Federaal Wetenschapsbeleid Politique Scientifique Fédérale
International Networking of the Federal Science Institutions (FSIs)
CALL FOR PROPOSALS 2015
INFORMATION FILE
DEADLINE: 28.04.2015 at 15.00.
Louizalaan, 231 B-1050 Brussel
URL: www.belspo.be
Please read this document carefully before submitting your proposal
CALL FOR International netwOrkING PROPOSALS FOR THE Federal SCIENTIFIC InstITUTIONs (FSIs)
Introduction
The purpose of the call is to develop expertise at the FSIs and provide a framework for structured cooperation with target countries.
The call is aimed at the FSIs. They are invited to submit proposals in respect of networking with universities and research centres in the non-profit sector of the target countries(see further) and from Belgium. FSIs may submit proposals to finance international networking projects. Funding applications cannot be submitted in relation to research activities. The proposed activity must be considered as a step along the road towards structured cooperation between the relevant institutions.
Target countries in the framework of the call
The following countries qualify for the call:
· The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa);
· Vietnam;
· The countries of Africa.
Institutions from other 'third' countries would not be excluded from participating in the call[1], via a network involving (but not necessarily involving) the countries listed above. The rationale behind this must be well argued. Only one proposal of this type can be selected.
Networking and duration of proposals
A proposal must involve no fewer than 2 partners from 2 different institutions and no more than 5 (coordinator included). The coordinator must be linked to the FSI. Women and young researchers are encouraged to participate.
The network coordinators are encouraged to sign an agreement between all partners prior to the proposal's submission.
Projects funded in the framework of the present call must not last for more than 3 years and should commence around October 2015.
The proposal must give a description of the value added by the network and the means by which it is controlled.
In line with the objectives of the call, the submitters from the FSI are asked for information on their "international cooperation" roadmap.
A FSI may submit several projects.
This tool is designed to support the development of networks. Given that the goal is to provide an impulse as opposed to sustainable network funding, this call does not involve current networks or networks which have already been set up. It might be possible, by way of exception, to fund just one proposal to extend an existing network, provided proper account is given of its added value.
Budget and contract
The guideline budget set aside for the call is € 250 000. Proposals may involve a request of no more than €40 000 in funding from BELSPO. This sum must be devoted entirely to networking activities. The present call does not cover research expenses.
The requested budget must necessarily cover expenses incurred and/or services rendered, and these are reimbursable on production of the original receipts.
A contract will be drawn up between the proposal coordinator and BELSPO for every proposal considered for funding. Applications may be made for an advance payment if so agreed by BELSPO's “Federal, Interfederal and International Coordination” service. The advance payment will amount to 50% of the total budget allocation. The balance is paid on receipt and approval of the final report.
The budget quoted in the proposal must be entirely devoted to the project activities. It must cover the normal expenses associated with networking (such as organising seminars, workshops or expert visits, per diem, travel and accommodation expenses in Belgium and abroad, etc.), as well as overheads to cover the costs of administration, telephone, post, maintenance, heating, lighting, electricity, insurance etc., provided these costs account for no more than 5% of the overall budget application.
Submission of proposals
The proposals must be submitted electronically by the coordinator (of an FSI) to the address using the appropriate form, available in Dutch and French.
The final submission date is 28 April 2015 at 15.00. The coordinator will be sent a receipt within 48 working hours of the end of the call.
Admissibility and selection
Once the admissibility criteria have been checked the accepted proposals will be assessed by a panel of experts from BELSPO and/or designated by BELSPO.
The assessment will rest on the following criteria:
- Conformity with the content and objectives of the call.
- Quality of the explanation (presentation of objectives, of the significance of the proposal, justification of the budget, etc.).
- Novelty of the network.
- Potential impact and feasibility.
Proposals will be selected on the basis of the assessment results and the budget available.
BELSPO will inform the coordinators on the results of the evaluation of their proposal(s).
Reporting
Each selected network agrees:
- to inform BELSPO of every network product created while in receipt of funding and up to a year afterwards;
- to state that it has received support from BELSPO;
- to deliver a final report in French and Dutch, of no more than one and a half pages, for the BELSPO website;
- to hold one meeting with BELSPOs "Federal, Interfederal and International Coordination" service to discuss the network's progress. This meeting must take place no later than at the end of the first half of the funding period. An activities report of no more than 2 to 4 pages must be submitted in preparation for the meeting.
- At the end of the project a 4-page final report must be submitted in Dutch or French and in English. This report will summarise the networking activities as well as the specific prospects of cooperation between the relevant partner institutions.
Complaints
BELSPO attaches a great deal of importance to service quality. A complaints processin form has been created to address these concerns. This form, together with all the information in relation to complaints processing, can be found on the following page:
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/organisation/complaints_en.stm
Complaints cannot be processed if they are anonymous or offensive.
Contact
For more information please contact the secretary of the "Federal, Interfederal and International Coordination" service at or call the number 02 238 36 04.
Information file Page 4 of 4 Call FSIs 2015
[1]The term 'third countries' is used to designate the countries not belonging to the EU or to the group of associated countries.