies. If accepted, no substitution of candidate is allowed. The first stay in France has to take place in / France to Singapore The eligible candidate, whose first attachment is in a French institution, has to be involved in a Franco- Singaporean research project of which the subject area is in accordance with the scientific priorities of both partners, at the start of the grant. SUTD Supervisor, will provide equivalent level of support than the IFS Merlion Ph.D funding scheme reserved to Singaporean Ph.D (subject to funding availability and candidates relevant expertise). Thus, this grant will provide complementary funding that enables the Ph.D candidate to spend up to 18 months over a 3-year period, up to 6 months per year, in Singapore. 10 French Ph.D student are not eligible to this Merlion grant. 11 The amount of the monthly allowance was 767 Euros in The monthly allowance will be received only during the stay in France. Page 5 of 12

6 Funding scheme summary To summarize, the funding scheme is as follows: Merlion Project Missions for Francebased scientists visiting Singapore Missions for Singaporebased scientists 12 visiting France Missions up to 3 months for doctoral and post - doctoral scientists Institut Français de Singapour - Transportation + Daily allowance (up to 10 days) Transportation + Monthly allowance to Singapore-based Ph.D or post-doctoral scientists while in France + insurance 13 NUS / NTU Transportation + accommodation + per-diem (up to 10 days) - Transportation + Monthly allowance to France-based Ph.D or post-doctoral scientists while in Singapore Merlion Project Missions for Francebased scientists visiting Singapore Missions for Singapore - based scientists visiting France Institut Français de Singapour Transportation + Daily allowance (up to 10 days) - A*STAR /SMU / SUTD - Transportation + accommodation + per-diem (up to 10 days) Institut Français de Singapour Singaporean partner Merlion Workshop Logistical expenses The funding will not exceed 30,000, with a balanced funding between IFS and the Singaporean partner. Merlion Ph.D The Student from a Singaporean Institution will travel to France The Student from a French Institution will travel to Singapore Institut Français de Singapour Transportation + Monthly allowance + Insurance - SUTD - Transportation + Monthly allowance + Insurance 12 The scientists have to be affiliated to a Singaporean partner institution. 13 Medical and social security coverage Page 6 of 12

7 Intellectual Property under the Merlion programme It belongs to the researchers, including project managers, to take all necessary measures to ensure the effective protection and the correct allocation of intellectual property resulting from the realization of joint projects. If no agreement is signed by both teams, the rules stated in the PHC Merlion IP, Guideline of Good Practices 14 document are sovereign. The publications and products that result thanks to the Merlion programme must mention the support of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Merlion programme. 14 PHC Merlion IP, Guideline of Good Practices, available here: IP-Guideline-of-Good-Practices.pdf Page 7 of 12

8 3. Eligibility Eligibility criteria Each submitted projects have to follow the below rules to be eligible. Deadlines must be strictly adhered to, The research project must be a joint collaboration between at least one Singaporean and one French institution, All public and private universities and laboratories are eligible: the research may be conducted in and led by, either public or private research institutes (e.g. universities, EPIC, EPST in France) or by the private company-partner, or by more than one party, French and Singaporean supervisors must have the support and the agreement from their respective institutions The submission of a project proposal must be made jointly by both the French and Singaporean supervisors: one sent to merlion@institutfrancais.sg with all requested documents and both PIs in copy. Scientific topics Applications are open in all research areas of: 1. Mathematics 2. Physics 3. Engineering 4. Earth Sciences and Astronomy 5. Chemistry 6. Biology, Medicine and Health 7. Information and Communication Technologies 8. Agronomy, Animal and Plant Production, Food 9. Economics and Business 10. Human and Social Sciences Criteria The criteria for project selection are listed below: Projects that have not already received funding under the Merlion programme. A financial commitment from the French and Singaporean research/academic institutions Workshop projects with an objective to creating new collaborations Participation of Ph.D students in the joint research project Participation of an industrial partner: the partnership must be a trilateral collaboration involving a France-based or a Singapore-based industry partner, and a French and a Singaporean research/academic organization (this is not a necessary criterion but preference would be given to trilateral partnerships). Page 8 of 12

9 4. Evaluation Projects will be evaluated and selected by the relevant Singaporean institutions and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research 15. Each project will be evaluated by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research according to the following main criteria: Scientific quality, Relevant expertise of both the French and Singaporean teams involved, Interest, complementarities and level of co-operation, Involvement of junior scientists and/or Ph.D students, Potential (technology transfer, scientific and/or economic benefits). A credible post-merlion programme co-operation and funding plan. At the same time, each project will be evaluated by the relevant institution in Singapore. A steering committee would then meet to make the final selection. As 2018 has been declared the France-Singapore Year of Innovation, workshop could be more represented in the final selection this year. 15 For the French part, the applications are reviewed by the International Mission of Experts (MEI) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) Page 9 of 12

10 5. Application The application has to be a joint effort by both the French and Singaporean partners. By making a joint application, both parties implicitly agree to co-funding of their joint project. Procedure: - Application forms are available on the website: - Download the word document related to the Merlion version you want to apply to, - Fill out the form with your French or Singaporean partner (one form by project), - Get the approval from the Singaporean institution, - Send the application (word version) to merlion@institutfrancais.sg in one and both PIs in copy with the object: Merlion Project or Ph.D or Workshop Singaporean Institution name - French Institution name - Name of supervisor1 - Name of supervisor2 - Enterprise e.g. Merlion Project Singaporean University X1 French University X2 - NAME1 NAME2 Enterprise Only Word Version with clear object will be considered. In case of technical difficulties, please contact merlion@institutfrancais.sg. Page 10 of 12

11 6. Deadline The deadline for the call for proposals must be strictly adhered to. Opening date: June 15 th, 2017 Closing date: September 15 th, 2017 Evaluation period: October to November 2017 Results announcement: December 2017 Funding starting date: January 2018 Page 11 of 12

12 7. Contacts For further information, please contact the relevant personnel as listed below. A*STAR (SERC) Mr Cassidy Teck Hong LIM A*STAR (BMRC) Mr Erwin Teo National University of Singapore Nanyang Technological University Singapore Management University Singapore University of Technology and Design Institut Français Singapore Ms Chan Ching Ting Dr Gan Pei Pei Mr Low Wai Chong Dr Woon Kwong WONG If you are from Singaporean research institutions not listed above, please contact Institut Français Singapore before submitting your proposals. Page 12 of 12