Collaborative Research Fund

(A) The CRF 2021/22 Exercise

1.

Number of applications received:

213

2.

Number of full proposals received:

81

3.

Number of full proposals selected for interview:

38

4.

Number of proposals recommended for funding:

32

5.

Success rate (over the number of applications):

15%

6.

Total approved amount of the funded projects:
(excluding on-costs)

$193 million

 

(B) The Second CRF Covid-19 and NID Exercise

1.

Number of applications received:

115

2.

Number of full proposals received:

34

3.

Number of full proposals selected for interview:

20

4.

Number of proposals recommended for funding:

16

5.

Success rate (over the number of applications):

13.9%

6.

Total approved amount of the funded projects:
(excluding on-cost)

$92.3 million

 

(C) Collaborative Research Fund Panel’s Comments for Applicants’ Reference

  • Proposals under routine CRF exercise were generally impressive and of high quality, and the competition continued to be vigorous. Proposals under the Second Round CRF Covid-19 and Novel Infectious Diseases Research Exercise were generally less meritorious than the previous round.

  • Presentation videos were well-prepared and useful in filling the gap of the proposals.

  • Project teams were encouraged to submit “high-risk-high-return” proposals. If considered meritorious, the Selection Panel would be delighted to support them with one-year seed money and exploratory funding for further developing the research proposals. More proposals from the Business Studies and Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines were also welcomed.

  • In terms of collaboration, project teams were encouraged to elaborate in their proposals on the linkage between various research elements and collaboration among the team members apart from stating their roles in the proposed project, e.g. how collaboration could enhance the synergy, achievements and delivery of the project.