Science chemical sciences. Call for proposals. ECHO and TOP grants. The Hague, October 2017 Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research

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1 Science chemical sciences Call for proposals ECHO and TOP grants 2018 The Hague, October 2017 Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research

2 Contents 1 Introduction Background Available budget Validity of the call for proposals 2 2 Aim 3 3 Guidelines for applicants Who can apply What can be applied for When can applications be submitted Preparing an application Conditions on granting Submitting an application 9 4 Assessment procedure Procedure Criteria 11 5 Contact details and other information Contact Other information 13

3 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 NWO Domain Science - chemical sciences. The domain has several grants for this purpose, i.e. ECHO and TOP grants, that can be applied for in open competition. Chemical sciences 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.

4 2 Chapter 1: Introduction / ECHO and TOP grants 1.2 Available budget For the TOP/ECHO call 2018, the total budget available for granting of TOP and ECHO proposals is approximately M 7.1. 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. Only research proposals of sufficient quality are eligible for funding. 1.3 Validity of the call for proposals This call for proposals is valid from November 15, Applications for ECHO and TOP grants can be submitted at any time until May 1, 2018, 14:00 CEST.

5 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 39 current TOP grants from previous funding rounds. With the Top grants continuity is provided for excellent and innovative research.

6 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 1 (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-chemical sciences Open Competition (i.e. TOP and ECHO) 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 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-chemical sciences 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/TOP-PUNT/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 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 ( ) by one of the domains/divisions of NWO cannot submit 1 See NWO Grant Rules

7 5 Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants a TOP grant application to this call for proposals. A TOP grant application that is being considered in the current round, is expelled from the procedure when one of the domains 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: and 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 222, postdoc 1 yr k 75, postdoc 2 yr k 147, postdoc 3 yr k When can applications be submitted Applications can be submitted at any time between the publication of this call and May 1, 2018, 14:00 CEST. It is expected that multiple assessment rounds will be initiated before May 1, The office processes applications in order of arrival. If your application is declared admissible NWO strives to inform you within 6 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.

8 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 ( 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 divisions. You can only refer to the descriptions and codes from the NWO research field list. You find the list at Use the correct application form for the drafting of your proposal. The forms and guidelines can be downloaded from the NWO website ( or or in NWO s electronic application system ISAAC. 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 2 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. Non-referees If you want NWO to exclude certain researchers as referee for your proposal, please use the factsheet in ISAAC to inform NWO. You can submit a maximum of three non-referees. Members of the NWO Domain Board Science cannot be excluded. 2 The NWO Code of Conduct on Conflicts of Interest can be found on the NWO website:

9 7 Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants 3.5 Conditions on granting General conditions The NWO Grant Rules 2017 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 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. Further information about the data management protocol of NWO can be found at 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 ( NWO assumes that researchers will take all necessary actions with respect to the Nagoya Protocol.

10 8 Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants 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 Specific conditions These are some of the specific conditions 3 that apply to ECHO and TOP grants awarded by NWO Science - 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 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 Grant Rules 2017 changes to the research plan 3 All specific conditions that apply to TOP and ECHO grants can be found on the NWO website:

11 9 Chapter 3: Guidelines for applicants / ECHO and TOP grants 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 Grant Rules 2017 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

12 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: 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: 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: Eligibility The NOW Domain Board Science assesses the suitability of the applications at the start of the procedure (a description of the main research areas of chemical sciences 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 NWO strives to inform you within 6 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. 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 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.

13 11 Chapter 4: Assessment procedure / ECHO and TOP grants The candidates for these committees will be nominated by the boards of the study groups. The NWO Domain Board Science 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 previous assessment committees are available on the website. 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 Domain Board Science of the quality of the research proposals. Final decision The Domain Board Science makes the final decisions about which proposals to grant 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 domain board reaches a decision about this based on the findings of the assessment committees. 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). 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%.

14 12 Chapter 4: Assessment procedure / ECHO and TOP grants 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%.

15 13 Chapter 5: Contact details and other information / ECHO and TOP grants 5 Contact details and other information 5.1 Contact Specific questions For specific questions about ECHO and TOP grants and this call for proposals please contact: Dr M.M.E. (Margot) Snel, phone +31 (0) , topecho@nwo.nl 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) You can also submit your question by to isaac.helpdesk@nwo.nl. You will then receive an answer within two working days 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, , c.hansildaar@nwo.nl. 5.2 Other information A Dutch version of this Call is available on the NWO website ( or The Dutch version of the Call for proposals ECHO- en TOP-subsidies 2018 supersedes the English translation. No rights can be derived from the English translation.

16 Published by: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research Visiting address: Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië CE The Hague The Netherlands October 2017