3.3 Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions

Research Grant Program

Travel Scholarships

Application Guidelines and Formsfor funding commencing in 2009

Travel Scholarship Application Guidelines and Forms Page 0 of 21NSW Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program

ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

Acronyms

DSRDNSW Department of State and Regional Development

OSMR NSW Office for Science and Medical Research

NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council

DefinitionsAdministering Institution* The institution that receives and administers the

funds. For the purposes of GST arrangements, this institution is defined as the supplier.

Intellectual Property Includes all industrial and intellectual property rights including but not limited to copyright, patents, trade/business or company names, registered and unregistered trademarks, registered designs, trade secrets, know how, rights in relation to circuit layout and all other rights of intellectual property as recognised by the law in force in NSW.

The Program Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program to promote research into spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions.

Research Institution* The institution at which the research will be undertaken.

Note *: The Administering Institution and the Research Institution may be the same institution.


SECTION 1

Overview and Introduction


1. Overview and introduction

1.1 OverviewThe Office for Science and Medical Research (OSMR) is a division of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, the NSW Government’s business development agency. OSMR works with the scientific, technological, health and medical research communities, the higher education sector and business to promote growth and innovation in science and medical research to achieve better economic, health and environmental outcomes for the people of NSW.

The Office for Science and Medical Research’s major objectives are to: Build the State’s knowledge base to respond to challenges and

opportunities within the research sector. Ensure that the State’s R&D capabilities underpin State Plan priorities

and implement Innovation Statement principles. Promote national and international collaborations in science and medical

research in NSW to attract increased investment to NSW. Create strong linkages between the higher education sector, business

and the community. Optimise the effectiveness of the NSW Government’s investment in

science and medical research. Continuously identify new areas of science and medical research of

relevance to NSW.

The Office for Science and Medical Research works towards these outcomes through: targeted grants programs; strategic investments in areas of State strength; creation of research networks and hubs; sponsorship and organisation of forums, workshops, conferences and

promotional activities; advice on legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives impacting on

science and medical research; and performance or support of science communication and public

engagement activities.

1.2 Background

In 2003 the NSW Government committed $10.9 million in research grant funding over four years to promote biomedical research into spinal cord injury, disorders and neurological conditions. An additional $11 million of NSW Government funding has been committed to spinal cord injury research, to be allocated from 2007-2011, bringing the Government’s total investment in this area to $22 million.


The rational for the NSW Government investment is to create research critical mass and accelerate outcomes in ways that can make a difference to the lives of people with spinal cord injury and related conditions, such as Motor Neurone and Parkinson’s Disease.

1.3 Objectives

The Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program is intended to promote research into spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions. The key objectives of the Program are to:

establish a critical mass of relevant research to spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions in NSW;

develop, attract or retain relevant research talent to NSW; and

make significant scientific discoveries that have a positive impact on the lives of those with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions in NSW.

1.4 Description of the Program

This phase of the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program is designed to foster the career development of emerging researchers through the provision of Research Fellowships and Travel Scholarships.

Funding will be provided through three awards to achieve the objectives outlined under Section 1.3:

I. Career Development Fellowship II. Clinical Research FellowshipIII. Travel Scholarships

Please note: this application kit pertains to the application for Travel Scholarships only.


Travel ScholarshipsIn the current funding round, four scholarships of up to $5,000 are available to enable advanced PhD students or early postdoctoral researchers within five years’ receipt of their PhD to present research at international conferences and/ or institutions. It is expected that successful applicants will also visit overseas laboratories or centres of excellence, and that a report on the travel will be provided to the Grants Assessment Committee.

1.4 Application and Assessment Process

The Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program Grants Assessment Committee will score and rank applications based on an assessment of merit against the stated selection criteria, where appropriate. Applications that the Committee considers to be ineligible will not proceed further.

Some eligible applications may be sent for review by appropriate independent assessors nominated by the Grants Assessment Committee members.

The Grants Assessment Committee will then make recommendations for Scholarships to Minister for Science and Medical Research for approval.

NOTE: The applicant may be interviewed by the Grants Assessment Committee where Committee members wish to clarify or explore aspects of the application, or where the Committee wish to choose between two equally ranked applications.

The lodging of an application for a Scholarship does not confer any entitlement upon the applicant. The making of a recommendation for a Scholarship is totally within the discretion of the Grants Assessment Committee.

If none of the applications meet the standard of excellence required, the Committee reserves the right not to recommend Scholarships, and the NSW Government reserves the right not to offer Scholarships.

The Grants Assessment Committee requires its members to declare conflicts of interest and to withdraw from considering applications where such conflict exists.


SECTION 2

Administration of the Grants


2. Administration of the Grants

2.1 Payment of Grants

The Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program operates on a financial year basis. Subject to appropriations, payment of funds will be made to the administering institution regularly, in accordance with the NSW Office for Science and Medical Research payment arrangements. Funds must be used only for purposes approved under the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program.

Scholarships awarded under the Program are regarded as a “taxable supply” and therefore a Goods and Services Tax is payable. The Scholarship will be increased by 10% and the administering institution will be required to collaborate in the recovery of the GST component.

For the purposes of payments under this Agreement in relation to services occurring on or after 1 July 2009, the Supplier will provide invoices to the Office for Science and Medical Research in the form of a GST Tax Invoice as prescribed in the GST legislation.

NOTE: Travel Scholarships awarded may attract personal income tax in some cases. Travel Scholarship applicants are encouraged to seek advice from the Australian Taxation Office or their administering institution regarding the possible tax implications of a Scholarship.

2.2 Reporting Requirements

Travel Scholarships Scholarship recipients may be required to give a research presentation to relevant Scientific Symposiums upon return to NSW. Recipients will also be required to share the knowledge gained with a wider audience, for example:

publication in journals;

publication on the Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Network Website; and

presentations to peers and the broader research community.

2.3 Acknowledgement of Support

All publications or discussion of results from research or activity carried out with the assistance of a Travel Scholarship must acknowledge the support of the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program from the NSW Government.


Researchers must indicate their status as recipients of Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program support in scientific publications and programs of scientific meetings and in any other public connection relating to the activity carried out as a result of the award of a Travel Scholarship.

2.4 Privacy and Confidentiality

PrivacyDocuments containing personal information will be handled and protected in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Personal information would be disclosed only with permission of the individual to whom it relates or where the Act allows.

Applicants consent to the information supplied as part of their application being disclosed for the purposes of the assessment of their application and for purposes connected with the making and administration of the Scholarship. Such disclosure includes, but is not limited to, disclosure to members of the Grants Assessment Committee, independent readers/assessors requested by the Committee to provide advice, and relevant representatives and employees of Government involved in the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program process.

Applicants acknowledge that announcement of the Scholarship will involve the dissemination of information to the public about the general nature of the research funded, the researchers involved in the research project, and the research organisations at which the research is being carried out.

ConfidentialityInformation contained in applications will be regarded as confidential unless otherwise stated by the Grants Assessment Committee and assessors.

2.5 Intellectual Property

Applicants must adhere to an intellectual property policy approved by the governing body of the host research organisation that is congruent with the document “National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research” released in September 2001.2

2.6 Good scientific practice

Eligible research organisations should have written policies supporting, or have statements of compliance with, all relevant National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines relating to good scientific practice and, where appropriate, research on human and animal subjects.

.2 These Principles were developed by a working group comprising: The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC); the Australia Research Council (ARC); the Australian Tertiary Institutions Commercial Companies Association (ATICCA); the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC); the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA); the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR); and IP Australia.


SECTION 3

Instructions to Applicants


3 Instructions to Applicants

3.1 Travel Scholarship Description

Travel Scholarships are available under the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program for research students or early postdoctoral researchers who are nominated by their University or research institute as eligible to receive such an Award.

The objectives of the Travel Scholarships are to:

increase the possibility of retaining talented young researchers in fields relevant to spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions;

encourage collaborations; and

enable students and young researchers to present their work overseas by funding travel and associated expenses to international conferences and institutions.

The Travel Scholarships are intended to provide support to advanced PhD students or early postdoctoral researchers within five years’ receipt of their PhD to present their research at prestigious international conferences and/or international institutions, and to visit overseas laboratories or centres of excellence.

3.2 Use of fundsTravel Scholarship monies may be used for the following purposes:

fares, accommodation and maintenance allowance for the Scholarship recipient;

conference registration and presentation materials; and

visits to laboratories or centres of excellence to learn new techniques.

NOTE: Travel Scholarships awarded may attract personal income tax in some cases. Applicants are encouraged to seek advice from the Australian Taxation Office or their administering institution regarding the possible tax implications of a Travel Scholarship.

3.3 Eligibility and Selection CriteriaTo be eligible for a Travel Scholarship, the applicant must have:

completed the majority of research undertaken towards their doctoral thesis at a university or research institute in New South Wales;

OR

been awarded a PhD within the previous five years, and be currently employed within a university or research institute in New South Wales.


In addition, the applicant must satisfy each of the following criteria:

Possess an excellent research or academic record; as demonstrated by an attached recommendation from their university/ research institute as being outstanding in their field.

Demonstrate high level written and verbal communication skills.

Have undertaken doctoral thesis or postdoctoral research in a field relevant to or with potential to impact on spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions.

Demonstrate the proposed benefit of attendance at the conference/ international institution to the applicant and research process.

Demonstrate significant contribution of or the potential to impact on research and the wider body of knowledge on spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions.

Demonstrate how conference attendance and/or visit to a research facility will support the dissemination plan for this research.


SECTION 4

Submitting an Application


4. Submitting an Application

4.1 TimeframeAction DateCall for applications March 2009Applications close April 2009Application Review April 2009Applications endorsed May 2009Applicants notified May 2009Funding commences June / July 2009

4.2 Submission ProcessApplicants must use the attached application form, which is available from the Secretariat or from the following website: www.osmr.nsw.gov.au

The application for a Travel Scholarship under the Program must be received by close of business (AEST) on (17 April March 2009).

Applicants must use the attached application form, which is available from the Secretariat or from the following website: www.osmr.nsw.gov.au

4.3 FormatPaper: A4 single-sided and on white paperMargin: 2cm on each sideFont: at least 12 font. Since applications may be photocopied, the

preferred fonts are Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Courier or Palatino.

Applications: Applicants must submit BOTH electronic and hard copies of the application by close of business 17 April March 2009. Signatures are not required on the electronic version.

Eight hard copies of applications should be lodged with the Secretariat, Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grants Program at the following address:

By mail or courier to:The SecretariatSpinal Cord Injury & Related Neurological Conditions Research Grants ProgramNSW Office for Science and Medical ResearchLevel 43, 19 Martin PlaceSydney NSW 2000

GPO Box 5477Sydney NSW 2001

By email to:

Suzanne PopePrincipal Policy OfficerNSW Office for Science and Medical Research

[email protected]


http://www.osmr.nsw.gov.au/

http://www.osmr.nsw.gov.au/

Enquiries about the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grants Program should be addressed to:

Ms Suzanne PopePrincipal Policy OfficerNSW Office for Science and Medical Research

Tel: (02) 9338 6784Fax: (02) 9338 6760Email: [email protected]


SECTION 5

Travel Scholarship Application Form


5.1 All ApplicantsPrivacy NoticeApplicants consent to the information supplied as part of their application being disclosed for the purposes of the assessment of their application and for purposes connected with the making and administration of the Scholarship. Such disclosure includes, but is not limited to, disclosure to members of the Grants Assessment Committee, independent readers/assessors requested by the Committee to provide advice, and relevant representatives and employees of Government involved in the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program process. Documents containing personal information are handled and protected in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 which sets standards for the collection, storage, use and disclosure of, and access to, personal information.

Applicants for a Travel Scholarship under the Spinal Cord Injury and Related Neurological Conditions Research Grant Program must complete section 5.1.

Total number of sheets contained in this applicationApplication ID (Secretariat use only)Date received by Secretariat

5.1.1 Personal details about the Applicant

Name and personal details

Surname

First Name TitleCurrent Postal Address Phone FaxEmail

5.1.2 Qualifications of the Applicant

Degree/Award Year Discipline/Field Institution and country


5.1.3 Academic, Research, Professional and Industrial Experience of the ApplicantPlease note: This section only to be completed by applicants who have already been awarded a PhD.

List current and previous appointment(s)/position(s)—covering a maximum of the past five years

Position held Institution/Organisation Department Year appointed and status

5.1.4 Nomination of refereesProvide the names and full contact details of three referees who are able to comment on your research contributions and international standing, including at least one referee from your current university/ research institution. A written reference from your current university/ research institution should be attached.

5.1.5 Curriculum VitaeApplicants must attach a full copy of their curriculum vitae to the application.

5.1.6 Details of the Administering Organisation

Administering Institution postal addressDepartment/school/otherOrganisationPostal address

5.1.7 Information about the Contact Officer for administering institution

Name:Address for correspondence:Email:Telephone:


5.1.8 CertificationCompleting this part of the application is the responsibility of the applicant. Signatures are not required on the electronic version of the application. The applicant must however obtain the required signature(s) for the hard copy of the application.

Certification by the ApplicantI certify that:

1. To the best of my knowledge and belief information contained in this application is complete, true and correct and I understand that the provision of false or misleading information may attract substantial penalties.

2. I consent to this application being peer-reviewed by persons who will remain anonymous.

3. I have read and agreed to the Privacy Notice appearing at the top of 6.1 of this application form.

Signature of Applicant Name Date

*

Certification by the Head of the Administering InstitutionI certify that:

1. I am authorised to sign the application form on behalf of this research organisation and other research organisations that are partners in the application.

2. I am prepared to have the Scholarship administered by my institution under the conditions as set out.

3. All funds for this Scholarship will be spent only for the purpose for which they were provided.

4. The applicant will in no way be prejudiced in having access to such assistance as is normally provided by the host research organisation to members of staff employed at a similar level

Signature of Head of Administering Institute or Delegate Name and Title Date

*

Certification by the Academic Institution at which Doctoral Thesis was completed or is being undertakenI certify that

1. I am authorised to sign the application form on behalf of the university.2. The applicant named at Section 5.1 is recommended by the academic

institute as being outstanding in their research field.

Signature of Head of Academic Institute or Delegate Name and Title Date

*

* Signature not required for the electronic version of the application. A signed version of this page must be included in the hard copies of the application.

5.2 Research Achievements


Please provide the information requested in 5.2 in no more than one page.

5.2.1 Institute where majority of doctoral research completed

State the university or research organisation where the majority of doctoral thesis research was completed.

5.2.2 A description of your doctoral thesis research

Briefly outline the doctoral thesis research you are currently undertaking, or have recently completed. Applicants should demonstrate the relevance of the research to spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions.

5.2.3 Benefit to New South Wales

Describe the expected outcomes and the likely impact of the research, including the expected clinical outcomes of the research.

5.3 Proposed Travel

5.3.1 Estimated Start of Proposed Travel (DD/MM/YYYY)

5.3.2 Estimated Completion of Proposed Travel (DD/MM/YYYY)

5.3.3 Proposed Travel Destination

State the travel destination, including the conference name or research organisation, where applicable.

5.3.4 Purpose of Proposed Travel

Applicants should describe the purpose of the proposed travel, including the relevance of the conference/ visit to spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions, and plans for the dissemination of their research to an international audience.

5.3.5 Scholarship Requested

Main uses to which the Scholarship will be put Approximate $


3.3 Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Documents

Transcript of 3.3 Eligibility and Selection Criteria