RGC Co-operative Research Centres (CRC) Scheme 1998/2001

1. In my earlier letter dated 3 February 1999, I advised you that the UGC had agreed to allocate an additional amount of $20 million to enable the RGC to conduct another round of CRC selection in the 1998-2001 triennium. I am writing to provide you with details of the additional exercise and to invite your institution to submit bids as appropriate.

2. Objectives

The objectives of the CRC are to help stimulate and encourage tertiary institutions and industry to collaborate in applied research and meet industry's needs, to provide a knowledge base for industrial and technological advancement, to act as a vehicle to leverage industry support of research in the tertiary sector and to stimulate outreach activities.

3. Application Criteria

The Council has reaffirmed that the following basic criteria will continue to apply in considering bids for new CRC, i.e. proposals must :

1. focus on applied scientific and technological research which may lead to technological innovation;

2. be well conceived, have clearly defined objectives and identifiable problem areas requiring innovative solutions;

3. be industry-led, have industrial relevance and address industry's needs;

4. present an intellectual challenge, have scientific merit and potentially publishable results;

5. have the potential to be commercialisable for industry;

6. be capable of implementation within a reasonable timetable and have mutual benefits for both sectors; and

7. have at least one industrial/business partner who has pledged to contribute no less than 20% of the direct costs of the proposed CRC.

4. Taking into account the experience gained from the previous CRC selection exercises, and the objectives of the CRC scheme, the RGC will have regard to the following areas in considering applications :

1. the infrastructural support given/pledged by the institution to the proposed CRC;

2. the track record of the department/group proposing the CRC in applied research and, in soliciting industrial support;

3. the quality of the "technology road map" of the proposed CRC;

4. the ability of the department/group in defining the expected measurable output/deliverables;

5. the strength of the proposed Management Committee in supervising the CRC; and

6. the ability of the proposed CRC in obtaining funding support from other sources.

5. In supporting the submission of new CRC proposals, institutions should consider seriously the strengths of the proposals in the subject areas concerned, and the institution's commitment to the proposed CRC in terms of resources. The activities of a CRC may need to be sustained well beyond the period of funding from the RGC.

6. There is no restriction or preference with regard to the discipline for potential new CRCs. Relevant disciplines, including non-manufacturing disciplines, can be considered.

7. Existing CRCs wishing to obtain new RGC support may also apply, but their bids will be considered in competition with other new CRC applications on the basis of the criteria set out in this call circular.

8. The RGC funding will essentially be considered as seed money to encourage the establishment of viable CRCs which are likely to develop further and become self-sufficient in the longer term. Short-term, project-based proposals and those that have little prospect of securing and sustaining adequate commercial/industrial support are unlikely to be supported by the RGC.

9. How to apply

CRC proposals must be submitted (15 copies) in the format prescribed at Appendix A through a UGC-funded institution to the UGC Secretariat by 15 August 1999. The institution is also requested to provide a one-page summary of each proposal to highlight the project title, the objectives of the proposed CRC, the reasons why the proposed CRC should be supported and funded by the RGC, the amount requested, and the collaborating partners from industry.

10. A copy of this call letter and circular will be placed at the RGC Website at . For enquires, please call Mrs Elsa Lau on 2524 3971.

11. Future

The RGC will review the future operation of the CRC Scheme in the light of developments regarding the establishment and operation of the Innovation and Technology Fund, as proposed by the Chief Executive's Commission on Innovation and Technology.

RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL
Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) Scheme
Format of Submission of Proposed CRC

1. Name of proposed CRC

2. Abstract

Provide an abstract of the proposal (maximum page).

3. Potential value of CRC

State academic/scientific/commercial (e.g. turnover, value-added)/other value/impact of the proposed CRC, in particular to industry (e.g. employment contribution; number of local companies that will be able to benefit from the research; relevance to the Hong Kong industry, etc.).

4. Objectives

State short term, medium term and long term objectives.

5. Technology Road Map

• Describe the foundation and development of the technology

• Estimate future potential (e.g. lower production cost, higher performance)

• Define deliverables and estimated timing of delivery.

6. Business Plan

Describe the business plan and implementation schedule with milestones for evaluation. Explain and justify the potential for industrial collaboration. Provide details of one or a series of research projects of the proposed CRC.

7. Resource requirements of proposed CRC

• State estimated full cost of the proposed CRC, separating cash and non-cash items¡@State estimated full cost of the proposed CRC, separating cash and non-cash items¡@: total resource requirements in terms of staff, space, equipment/ facilities/machine time, other services, operional expenses, consumables, etc., and identify the resource provider(s).

• Show evidence of readiness or firm pledges of funding/resource support, including institution's own (please specify the extent and mode of support).

• Indicate the total funding requested from the RGC, and substantiate that commercial/industrial sponsorship accounts for no less than 20% of the cash cost of the proposed CRC.

• Provide an estimate of cashflow requirements for each of the first three years.

8. Alternative research funding sources

Explain why the applicants are seeking funding from the RGC. Explain previous/current attempts to obtain funding from other sources. Estimate the potential of the proposed CRC for securing non-RGC funding in the future.

9. Composition of CRC team

• Details of principal investigators/co-investigators (please attach brief CVs - no more than two pages for each)

• Show track record of the PI/Co-I and the department/unit concerned, in applied research relevant to the proposed CRC. Show track record of success in acquiring industrial support.

10. Collaboration

Identify partners (persons/institutions/corporations), and state form of collaboration. Provide copy of formal agreement of collaboration, if available, or letters of commitment.

11. Management of CRC

Explain the composition of the Management Committee, planned frequency of meetings and mode of operation. (The RGC may wish to nominate a representative to serve on the Management Committee.)

12. Publications and training of students

Please show the estimated number of students to be trained, potential for publications (including conferences) and possible venue of publications.

13. References

14. Other relevant information

UGC Secretariat
April 1999