TANZANIA COMMISSION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED CALL FOR PROPOSAL TO SUPPORT RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE 1. INTRODUCTION The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) supports the development and retention of high-end scientific and technological competencies which is essential for Tanzania to transform into an industrial-based economy. The generation of new knowledge and scientific and technological innovations can bring about economic development, job creation and an improvement in the quality of life of its citizens. State-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities, linked to the development of highly skilled knowledge-workers, is a prerequisite for the generation of globally competitive new knowledge, technologies and innovations. 2. DEFINITION AND SCOPE Research Infrastructure means facilities, resources and related services that are used by the scientific community to conduct top-level research in their respective fields. It covers but not limited the following; Major scientific equipment or sets of instruments; 1 Page
Knowledge-based resources such as collections, archives or structures for scientific information; Enabling Information and Communications Technology-based infrastructures such as computing, software and communication, Any other entity of a unique nature essential to achieve excellence in research. 3. CRITERIA To be considered for funding, the infrastructure must normally meet the following primary criteria: Provide new conditions for world-class research Be utilized by a number of research teams with highly qualified research projects Be open and readily accessible to users outside the own University, Research Institute or Departments, laboratories within Tanzania (upon agreed terms and conditions) Have a long-term plan for scientific objectives, utilization and sustainability, revenue collection, support for and training of users, maintenance and business model (if any). Have specifically appointed personnel who are responsible for operation, and also for training of and support for users Potential users/clients other than your Institution. 4. FUNDING CATEGORIES Infrastructure funding may be granted for the following categories; 2 Page
Acquisition, establishment and/or development of new research infrastructure, Upgrading and supplementation of the existing research infrastructure Replacement of existing infrastructure (investments, installations, service contracts, etc.). 5. INSTRUCTIONS OF APPLICATIONS Applications must be in English and include the following: Cover sheet containing information about: Title of the application/name of the infrastructure Abstract (the intention of the application by answering the questions; What and Why? Maximum of 500 words). Contact details of the applicant (Institution) Description of the infrastructure (totaling max. 4 000 words incl. key references) with the following headings: 1. Technical description (function, capacity, estimated service life, etc.; why has precisely this infrastructure been selected, where will it be located/developed - physically and administratively) 2. Scientific significance (the scientific targets of the infrastructure; description of the research field(s) requiring the infrastructure, including key publications relevant to the infrastructure; description of hypotheses, especially new ones, that can be tested using the proposed infrastructure; where relevant and possible, also give examples of key publications made possible by similar infrastructure). 3. Justifications for the initiative and potential synergies (description of existing and potential user groups within and outside your institution; is there any 3 Page
infrastructure at nearby universities/departments/institute which can be utilized as an alternative? Is there an option for coordination with other universities/institution?) 4. Plan for accessibility and user support (how the infrastructure is to be made available to potential users (marketing, principles for prioritization among users, user charges); training of users, support, etc.) 5. Proposed management (responsible for procurement, development, installation, operation and phasing out) 6. If the application relates to the upgrading of an existing infrastructure, a description of the present status and reasons for the upgrade must also be enclosed. Information on the degree of utilization at present and after the planned upgrade must be included. 6. BUDGET Infrastructure funding may be granted for a maximum of 3 years. The maximum amount per grant totals TZS 400 million. Depending on the nature of the request, the grant size may not cover the entire cost of the intended infrastructure; Applicants are responsible and encouraged to secure supplementary funding through other funding sources. This budget should include the followings; Note; Description of a plan for long-term funding following the end of the funding period. Specification and justification for each cost item in the budget. 4 Page
Funding will not be granted for new buildings, research salaries or other direct research expenses. However, infrastructure maintenance, renovation of the premises, fitting and trainings should not exceed 20 % of the total budget. 7. REQUIREMENTS The requested research infrastructure should support research areas, having clear focus on supporting industrial establishment, development and initiatives as reflected in the Second Five Year Development Plan. All applicants must be active public research and/or higher learning Institutions (higher learning institutions, R&D institutions, laboratory etc.) legally established in Tanzania and able to provide documented proof of legal status. Due to limited resources only public institutions will be considered for the present Call) 8. ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS Among other criteria the assessment will be mainly based on; The potential of the infrastructure assessing if the proposed infrastructure could enable world-class research within the scientific field, and the conditions for a broad use of the proposed infrastructure. Scientific quality assessing the scientific quality of the research which the infrastructure is intended to support. Merits of the applicants assessing whether the participating Institutions are at the forefront of the scientific field, and have necessary expertise and capability to establish and manage the infrastructure. Feasibility and sustainability Realism of the funding plan. Relevant support for users. 5 Page
Relevance to National research priorities and the industrialization strategy. Collaboration The user base of the infrastructure, and the significance of the infrastructure to promote research collaboration. Possible interest from other stakeholders, and option for co-financing. Access to equivalent infrastructure at other universities, R&D institutions, industry etc. 9. SUBMISSION PROCEDURES Full proposals should be submitted to COSTECH not later than Wednesday February 7, 2018 23:59 (EAT) A complete proposal should be submitted as Microsoft Word or PDF format All applications must be submitted via e-mail to dls-research@costech.or.tz Receipt of submitted applications will be confirmed within 7 business days. The text in the form should be typed using Times New Roman font size 12 and 1.5-spaced, excluding appendices if any. Covering letter by the Head of host institution, a letter from collaborating institution if any should be compiled and sent as separate documents (attachments). Detailed institutional profile including ongoing research projects, funding, research groups, relevant consultancies (max 5), networking, key relevant publications (max 10), contacts, etc. 10. IMPORTANT DATES Monday, January 8, 2018: Call opening. 6 Page
Wednesday, February 7, 2018: Full proposal deadline 7 Page