Science and Industry Endowment Fund

Call for Expressions of Interest

The Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) is calling for Stage 1 Expressions of Interest for SIEF Round 4 grants. The Fund will invest in science that contributes to Australia’s sustainable future such as:

1.  fundamental research into new paradigms for sustainable resource use, environmental protection and community health;
2. tactical research to fast-track solutions to national challenges;
3. collaborative research that brings together organisations capable of working together on solutions to national challenges; and
4.  scholarships that create and sustain young researchers capable of addressing national challenges.

Key points to be aware of:
•  Grants for Research Projects to be funded up to $1-2M pa for a term of 3-5 years with proponents encouraged to co-invest resources (may be as in-kind).
•  Supported activities must be above and beyond or ‘additional’ to business as usual. The Fund will however consider proposals for research that are complementary to an institution’s own research.
•  Collaborative proposals (involving more than a single institution) are preferred.
•  There is a strong preference for industry/end-user involvement.Proposals should be consistent with SIEFs Primary Purpose and be within at least one of the Special Purpose Areas and
• Priority/Specific Outcome Areas identified for Round 4. 

SIEF Primary Purpose means that grants must be for:
• Activities in the fields of natural or applied science for the extension of knowledge, including the practical application of such knowledge; and
• Of national benefit for the purposes of assisting Australian industry, furthering the interests of the Australian community or contributing to the achievement of Australian national objectives.

The preferred Special Purpose Area for Round 4 is ‘supporting research’. This is defined as being research:
•  For established or long term research programs which aim to deliver scientific advances in areas of benefit to Australia. This includes funding of demonstration plants or pre-pilot plants, but would not normally include grants for extensions of existing programs;
•  Translating solutions to real world problems; deliver scientific advances; End user involvement / engagement.

The Priority Areas for Research Projects which will be given preference in Round 4 are:
Sector B, Economic Development:
• Plant and Animal Production and Primary Products;
• Mineral Resources;
• Energy;
• Manufacturing;
• Construction;
• Transport; and
• Information and Communication Services.

Full details and download the EOI form and guidelines

CONTACTS AND DEADLINES

A draft EOI should be submitted to the Research Services Office by Friday 15 June, email research-grants@uow.edu.au. EOIs will be assessed by a panel chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research to determine which proposals should proceed.

Stage 1 EOIs must be submitted via the RSO to the funding agency by 23 July 2012. EOIs selected to proceed to Stage 2 full proposal will be notified by 20 September 2012.

If you have any queries please contact Eve Steinke on 4221 4478, email eves@uow.edu.au.