University of Alberta China Opportunity Fund

Phase I Call for Proposals

Background

Through the support of Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education and the University of Alberta Vice-President (Research), the China Opportunity Fund was established as a vehicle to support linkages between UAlberta scientists and leading researchers in the People’s Republic of China. In 2005, UAlberta developed the Joint Research Laboratories (JRL) program with China’s Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST), which funds State Key Laboratories (SKLs) and National Laboratories (NLs). In this program, research collaboration between UAlberta researchers and SKLs/NLs has been funded jointly through the China Opportunity Fund and MOST.

Priority Areas of Research

Areas of research that are given priority are energy, environment, nanotechnology, and life sciences.

Types of China Opportunity Fund Support

There are3 types of collaboration that are supported by the China Opportunity Fund:

  • Phase Iis to support UAlberta researchers interested in initiating contact with SKLs or NLs in China and investigating opportunities for collaboration. One-time funding of up to $5,000 per project may be provided.
  • Phase IIis designed to nurture an existing research partnership where contact has already been established with SKLs or NLs in China. A maximum of $25,000 annually per project is available, for up to two years.
  • Phase IIIwill be available only for projects that have previously received Phase II funding and demonstrate significant potential for technology commercialization. A maximum of $25,000 annually per project is available, for up to two years.

Funding Guidelines

Phase I

  • The Fund is intended to support establishment of initial contacts and conducting of feasibility studies for potential joint research projects with SKLs and/or NLs. Funding of up to $5,000 (maximum) is available.
  • Funds are primarily to support UAlberta professors’ travel to China to meet with potential partners and identify collaborative projects.
  • Eligible expenditures are subject to university regulations and procedures.
  • Requests for equipment and or major materials are not eligible.
  • Funds will not be used as an income supplement for faculty members going on leave (study leave, assisted leave, or leave without pay). Funds are intended for use as proposed by the applicant during the term of the award; any unspent funds will be returned to the Fund upon closure of the grant account as noted in the award notice.
  • Repeated requests from one or more researchers for projectsthat are substantially the same will be given low priority.
  • Appeals are dealt within the form of re-submissions and will be adjudicated in the next round.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be full-time, tenure-track faculty members at the University of Alberta.

Partners in China

Proposed research collaborators must be from one of the State Key Labs and/or National Labs under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in the priority areas of research. It is expected the partners in China will apply for funding to MOST or other Chinese funding agencies to support research projects that may be developed.

Application Procedure

Phase I

A scanned copy ofcompleted, signed application form (maximum 5 pages) must be submitted to U of A International by the deadline. Details required include:

  • proposed SKL/NL(s) to visit
  • biosketch(es) of potential collaborator(s) in China
  • existing collaboration with Chinese institutions (if applicable)
  • proposed area of research collaboration
  • rationale for proposed collaboration
  • expected outcomes for research partnership and UAlberta
  • activities during trip
  • length of stay
  • budget

Funded researchers will be expected to make the trip(s) to China within 6 months of receiving the funds and submit a report to UAlberta International, with a copy to the Office of the Vice-President (Research),within 1 month of returning to Edmonton.

Deadline

The deadline for submission of China Opportunity Fund Phase I project proposals is noon on Friday, May 31, 2013.

Submission instructions

Submit a scanned copy of the signed application form to:

Danielle Scott

Assistant Director (International Relations)

International Relations and Recruitment, U of A International

Selection Process

Letters of intent will be approved on the basis of scholarly quality which will promote sustainable research collaboration between China and Alberta, enhance the visibility of the University of Alberta in an international context, and contribute to the growth of the University of Alberta as a major research institution.

Applications will be assessed by a peer review committee chaired by the Vice-President (Research).

Notification

Notices of decisionswill be sent to applicants upon completion of the review process, normally within six weeks of the competition deadline.

Contact

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact Danielle at 780-492-9955 or .

China Opportunity Fund – Phase I Call for Proposals May 2013 1.