VICTORIA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS (VURIG) 2012

APPLICATION FORM

I.  SCHEME OBJECTIVES
The Victoria University Research Infrastructure Grant (VURIG) scheme supports the research activity and research infrastructure needs of the University by:
·  Developing and maintaining research infrastructure which supports high quality research in all disciplines;
·  Remedying deficiencies in current research infrastructure;
·  Supporting research of groups with a critical mass of researchers including postgraduate research students;
·  Ensuring that areas of recognised research potential at Victoria University have access to infrastructure necessary for development;
·  Supporting research and the research capability of Australian Competitive Grant (ACG) funded research.
The objectives stated above are consistent with the terms of use for RIBG and SRE block grant funding to the University.
II.  DEFINITION OF RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
Research infrastructure includes assets, facilities and services which support research across the University and which enable researchers to undertake excellent research and deliver high quality and innovative outcomes.
The research infrastructure needs of the University can be broadly categorised as:
Type 1 (Project) – research infrastructure which is purchased, operated and maintained within a single research entity.
Type 2 (University) – research infrastructure on a scale generally not able to be owned and operated by a single research entity and which support research of several areas of the University and is part of the University’s overall research capability.
Type 3 (Multi-University) – research infrastructure developed and funded at a multi-university/institutional, state or national level. These are generally large-scale facilities (usually involving several universities such as those funded through ARC LIEF or SRI initiatives). This infrastructure is usually considered to be part of a collective research capability at either a State or National level.
III.  LODGEMENT DETAILS
Applicants must email an electronic copy of the full application as a single PDF file using the naming convention ‘LEAD CI NAME_VURIG2012 application’ by 5pm on the closing date to:
Attention: Zana Stefanovski
Email:
Closing date: 14 September 2012 5pm

VURIG 2012 APPLICATION FORM

Please complete this form using Arial 11 point.

1.  APPLICANT NAMES

FAMILY NAME / FIRST NAME / POSITION / SCHOOL/CENTRE/INSTITUTE

(Add additional rows for extra team members as required.)

2. INFRASTRUCTURE DETAILS

RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE BEING REQUESTED
Name/Title of Infrastructure being requested:
Type of Infrastructure (refer to section II, page 1):
FOR CODES: / SEO CODES:

http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6BB427AB9696C225CA2574180004463E?opendocument

3. DESCRIPTION AND BENEFIT

Provide a statement describing the research infrastructure being applied for, why it is essential to Victoria University, how it will be of benefit, and the research areas of the University it will support. (100 words or less)

4. JUSTIFICATION

Provide a clear statement addressing the current availability of the infrastructure at Victoria University or elsewhere (Local or National). If it is available to you already, please explain the reason for this application. (200 words or less)

5. LOCATION & MANAGEMENT

5.1. Where will the infrastructure/equipment be located (specify campus, building and room number)? For multiple items please provide a response for each.
5.2. Who will be responsible for the day to day operation and overall management of the infrastructure?

6. STRATEGIC VALUE (Assessment criteria weighting - 50%)

Provide a brief statement in response to the following points:

6.1. The extent to which the infrastructure supports and contributes to the achievement of the University’s research goals and strategic objectives. (250 words or less)
6.2. The extent to which the infrastructure adds to the University’s research infrastructure and will improve competitiveness in securing Australian Competitive Research Grants (category 1 grants). (250 words or less)
6.3. The extent to which the infrastructure supports:
·  interdisciplinary research activity in any of the following thematic areas: Education, Lifelong Learning & Workforce Development; Health, Active Living & Sport; Environmental Sustainability; Cultural Diversity; and the performance and well-being of particular places and industries, OR
·  activity within the VU distinctive specialisations of Built Environment & Sustainability; Creative Industries; Economic, Social and Community Development; Education and Early Childhood; Financial Services; Food and Nutrition; Health; Law and Legal Services; Major Events – Hospitality and Tourism; Sport, exercise and active living; Supply Chain and Logistics.
(250 words or less)


7. RESEARCH TRACK RECORD (Assessment Criteria Weighting - 25%)

Provide a summary research track record statement for each applicant over the past 5 years in relation to:
·  research quality and impact (Top 10 Journal Publications only, and all awards won);
·  securing research funding (indicate position on grant, ie. First or other named Investigator) including:
§  Australian Competitive Grants (Category 1) awarded;
§  Non Australian Competitive Grants (categories 2 - 4) awarded (Please note preferential weighting will be given to ACG success).

8. BENEFIT TO RESEARCH COMMUNITY (Assessment criteria weighting - 25%)

1.  8.1. Describe the extent to which the infrastructure supports collaborative research activity across disciplines, research groups, Faculties or Institutes. (200 words or less)
2.  8.2. Describe the extent to which the infrastructure serves the needs of postgraduate research students and early career researchers. (200 words or less)
8.3. Describe the extent to which the infrastructure adds strategic value to the University’s research resources. (200 words or less)
8.4. Describe the extent to which the infrastructure will support research of benefit to industry, the professions or community and/or region. (200 words or less)

9. BUDGET INFORMATION

All costs should be quoted excluding GST. Quotes for equipment must be attached to the application.

9.1. Please detail the total cost of the infrastructure project as outlined in this application:
Detailed Budget / Amount
Cash ($) (excl. of GST) / Amount
In-kind ($) / Source (Researcher/School/etc)
Itemised list of Research Infrastructure (Enter list in text area below)
Additional Installation Costs (If applicable)
Maintenance costs (Per Year). These costs are expected to be provided by the researchers utilising the infrastructure.
Other costs
Total:
9.2. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUPPORT THE PURCHASE AND OPERATION OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE
Researcher / Amount Cash ($): / Signature:
School/Centre / Amount Cash ($): / Signature:
Faculty/Institute / Amount Cash ($):
. / Signature:
Requested VURIG Funds / Amount Cash ($):
.
Total Amount (corresponds to the total amount cash in Q9.1). / Amount Cash ($):

10. CERTIFICATION

10.1. CERTIFICATION BY FIRST NAMED APPLICANT
Name: / Position:
Signature: / Date:
10.2. CERTIFICATION BY CENTRE/INSTITUTE DIRECTOR
Name: / Position:
Signature: / Date:
10.3. CERTIFICATION BY EXECUTIVE DEAN/NOMINEE
Name: / Position:
Signature: / Date:

11. RANKING BY FACULTY/INSTITUTE (this section is to be completed by the Associate Dean – Research or Institute Director following the submission of the application to the Office for Research)

Faculty/Institute assessing the proposal:
Name of Faculty/Institute: / Application Ranking:
Associate Dean(Research)/Institute Director ranking certification:
Name: / Signature:

Faculties and Institutes assessing the proposal are to rank RIG applications in order of preference for funding, with No.1 being the most Highly Recommended for Funding.

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