Agreements

SPRINT 3rd Edition 2014 - Guideline: Durham University

Specific requests for submission of proposals in partnership with researchers from Durham University

FAPESP and University of Durham signed a Cooperation Agreement for Research on July, 17, 2014, aiming to implement scientific and technological cooperation between researchers from the Durham University, UK and from the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, through the funding of joint research projects.

Under the referred Agreement, as a first action to promote such collaboration, FAPESP and Durham University make public this Call for Proposals for the exchange of faculty and postdoctoral researchers and PhD students under the terms and conditions of the SPRINT 3rd Edition 2014 (www.fapesp.br/en/9055) and hereinafter set forth.

1. Eligibility from the Durham University side

1.1 Eligibility to submit proposals within the scope of this Call:

a. Open to Durham University research staff in all departments. Strong preference will be given to projects that will be likely to promote sustained collaborative activity beyond the end point of the award period.

1.2 Eligibility for the exchange activities:

a. The project lead must be a Durham researcher who holds a contract of employment for the full length of the proposed project. Other participants may include associated postdoctoral fellows and PhD students where appropriate.

2. Fields of knowledge

This Call for Proposals invites research proposals in all fields of knowledge.

3. Duration of the project for the exchange of researchers

The maximum duration of each project is 24 months.

4. Funding principles

FAPESP will provide funding of up to the equivalent of £10,000 (Ten thousand sterling pounds) per proposal per year and Durham University will provide funding of up to £10,000 (Ten thousand sterling pounds) per proposal per year, for the duration of the grant to cover research-related mobility expenses, under the provisions of Clause 5 of the Scientific Cooperation Agreement established by the Parties (www.fapesp.br/en/8816).

Durham University will provide the selected projects with funds for travel (air tickets) and living allowances for researchers and PhD fellows from UK visiting the State of São Paulo. It is anticipated that the Parties will award funding for up to (6) six joint research proposals in connection with this Call for Proposals.

5.1 A research project, in English, with a maximum of five (5) pages of scientific content, with one copy sent to Durham and another copy sent to FAPESP, including the following items:

5.1.1 Proposed exchange activities:

a. A substantive description of the exchange activities, emphasizing their relevance;

b. A timeline for each specific exchange mission, considering the limit of missions and resources established in this Call;

c. Performance indicators for the planned activities;

d. A description of each candidate’s contribution to the mission, explaining their expertise to carry out the foreseen activities;

e. Foreseen actions adding to the impact of the exchange for Partner Institution and for the Host Institution in the State of São Paulo (e.g. by means of seminars).

5.1.2 In addition to the above referred research project, the proposal for Durham must include the following items:

a. Current and expected results and why the project requires expertise from both parties;

b. A description of the project activities that will benefit from the exchange activities;

c. A description of the expected academic gains for the research project resulting from the proposed exchange activities;

d. A description of the infrastructure and financial resources available for the research project, excluding the mobility expenses requested in the proposal;

e. Clear articulation of and specific details on how the proposed activity will lead to an external research grant application (possibly through a FAPESP-RCUK call);

f. Letter of Support from Head of Department;

g. In addition, a copy of the following documents required by FAPESP: 6.2.2 “a” “c” “d” “e”; should also be provided to Durham;

h. A Letter of Agreement between the Partner Institution and the Higher Education and Research Institution in the State of São Paulo to which the PI from São Paulo is affiliated, establishing how Intellectual Property rights, confidentiality, and publications will be treated jointly, in observance of the policies of each funding Party, considering SPRINT item 8 (www.fapesp.br/en/8603) . The Letter of Agreement is not mandatory for the submission of proposals, but no approved project will be contracted before the presentation of a copy of the signed Agreement.

6. Submission of proposals to Durham University

Submissions to DURHAM can only be accepted electronically and should be submitted to: fiona.o’carroll@durham.ac.uk. Proposals submitted by any other means will not be accepted. Late submissions will be returned.

7. Result of the analysis

Final results will be announced on FAPESP (www.fapesp.br) and DURHAM (www.dur.ac.uk/international) web portals and by means of a communication to the interested PIs.

8. Contract for selected projects by Durham University

Selected proposals will subject to the conditions set forth in a letter of award.

9. Grant cancellation

Durham University may, at the absolute discretion of the University, cancel funding of a Durham University researcher if the applicant is found to be in breach of Durham University’s published regulations (including but not limited to HR policies and procedures), without prejudice of any other appropriate actions which the University may take.

10. Information about this Call at Durham University

All questions related to this Call for Proposals must be directed to:

Dr Fiona O’Carroll, Deputy Director International Office;
E-Mail: fiona.o’carroll@durham.ac.uk


Page updated on 10/01/2015 - Published on 11/06/2014