Application Manual for CSIR National Laser Centre Rental Pool Programme (RPP)

Application Manual for CSIR National Laser Centre Rental Pool Programme (RPP)

CONTENTS PART 1: INTRODUCTION... 3 1.1 Purpose... 3 1.2 Background... 3 1.3 Strategic intent... 3 1.4 Strategic objectives... 3 PART 2: SUBMISSION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS... 4 2.1 Funding... 4 2.2 Call for Application... 5 2.3 Participation... 5 2.4 Eligibility Criteria... 5 2.5 Selection Criteria... 6 2.6 Submission & Assessment Process... 6 PART 3: MANAGEMENT OF GRANTS... 7 3.1 Reporting and use of equipment... 7 3.2 Duration of the Grant... 7 3.3 Payment of Grants... 7 3.4 Assistance... 7 List of Tables Table 1: Call & Assessment Dates... 5 Table 2: Assessment criteria... 7 List of Figures Figure 1: Submission & Assessment Processes... 6 List of Appendices Appendix 1: List of laser equipment... 8 Appendix 2: Sample of CSIR NLC research focus areas... 8 Page 2 of 8

PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose This Manual provides information on opportunities for funding within the CSIR NLC Rental Pool Programme Grant Scheme and serves as an addendum to the Strategy for the CSIR National Laser Centre Rental Pool Programme document. It should be read in conjunction with the strategy document, which can be accessed at www.nrf.ac.za. The Manual is intended to be an easy reference guide to the CSIR NLC Rental Pool Programme Grant Scheme and to assist potential participants in accessing the available funding. It does not, however, constitute a complete set of policies, procedures or systems involved in the Programme. 1.2 Background The establishment of the CSIR National Laser Centre (NLC) provides the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) the opportunity of access to a large number of state-of-the-art lasers, laser diagnostic equipment and laser laboratories. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has made funds available which will be used to support HEI research specifically within the pluri-disciplinary laser environment. These funds are managed by the CSIR NLC. 1.3 Strategic intent The sole purpose of the Programme is to develop, encourage and support a unique instrument of building and growing a sustainable corps of expert laser researchers in South Africa. 1.4 Strategic objectives To effectively manage and expand the CSIR NLC Rental Pool Programme (RPP) Grant Scheme that stimulates research at South African HEIs, and other research organisations such as museums and science councils. To render technical and scientific support to RPP participants at HEIs and other research organisations. To develop the next generation of scientists to rejuvenate and strengthen the ageing South African scientific community. To strengthen the scientific community on laser research in South Africa by growing the number of quality young scientists NB: Currently due to funding constraints only HEIs are targeted by the RPP Grant Scheme. Page 3 of 8

PART 2: SUBMISSION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS The Call for Proposals for the CSIR NLC Rental Pool Programme will be open from 21 May 2014 to 21 July 2014 on the NRF s Online Submission System Applications will be accessible online at https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za from 21 May 2014. Applicants are advised to complete their proposals as soon as possible to prevent an IT system overload near the closing date. This is an electronic submission system and applicants need to be registered on the system. If already registered on https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za, it is essential that applicants, update their existing Curriculum Vitae (CV) as it becomes part of the application and the review process. If not yet registered on this site, applicants should register on the submission system at https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za on which the application is being submitted. Applicants are urged to complete or update ALL screens of the CV (which are available as part of the online Application), including the Research Profile and Research Outputs screens as it will be considered an integral part of the application. Applicants who fail to complete the NRF Online Registration and CV sections timeously will not be considered for funding. When the final version of the application form is submitted by the applicant (Final Submit button on the online application), the application will be routed to the Designated Authority (DA) at their institutions for internal institutional review and validation. The DA must submit the validated applications to the NRF Online Submission System electronically no later than 28 July 2014 (5 working dates after the close of Call for Proposals). Late applications, additional supporting documentation or information received after the closing date will not be accepted or considered. Applicants must ensure that they adhere to their institution s internal closing date for submission of their application to allow for internal institutional screening and review. The internal closing date will be announced by the respective research offices and is usually at least two weeks prior to the application closing date. The NLC cannot process applications that are incomplete, contain insufficient or incorrect detail, or fail to follow instructions; therefore such applications will be rejected. The application must be completed in sufficient detail to allow comprehensive review and evaluation by internal and external reviewers. In addition to the electronic application and required attachments, the NLC may request additional information or documentation to support an application. Failure to supply such information or documentation upon request may result in the rejection of the application. It is important that all proposals are screened and approved by internal institutional processes before being submitted to the NRF Online Submission System. Institutional authorities should take particular care regarding the financial information included in applications. The NLC assumes that the respective DAs are satisfied with the standard of all proposals validated and submitted, and that the institution approves and supports the proposed research. NB: Applications should be completed on an annual basis whether it is for new equipment or continuing with the current support. The CSIR NLC will assist the applicant in the completion of the application, primarily gathering information on equipment availability, pricing and suitability of equipment. The scientific and technical contents of the project will be refereed through a peer review mechanism to confirm project alliance with National Priorities. Applications must be substantial and comprehensive to allow proper assessment of the research proposed. 2.1 Funding The Programme allows access to equipment at the CSIR NLC facilities and rental of equipment for use at own facility. The programme also makes provision for the upgrading of existing equipment in order to ensure suitability for the proposed project. In summary, the grant funds the following activities: Preparation and upgrade of equipment, Delivery, set-up and return charges, Maintenance costs, Insurance costs, Provision for replacement, Consultation, Accommodation and travel, New equipment, Page 4 of 8

Consumables, and Users Meeting 2.2 Call for Application CALL OPEN CLOSE OUTCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT 2014 21 May 21 July* 30 November -15 December Table 1: Call & outcomes announcement Each project will be eligible for new ancillary equipment (smaller diagnostic equipment) to the value of R75 000 and consumables like optics to the value of R75 000. Consumables will remain the property of the grantholder s institution and will assist in establishing in house laser infrastructure. The grant makes provision for -: Preparation and upgrades of equipment where necessary. Maintenance of equipment. Delivery, setup and return cost where necessary. Consultation cost. Insurance cost for equipment while at HEI. Travel and accommodation cost only for traveling to CSIR NLC laboratories for approved research purpose. Grantholders and their students who are involved in the supported project to attend a compulsory midterm reporting session in the form of a users meeting. Replacement of older equipment as newer equipment is purchased and older equipment get retired to educational institutions via a long lease agreement. Under a long lease, the Institution will be responsible for all maintenance and running costs, at very low monthly rate. To ensure continuous growth and competitiveness in the laser industry, the facility will budget for the purchase of equipment that the facility has not acquired and deemed necessary for research projects. All of the abovementioned costs will contribute to form the budget of each grant holder based on the equipment they request for their laboratories. 2.3 Participation All laser researchers employed at public universities may participate in the CSIR NLC Rental Pool Programme Grant Scheme. In addition to collaborations with other researchers based at applicant s institution and other institutions, the participation of postgraduate students (MSc and PhD as key drivers), registered at a recognised South African HEIs, is of paramount importance. These should be stated clearly by the researcher in the application. Although student involvement is a priority, the grant should not be used only for training without the research component. 2.4 Eligibility criteria The Programme considers applications from researchers who are: Involved in laser-based research in any field in the natural sciences, engineering, technology, health sciences, social sciences and humanities. Hold at least a Masters degree and have a reasonable research track record. Employed at a public university on a full-time or full-time contract basis. If on contract, basis the length of the contract should at least be for the duration of the research project applied for and be clearly indicated in the application. 2.5 Selection Criteria The selection of successful applications will be based on a Strategic Research Plan of the Institution which sets out, amongst other things: Page 5 of 8

The research objectives, The relevance of the equipment in research areas which they wish to target for growth and development, How their proposed use of equipment relate to existing research or capacity as well as overall Institutional development, The indirect financial contribution the HEI can commit to the maintenance of the equipment, Their approach to recruiting suitable candidates for collaboration, and The milestones they will use to assess the impact of equipment on their research performance in terms of knowledge and human capacity outputs. 2.6 Submission & Assessment Process The submission and assessment process, as illustrated in Figure 1. Call for applications and submission Resubmit in another call Assessment Decision Reject Award Figure 1: Submission & Assessment Processes 2.6.1 Assessment Process All applications will be submitted to a review panel consisting of experts from industry, universities and international members. The assessment will primarily focus on scientific merit, capacity building, output, and equity and redress. Continuation applications will also be assessed on progress; hence progress reports submitted to the CSIR NLC early this year will form part of the application. Assessment criteria will be used to maintain consistency during assessment of research proposals, each criterion is assigned a weight (see Table 2). This is captured in the application form template. Page 6 of 8

Table 2: Assessment criteria Criterion and weight Details Weight Management Plan 10% Feasibility & Efficiency of management Plan 10% Scientific Merit 40% Scientific/technical excellence 15% Scientific impact/outputs 25% HR Development 40% Research students and Post-Doctoral Fellows 5% Black & female students 20% Staff development 10% PI track record 5% Relevance & Impact 10% Scientific, Social, Economic and Environmental 10% PART 3: MANAGEMENT OF GRANT AND EQUIPMENT 3.1 Reporting and use of equipment The grantholder and the Institution will jointly sign a contract based on the intentions of the grantholder. On accepting the award (signing the contract), the grantholder will be required to deliver on the annual research plan that formed part of the accepted application. A mid-term report in the form of a user meeting attendance and presentation is compulsory for each grantholder. At the end of the award calendar year the grantholder will be required to prepare and submit to the CSIR NLC an annual report addressing the achievement of the milestones and expected outcomes presented in the research plan. 3.2 Duration of the Grant CSIR NLC Rental Pool Programme grant will be tenable on a yearly basis. Continuation applications are permissible as part of normal application process. 3.3 Payment of Grants The applications are endorsed by the DA of the applicant s institution of employment as payments are made to the CSIR NLC. Payments will be made after actual expenditure is claimed using the so called invoice as experienced. 3.4 Contacts for assistance Should you require clarification on any of the processes, criteria or plans presented in this manual please do not hesitate to contact Thomas du Plooy at 012 841 3511 or 082 443 1128, email nlcrentalpool@csir.co.za For technical online enquiries, please contact the NRF Support Desk during office hours (08:00 16:30), on: Tel: (012) 481 4202 E-mail Supportdesk@nrf.ac.za Page 7 of 8

Appendix 1 Below, is the list of equipment accessible at CSIR NLC facilities. Nd:YAG Pulsed Lasers Nd:YAG Messo Machining System Excimer Lasers 4Kw Nd:YAG Laser System with Robot manipulation (For laser material processing) CW CO 2 Lasers CO 2 Pulsed Lasers 5Kw CO 2 Laser System (For laser materials processing) Pulse Laser Deposition System Laser systems for Spectroscopy Mobile LIDAR Pollution Monitoring System High resolution FTIR System Surface Characterising Facility Femto Second Laser System Appendix 2 Below, is a sample of CSIR NLC research focus areas. Advanced photonic materials research Mathematical optics research Biophotonics research Solid state laser development research Laser materials processing research Laser based measurements and diagnostics Lidar research Applied Photonics research Page 8 of 8