I am writing to invite applications for allocations from the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) 2024/25.

The Fellowship Award

The Scheme was first launched in 2012/13. It aims at granting extended time-off and supporting funds to outstanding investigators with a proven track record of research and publication under the disciplines of the Humanities and Social Sciences Panel to enable them to focus on research work and writing.

A maximum amount of $1 million per award for a period of up to 12 months may be granted and not more than ten awards will be granted for all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities per year.

Eligibility of Applicants

Applicants for subjects under the Humanities and Social Sciences Panel that are eligible for the General Research Fund, except visiting scholars, are eligible to apply. Awardees of the fellowship cannot compete again in future exercises. However, they may hold concurrent project grants awarded by the UGC / Research Grants Council (RGC) and other funding agencies during the period of the fellowship. The Scheme is not only intended to provide time and supporting funds to develop a new research project but also to build on a research programme that is already well-defined and developed. Applicants are reminded to justify the value and appropriateness of the outputs in their applications.

Quota

Each university may submit up to five nominations. Evidence of significant and appropriate university’s support for the nominations will be an important criterion in assessing the applications. Universities should provide a statement in the application form to support the nominations. Awardees of the fellowship are required to undertake their continual services in their respective universities for at least one year upon the completion of the fellowship.

Electronic Submission and Application Deadline

The RGC Electronic System is now ready for submission of HSSPFS applications. Similar to last year’s arrangement, all applications must be submitted through the Electronic System to the UGC Secretariat by 7 February 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.

Scheme Overview and Guidance Notes

Applicants should read the Scheme Overview and Guidance Notes HSSPFS 2 (Guidance Notes) before completing the application form HSSPFS1 in the Electronic System. The Guidance Notes can be downloaded from the RGC website https://www.ugc.edu.hk/doc/eng/rgc/form/HSSPFS2.pdf.

Update of Proposals

Applicants will be requested to provide a brief update setting out any essential changes to the applications, i.e. the eligibility of the applicants, alternative funding obtained, declaration of related proposals, investigator’s CV, grant records, etc. by 15 April 2024, if any. Such updates should be confined to the essential parts of the original proposals, and applicants should not use the opportunity to hand in a substantially changed proposal.