Annex A Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, China 中國香港研究資助局 Hong Kong-Scotland Partners in Post Doctoral Research Guidance Notes & Application Form CLOSING DATE 22 October 2015
About the Scheme The Scottish Government and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council are pleased to announce the third round of the Hong Kong Scotland Partners in Post Doctoral Research. The aim of this initiative is to foster academic links between Scotland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by enabling researchers to conduct cutting edge research in each other s country. Up to 10 awards are available in the 2015/16 financial year to researchers who are in employment in either a Scottish university or research institution or a Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institution. The 10 awards available will be divided equally between researchers based in Hong Kong and Scottish universities. Applications are welcome from researchers in the following research areas: (a) Renewable and new energies (b) Healthcare and life sciences (c) Sustainable development (d) Economics and finance Scheme Benefits The scheme is intended to be a win-win experience for all parties involved. Individual researchers will be given the opportunity to enhance their career by carrying out research at a first class university in another country and have access to the latest research equipment. Participating universities will gain first class, highly motivated researchers providing ample opportunities for further international research collaboration and increase the scope of university to university links. Duration The length of each award will normally be for between three and 12 months for working attachments in Scotland and Hong Kong. All research projects must be started before 30 June 2016. Eligibility These research awards are intended to support and encourage the development of high quality research cooperation between Scottish and Hong Kong institutions. Eligible applicants from Scottish universities or research institutions should: (a) hold postdoctoral status, or with equivalent experience; (b) be employed by a Scottish university or research institution for at least two years; and (c) be a person who is: (i) a UK national; (ii) an EU national; or (ii) in possession of permanent resident status within the UK ( indefinite leave to 2
remain as defined by UK Immigration law). Eligible Hong Kong applicants should: (a) be employed by a Hong Kong UGC-funded institution; (b) be a PhD graduate of one of the Hong Kong UGC-funded institutions; and (c) be a resident in Hong Kong (including those with visa to work in Hong Kong). This initiative is committed to promoting equality of opportunity. 3
Application Process Researchers seeking to obtain an award through this programme should first make contact with their intended team in the university or research institution and ensure that they can receive them as required. Applications should be submitted on the attached form and must be endorsed by both the applicant s home university department and the relevant host university department or research institution. For Scottish applicants, the completed application should be submitted to the British Council. While those from Hong Kong should be submitted to the Research Grants Council. The deadline for the submission of applications is 22 October 2015. Successful applicants will be notified of the result by March 2016. Selection Criteria Scotland and Hong Kong will each set up an evaluation panel to conduct an initial assessment on their respective applicants. A joint Selection Panel will then be formed, comprising four representatives from each side (one representative on each research area from each side) to jointly finalise the selection results. The main criteria for selection for an award will be the proven research competencies of the individual AND the expertise of the department, research group etc with whom they are seeking to work. This will be judged according to publications and other research work to date and reports from nominated referees. In summary, the evaluation criteria are: 1. Professional qualifications and experience of the individual applicant. 2. Expertise of the department, research group, etc. where the placement will occur. 3. Quality of the research proposal submitted by the applicant with anticipated outcomes and deliverables. 4. Mutual benefit of the cooperation and research topic for the Hong Kong Scotland relationship. 5. Potential contribution to both the Hong Kong and Scottish academic/research base. 6. The proposal should fall within the specific subject areas under the Scheme. Each applicant is required to submit the names of two referees, either from Hong Kong or from Scotland, who will be contacted to provide a confidential reference as to the suitability of the application. Each application needs to be endorsed by the Research Team leaders of both the home and host institution. 4
Funding The Scottish Government has set aside a budget of 50,000 to provide five individual annual grants worth up to 10,000 each to be awarded to the successful Scottish applicants in the 2015/16 financial year. Hong Kong has also reserved an annual budget of HK$625,000 for five annual grants of up to HK$125,000 each for successful Hong Kong applicants in year 2015/16. As this is an annual grant based on a 12 month attachment, shorter attachments will attract a pro rata level of award. For Hong Kong applicants The grant is intended to cover travelling expenses (one return flight for Hong Kong applicants) and a monthly living allowance. The grant should not be used to cover medical and other insurances, project specific consumables, specialist reagents, travel costs for field work, or costs associated with attendance at conferences and seminars directly related to the research area. The Hong Kong Research Grants Council will not be responsible for any expenditure incurred in excess of the approved funding. For Scottish applicants The grant is intended to cover travelling expenses (one return flight for Scottish applicants), a monthly living allowance, consumables and research-related costs. The grant should not be used to cover medical, visa and other insurances, specialist reagents, travel costs for field work, or costs associated with attendance at conferences and seminars directly related to the research area. The Scottish Government will not be responsible for any expenditure incurred in excess of the approved funding. Please make reference to the relevant website ( www.britishcouncil.hk/en/study-uk/scholarships/hong-kong-scotland-post-doctoral-scolarsh ip-schemes) or contact British Council for details. The researcher s normal salary should continue to be paid by their home institution. Where possible, the host university should assist the visiting researcher with the cost of accommodation for the duration of the attachment. General Conditions of the Award 1. Candidates will be notified of the results by March 2016. 2. Researchers will be expected to take up the award from the date agreed. 3. Researchers will use the funds according to the purposes granted. 4. Researchers should reside in the host country continuously throughout their award, and to seek prior endorsement from their research supervisors for any proposed visits abroad. Prior approval from the Research Grants Council / Scottish Government should be obtained for any leave / departure from the host country during the period of attachment. The award may be reduced on pro-rata basis for any shortened attachment. 5. Researchers will act in a manner befitting a recipient of a Partners in Post Doctoral Research award. 6. Researchers will acknowledge the assistance given by the Scottish Government and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong in any written reports, publications or publicity associated with the Partners in Post Doctoral Research programme. 7. The Scottish Government and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong reserve the right to publish the application results. In applying for an award, the candidate will be taken as giving consent for such publication. 5
Organisation and Administration This scheme will be administered by the British Council (on behalf of the Scottish Government) and by the Research Grants Council (on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region). The host institution will be responsible for organising the research period, including any necessary documentation for visas and work permits for the researcher. Whilst working in their host institution, payments will be made either to the researcher direct or via their home university. Monitoring and Evaluation Both the Researcher and the Research Supervisor will be required to submit an evaluation report on completion of the research period, within two months of their return to their home country, and then one report 12 months afterwards. Standard report forms will be provided in due course. Enquiries Scottish applicants: all enquiries should be directed to: Ms. Shirley Wan British Council 3 Supreme Court Road Admiralty Hong Kong Email : postdoctoralresearch@britishcouncil.org.hk Hong Kong applicants: all enquiries should be directed to Research Offices of respective UGC-funded institutions in the first instance. Their contact details are as follows: Miss Eilly Cheng Research Grants and Contracts Office City University of Hong Kong 83 Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon Tong Kowloon Ms Jade Fong Graduate School Hong Kong Baptist University 34 Renfrew Road Kowloon Tong Kowloon Tel.: 3442 6279 Fax : 3442 0136 Email: eilly.cheng@cityu.edu.hk Tel.: 3411 7940 Fax : 3411 5133 Email: jfong@hkbu.edu.hk 6
Ms Connie Lam Office of Research Support Lingnan University 8 Castle Peak Road Tuen Mun New Territories Ms Joanne Tsang Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin New Territories Ms Cherry Ng Research and Development Office The Hong Kong Institute of Education 10 Lo Ping Road Tai Po New Territories Ms Christine Yeung Research Office The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom Kowloon Ms Amy Chan Office of Contract and Grant Administration The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay Kowloon Miss Rachel Lau Research Services, The Registry The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Road Hong Kong Tel.: 2616 7683 Fax : 2591 9618 Email: splam@ln.edu.hk Tel.: 3943 1837 Fax : 3942 0993 Email: joannetcy@cuhk.edu.hk Tel.: 2948 6318 Fax : 2948 7697 Email: cherryng@ied.edu.hk Tel.: 2766 4046 Fax: 2355 7651 Email: christine.yeung@polyu.edu.hk Tel.: 2358 6923 Fax: 2358 1541 Email: ocamy@ust.hk Tel.: 2859 7085 Fax : 2803 0558 Email: kayanlau@hku.hk 7
Candidate Reference No. 1 Personal Details Full Name Nationality Full current residential address Address for correspondence (If different from above) E Mail address Contact phone no 2 Educational & Professional Qualifications (starting with most recent) Degrees/diplomas Subject area Institution & Completion date obtained/underway location 1
3 Professional experience & academic achievements Prizes, scholarships, other professional honours Relevant publications, papers & titles of theses submitted for any degree Membership of cultural, scientific, professional and educational societies or organisations Other professional qualifications and relevant training 4 Current Employment Name & address of employer (including contact email and phone number for your manager or head of department) Position held (Provide a brief description of the post you hold including your status (permanent or casual) and your role.) Length of time in post 5 Employment History (Please list any other posts you have held) Name & address of employer Position held Dates of employment 2
6 Planned Area of Study. Research Area: (please one area only) Research Field 1 : (for Hong Kong Applicant only) Project Title: Renewable and new energies Sustainable development Primary Field: Secondary Field: Healthcare and life sciences Economics and finance & Code: & Code: Summarise your proposed research project using plain English (max 400 words) Be sure that you: 1. Indicate why you have chosen this research area and how you intend to develop your interest when you return. 2. Specify the value of the research highlighting any economic, environmental, health benefits. 3. Specify its potential beneficiaries. 4. Highlight any similar projects underway. 5. Indicate whether this is a new project or a continuation of an existing one. 6. Indicate the outcomes you hope to achieve and any benefits. 7. Indicate any additional activities that might be necessary to complete the project. 1 Please refer to Annex B to Explanatory Notes (GRF 2) at http://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/doc/rgc/form/grf2.pdf 3
How do you intend to communicate the research findings to a wider audience? Have you considered IPR implications? (Indicate how you intend to address the issue) Are there any ethical implications associated with your project? (If so, indicate how you will address them.) Proposed duration for the award (consult both your current employer and host research team on the timing and duration of the project) Start Date: End Date: Duration (in months): Note: Projects must be started before 30 June 2016 7 Details of the Research Attachment Please indicate here details of the university who have offered you a place to undertake your research Name of host university/institution Department/Faculty Name of Research Team Leader Contact details: Phone: Email: Have the Research Team agreed to accept you under the Partners in Post Doctoral Research scheme? 4
Have you applied for any other award in connection with your research project? (Give details) Why have you chosen to work with this specific research group? Provide a background note detailing the main research experience of the host research team, including relevant publications and current research grants or sponsored research 8 References Please provide the names of two external referees. These should be independent of either of the research teams involved. Applicants should request the external referees to complete a Referee s Report and return it direct to the Research Office of the applicant s home university. The completed Referees Reports should be submitted together with this application to be received by the deadline of 22 October 2015. Name Position University Address Email Telephone Name Position University Address Email Telephone 5
9 Agreement and Declaration If successful in gaining a Partners in Post Doctoral Research award, I agree to accept the following terms and conditions: - Allow the Scottish Government and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong to obtain any relevant academic records/reports from educational institutions that I have attended; - Act in a manner befitting a recipient of a Partners in Post Doctoral Research award; - Use the funds for the purpose granted; - Should reside in the host country continuously throughout the approved period of the work attachment unless approved by the Scottish Government / the Research Grants Council; - Acknowledge the assistance given by the Scottish Government and the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong in any written reports, publications or publicity associated with the Partners in Post Doctoral Research programme. I have read and understood the terms and conditions of the Partners in Post Doctoral Research scheme and confirm that the contents of my application are true and correct. Signature Date 10 Endorsement (to be completed by the Heads of the Home Research Group and the Host Research Group) I have read the call circular and the terms and conditions of the Award. I endorse the availability and suitability of the applicant to undertake a research project as set out in this application. Signature Signature Date Date Name Position University Name Position University Address Address Email Telephone Email Telephone 6