Programmatic Funds for AME Domain Updated in September 2016
Overview Programmatic initiatives aim for future industry readiness. It supports the development of new and emerging capabilities far ahead of industry s readiness to deploy them for commercial purposes and typically not prior to a 8-10 year timeframe. Programmes/projects should be aligned with Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) domain strategic objectives and have ability to deliver RIE2020 outcomes (Details can be found at http://www.nrf.gov.sg/rie2020) Aimed at developing new and emerging capabilities relevant to existing industrial sectors or seed new growth sectors through first building scientific peaks of excellence May not have immediate industry application nor identifiable receptacles in Singapore Typically driven by a multidisciplinary team comprising public sector research performers from across the local research ecosystem
Governance Strategic Review Panel (SRP) Make recommendations on all Programmatic Funds policies and initiatives Comprises representatives from A*STAR, NUS, NTU and SUTD A*STAR has been appointed as the Implementing Agency Role of Implementing Agency includes evaluation and scoping of proposals together with research performers management of budget (e.g. fund disbursement, monitoring overall fund commitment and utilisation) tracking progress of approved proposals
Programmatic Funds Workflow Planning Submission Review Endorsement Approval Announcement of Themes Submission of Proposals by Research Performers Scientific and Technical Peer Review Endorsement by Strategic Review Panel Approval by Approving Authority Implementing Agency (IA) announces themes via: o A*STAR website o Workshops and grant calls o Research Administrative Office (or equivalent) Host Institution (HI) can submit proposals that do not fall under any themes HI prepares full proposal using the requisite template HI submits one (1) softcopy of the proposal, endorsed by HI s Director of Research or equivalent, to Programmatic_AME@ a-star.edu.sg IA sends proposal for scientific and technical peer review Reviewers are chosen from pool of local and/or international experts with relevant expertise IA tables proposal to Strategic Review Panel (SRP) for endorsement SRP deliberates and endorses proposal Up to 6 months* Approving Authority (AA) approves SRPendorsed proposal IA informs HI of approval decision IA issues Letter of Award (LOA) to awardee * Timeline stipulated is only an estimation and applicable to proposals requesting for funding quantum of not more than $25M
Proposal Evaluation Criteria Strategic Does it align with AME themes and strategies? Does it have the potential to develop new and emerging technological capabilities to support the continued growth and competitiveness of our manufacturing and engineering sectors? Catalytic Does it have the potential to lead to value creation and value capture in Singapore in the longer term, beyond 5 years? Will it attract a new industry sector and/or grow existing industry activities? Will it lead to the creation of new jobs and other societal outcomes? Transformative Is it novel and innovative? Does it exploit Singapore s unique and existing strengths? Are there compelling differentiating factors and competitive advantages? Synergistic Does it integrate synergistic strengths and capabilities across various Singapore publicly funded research or tertiary institutions? Does the Programme Director have the track record and competency to lead the project?
Eligibility Criteria Programme Director should: Hold at least a 0.7FTE primary appointment in a Singapore publicly funded research or tertiary institution; Run a laboratory or research programme that carries out research in Singapore; and Have a track record of leadership ability in coordinating research programmes, as well as having productive research outcomes.
Application Process Announcements will be made periodically to inform or solicit proposals from the R&D community on key focus areas via A*STAR website via thematic workshops and grant calls through Research Administrative Office (or equivalent) of the institutes of higher learning, academic medical centres, hospitals and A*STAR research institutes Applications must be endorsed by the applying Host Institution(s) prior to submission All queries and applications must be submitted through A*STAR (as Implementing agency) at Programmatic_AME@astar.edu.sg
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