THE NATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
IRG Application Form
Name of Principal Investigator:
Amount applied for:
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NATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
Application for Individual Research Grant (IRG)
All information is treated in confidence. The information is furnished to the National Medical Research Council with the
understanding that it shall be used or disclosed for evaluation, reference and reporting purposes . If your application is not
successful, this form will be destroyed after the retention period deemed as appropriate by the Council.
1 Category of research proposal
Please ‘click’ the appropriate box
a)
New
Renewal (Grant number NMRC/
Resubmission (Application ID
application
b)
/
)
& No. of resubmissions inclusive of current
)
Clinical
Translational
2 Title of research (Limit to 300 characters)
3 Host Institution
4 Applicants (Please note that Co-Investigators need to hold at least an adjunct position in a local public
institution. Researchers from overseas institutions or private companies can only participate as collaborators.
Applicant
Role
Position
Department
Institution
Principal
Investigator
Co-Investigator
Co-Investigator
Collaborator
Collaborator
(Please add more rows if required)
5 Total amount of funds applied for SGD
exclusive of indirect cost)
6 Period of Support requested
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(capped at $1.5 M
years (max 3 years)
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7 Key words (Mandatory. Please provide maximum 6 key words)
8
Field of research
Please fill in the Health Research Classification (HRC) System below with reference to the list attached as
Appendix 1 in the IRG Guide. The HRC System is adapted from MRC, UK.
(A) Health Category
You may select up to 5 categories from the followings. Please use the minimum number of codes to reflect the
main focus of the research.
Blood
Cancer
Cardiovascular
Congenital Disorders
Ear
Eye
Infection
Inflammatory and Immune System
Injuries and Accidents
Mental Health
Metabolic and Endocrine
Musculoskeletal
Neurological
Oral and Gastrointestinal
Renal and Urogenital
Reproductive Health and Childbirth
Respiratory
Skin
Stroke
Generic Health Relevance
Other
(B) Research Activity Code
You may select up to 2 sub-codes from the followings, eg, 2.1.
1 Underpinning Research
1.1 Normal biological development and functioning
1.2 Psychological and socioeconomic processes
1.3 Chemical and physical sciences
1.4 Methodologies and measurements
1.5 Resources and infrastructure (underpinning)
2 Aetiology
2.1 Biological and endogenous factors
2.2 Factors relating to physical environment
2.3 Psychological, social and economic factors
2.4 Surveillance and distribution
2.5 Research design and methodologies (aetiology)
2.6 Resources and infrastructure (aetiology)
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3 Prevention of Disease and Conditions, and Promotion of Well-Being
3.1 Primary prevention interventions to modify behaviours or promote well-being
3.2 Interventions to alter physical and biological environmental risks
3.3 Nutrition and chemoprevention
3.4 Vaccines
3.5 Resources and infrastructure (prevention)
4 Detection, Screening and Diagnosis
4.1 Discovery and preclinical testing of markers and technologies
4.2 Evaluation of markers and technologies
4.3 Influences and impact
4.4 Population screening
4.5 Resources and infrastructure (detection)
5 Development of Treatments and Therapeutic Interventions
5.1 Pharmaceuticals
5.2 Cellular and gene therapies
5.3 Medical devices
5.4 Surgery
5.5 Radiotherapy
5.6 Psychological and behavioural
5.7 Physical
5.8 Complementary
5.9 Resources and infrastructure (development of treatments)
6 Evaluation of Treatments and Therapeutic Interventions
6.1 Pharmaceuticals
6.2 Cellular and gene therapies
6.3 Medical devices
6.4 Surgery
6.5 Radiotherapy
6.6 Psychological and behavioural
6.7 Physical
6.8 Complementary
6.9 Resources and infrastructure (evaluation of treatments)
7 Management of Diseases and Conditions
7.1 Individual care needs
7.2 End of life care
7.3 Management and decision making
7.4 Resources and infrastructure (disease management)
8 Health and Social Care Services Research
8.1 Organisation and delivery of services
8.2 Health and welfare economics
8.3 Policy, ethics and research governance
8.4 Research design and methodologies
8.5 Resources and infrastructure (health services)
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9 Ethical considerations and containment
Fund disbursement is subjected to ethics approval if the project involves any of the below.
Please declare the
participating institutions
where study requiring
ethics approval is
conducted:
Please tick accordingly if project involves any of the following:
a) Human Subject
Yes
No
b) Use of Human/Animal Tissues or Cells
Yes
No
Yes
No
d) Animal Experimentation
Yes
No
e) Requirement for Containment
Yes
No
f) Multi-centre trial(s)
Yes
No
from Primary Donors
(i.e. subject/volunteers recruited for project)
c) Use of Commercially Available
Human/Animal Tissues or Cells
(If yes, please state all participating institutions/centres :
)
A copy of the ethics approval is attached:
Yes
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No
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10 Abstract
In no more than 300 words, concisely describe the specific aims, hypotheses, methodology and approach of the
research proposal including its importance to science or medicine in particular clinical significance. The abstract
must be self-contained so that it can serve as a succinct and accurate description of the research proposal.
Note that the scientific abstract may be disclosed to other funding agencies.
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11 Research proposal
In no more than 12 pages (for sections 11.1 to 11.5), organize the details of the research proposal under the
following headings (Please use Arial Font size 10 for all text):
11.1
Specific aims
11.2
Clinical significance
11.3
Preliminary studies/Progress reports
11.4
Methods
11.5
Roles of Team Members
11.6
References
For Resubmission and Renewal (follow up study from NMRC projects) applications, append the following
documents to the end of this application as Annexes:
Resubmission – A document itemizing how the revised proposal (i.e. re-submission application) has addressed
past reviewers’/panel’s comments and highlight new features or merits of the revised proposal.
(Annex B)
Reviewers’ report of previous unsuccessful application; Rebuttal to the external reviewers;
Panel’s comments (where applicable); and Response to the panel (where applicable) (in the
above order as Annex C)
Renewal –
Submit a progress/final report of the existing project to indicate the progress and outputs of the
project in the prescribed NMRC reporting format (i.e. progress/ final report). (Annex D)
Please note that additional information/data may be attached as Annex E. However, they may or may not be
assessed by the reviewers/panel.
=====================================================================================
1 Specific Aims
State concisely and realistically what the pilot study intends to accomplish and/or what hypothesis is to be
tested.
2 Clinical Significance
Briefly sketch the background of the research proposed, critically evaluate existing knowledge and specifically
identify the gaps which the project intended to fill. State concisely the importance of the research described
by relating the specific aims to both short term (3-5 years) and possible long term clinical implications.
Describe how your research will contribute to:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
solving the health problem;
develop new knowledge;
develop scientific and clinical applications; and
provide tangible improvements in life sciences/healthcare.
3 Preliminary Studies/Progress Reports
For NEW APPLICATIONS, provide an account of the Principal Investigator’s preliminary studies (if any) pertinent
to the applications and/or any other information that will help to establish the experience and competence of the
investigator pursuing the proposed project.
For RENEWAL APPLICATIONS, give the beginning and end dates of the period covered since the research
project was last reviewed. Provide a succinct account of published and unpublished results, indicating the
importance of the findings. Discuss any changes in the project’s specific aims during the periods covered. List
the titles and complete references to all publications and completed manuscripts that have resulted from the
project.
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4 Methods
Describe the following in detail (refer to statistical checklist found in Appendix 2 of the Guide for IRG
Application for study design):
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
experimental design and the procedure,
any new methodology and its advantage over existing methodologies,
the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures and alternative approaches to
achieve the aims,
any procedures, situations or materials that may be hazardous to personnel and the precautions to
be exercised,
statistical justification and the means by which data will be analysed and interpreted.
5 Roles of Team Members
Elaborate (in one paragraph) the role of Co-Investigators and Collaborators involved in the project.
Specify the research background, technical competencies, role and contribution to specific deliverables and
achievements that are relevant and necessary to ensure success for the proposed research.
6
References
Please list the references in the order cited in this proposal, including the titles.
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12 Work Contribution of PI & Team Members
Please provide the expected percentage effort within the project, as well as within his/her other work
commitments for each Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator(s) and Collaborator(s).
Note that Co-Investigators need to hold at least an adjunct position in a local public institution. Researchers from
overseas institutions or private companies can only participate as collaborators. The terms of collaboration with
overseas research institutions and private companies must conform to NMRC’s existing policies.
Name
Role in
project (e.g.
PI, CoInvestigator,
Collaborator)
Institn
% effort within
project1
Total
100%
% effort within
own work
commitments2
Elaborate on
their
contribution to
the project
1
NOTE: Represents percentage effort spent by the team members in the project relative to his/her other team
members. The total in this column must add up to 100%.
NOTE: Represents percentage effort spent by the team members on this project out of individual’s total work
commitments (e.g. other grants, other teaching and administrative responsibilities, clinical work etc.)
2
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13 Biographical Sketch
(a) Principal Investigator
Please use the format below to provide the required information on Principal Investigator. NMRC places
emphasis on the bold areas. Please limit to 2 pages.















Name
Title
NRIC/Passport No.
Office Mailing Address
Email
Contact No
Current Position (Please provide full details, e.g. joint appointments; other academic appointments
including those outside of Singapore; percentage of time spent in Singapore every year, if
applicable)
Employment History
Academic qualifications (Indicate institution’s name and year degree awarded)
Research interests
Publications in the last 5 years (include only publications of direct relevance to study,
stating impact factors where possible)
Patents held (related or unrelated to the study)
Scientific Awards
Current and previous support from NMRC or other sources – See Section 14
(Please also include proposals pending approval)
Research Outcomes from other grants (e.g. publications, patents, awards, etc)
(b) Co-Investigator and Collaborators
In not more than 1 page per applicant, please use the format below to provide the required information on the
Co-Investigators and Collaborators .Note that Co-Investigators need to hold at least an adjunct position in a local
public institution. Researchers from overseas institutions or private companies can only participate as
Collaborators.













Name
Title
NRIC/Passport No.
Office Mailing Address
Email
Contact No
Current Position (Please provide full details, e.g. joint appointments)
Academic qualifications (Indicate institution’s name and year degree awarded)
Research interests
Publications of direct relevance to the study
Relevant patents held related to the study
Scientific Awards
Current and previous support from NMRC or other sources
(Please also include proposals pending approval)
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14 Budget
You are advised to prepare the budget carefully under each category and provide the justifications for
all categories in Item 14.4.
Please refer to the annex in the NMRC Policy Document on Financial Regulations for this
section. The provision of indirect research cost (IRC) will be computed at the budget revision
phase when the project is approved.
14.1 Manpower
Please budget for all the manpower required for the project including part-time personnel and those to
be shared with other projects. State whether they are existing personnel in your institution or new staff
to be recruited. Please use salary scales provided by the Bursar’s Office or Hospital Administration as
a reference. The cost should include annual increments, National Service increment, staff welfare,
medical and other related benefits as per the Human Resource policies of your institution.
Staff Category
Existing/New
Technologist
New
Research
Assistant
New
Research
Officer
New
Research
Associate
New
Research
Nurse
New
Postdoctoral
Fellow
New
Visiting
Consultant
New
Others:
(please
specify)
New
No
Remarks
Total cost
Total
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$0.00
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14.2 Equipment
Please budget for all scientific equipment you need to purchase to carry out the project. Indicate
sharing of equipment with other projects, if any.
For equipment costing more than $100,000 each, please indicate the estimated utilization of the
equipment (e.g. 70% usage throughout the project period; only 85% usage in the 2nd year for analysis
purpose, etc)
Qty
Equipment
Estimated
Utilisation
Rate for
Equipment
more than
$100,000 (to
be justified)
Unit Cost
Total
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Sub- Total
$0.00
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14.3
Other Operating Expenses (OOE)
This category covers other expenses directly related to the project such as the purchase of animals,
consumables, laboratory manuals, literature search, and maintenance of equipment. Conference
travel will be funded only if a presentation or if an article is presented and is capped at $6,000
per trip per requested year. The presentation or article must be directly related to the project.
Item Description
Cost
Materials &
Consumables
Overseas
Travel
Others:
(please specify)
Total
$0.00
Grand Total: SGD$0.00
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14.4
Details and Justifications of Budget Requested
Please provide breakdown for all categories if this is not indicated in the tables.
14.4.1 Manpower
Justifications
14.4.2 Equipment
Justifications
14.4.3 Other Operating Expenses (OOE)
Justifications
Materials & Consumables
Overseas Travel
Others e.g. Singapore Clinical Research Institutes (SCRI) cost
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15 Milestones
Please propose Milestones for assessment of the progress of the study and shade the appropriate boxes. The
progress of the project will be taken into consideration for continued disbursements of funds.
Targeted Duration
Milestones
Year 1
Q1
Q2
Q3
Year 2
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Year 3
Q4
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Eg. Milestone 1 (please replace)
Eg. Milestone 2 (please replace)
Eg. Milestone 3 (please replace)
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16 Performance Indicators
Please indicate the final expected targets. Please state ‘NA’ where indicator is not applicable.
Indicate
number /
value
Performance Indicators
Master’s research students trained
PhD students trained *
Training R&D
manpower for
industry
Master’s research and PhD students trained and
spun out to local industry as RSEs (Research
Scientist & Engineer)
Research staff spun out to local industry as RSEs
Post-doctoral (within 3 years of the PhD award)
researchers hired
Joint programs/projects with prestigious international
research organizations
Joint programs/projects with local universities
Capability
Indicators
Invention disclosures
Patents filed
Developing
long term R&D
capability
Patents granted
Patents commercialized
Papers published in international journals *
(To state impact factor)
Presentations at international conferences
Awards for research at national and international
level
R&D
collaboration
Industry
Relevance
Indicators
R&D projects with industry cash funding
Industry dollars received to fund R&D projects
Revenue from royalties and licensing agreements
Outcomes
Spin-off companies registered
New products or processes commercialized
*NMRC places special emphasis on these targets.
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17 Other Support
Please provide the following details for the grants currently held or being applied for by the Principal
Investigator. Attach additional pages if necessary. Please attach the scientific abstracts of each
grant listed below in (a) – (d) and required additional information as Annex A for Council’s
reference. Missing abstracts / KPIs / attachments will render this application incomplete.
(a) Support from any industry partner(s)
Please provide details on the funding/drug(s) or other resources provided by any participating industry
partner(s) for the applied grant.
Items Supported
Funding Source
Support Period
(Year)
Amount of Fund ($)
(b) Grants currently held (NMRC & Other Institutions)
Specifically for NMRC-funded projects, please indicate the NMRC project number and provide the
latest research outcomes (Key Performance Indicators) as a separate attachment.
Title of Research
Funding
Agency
Amount of Fund
Approved/
Received ($)
Balance
Available ($)
Support
Period
(Year)
Expiry
Date of the
grant
(c) List all applied grants (e.g. NMRC, NRF, A*STAR, MOE, Clusters, etc) where
outcome is pending
For all NMRC grant applications, please indicate application ID.
Please indicate all the applied grants of similar proposal where the applicant is involved as either PI,
Co-Investigator or Collaborator and provide any overlapping sections in the proposals as a
separate attachment.
Title of Research and PI’s role
in project
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Application
ID
Funding
Agency
Amount of
fund applied
for ($)
Support
Period (Year)
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(d) Support not related to specific research projects
Provide details of ALL other support which are not derived from funds provided for specific research
projects, such as departmental technicians, grants from private foundations, start-up funds, donations
from charitable organizations, etc. You may also attach correspondences showing commitments by
other parties in support of your work.
Types of resources
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Funding
Organisations
Duration of
support
Expiry date, if any
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18 Conflict of Interest
Please provide name and contact information of individuals who might have conflict of interests with your current
research proposal. This includes competitors who are in your specific area of research
S/N
Title
Name
Details
(Institution and e-mail add)
Reason for COI
1
2
3
19 Suggested names of Reviewers (Mandatory)
Reviewers who are co-authors with the PI(s) in publications are generally not to be included. Note that
reviewers must not have conflict of interest or involvement (direct and indirect) with the proposed project. NMRC
has the final discretion whether to select the suggested reviewers for the evaluation of the grant proposal.
S/N
Title
Name
Details
(Institution and e-mail add)
Relationship to
Principal
Investigator
1
2
3
4
5
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20 Institutional support
In signing the Grant Application, the Institution UNDERTAKES, on any Grant Award, to:

Discuss with immediate supervisor of applicant that the following will be complied with:
o
The proposed research will be conducted in the host institution
o
Adequate resources will be provided to the applicant for the entire grant period (e.g. lab space)
o
The applicant is independently salaried by the institution for the entire period of the grant
o
The research abides by all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to national and the
institution's research operating procedures and guidelines
o
Confirm the accuracy and completeness of information submitted, including budget, ethics,
other funding sources, etc.
o
Confirm that budget is clear (e.g. no double funding/ excessive purchase of equipment), and is
aligned with host institution HR and other policies
Research Director (or designated officer in capacity of providing institutional support):
_____________________
___
Date: __________________
Name, Designation & Signature
Comments:
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21 Signatories
In signing the Grant Application, the Principal Investigator and all Co-Investigator(s) & Collaborator(s) UNDERTAKE,
on any Grant Award, to:

Declare that all information is accurate and true.

Not send similar versions or part(s) of this proposal to other agencies for funding.

Submit supporting documents of ethics approval obtained from the relevant Institutional Review Board (IRB)
and Animal Ethics Committee for studies involving human subjects/human tissues or cells, and
animal/animal tissues or cells respectively.

Be actively engaged in the execution of the research and comply with all laws, rules and regulations
pertaining to animal and human ethics, including the Singapore Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Ensure that National Medical Research Council (NMRC) funding is acknowledged in all publications.

Ensure that all publications arising from research wholly or partly funded by NMRC will be forwarded to
NMRC.

Ensure that the requested equipment/resources are not funded by another agency or research proposal.

Ensure that there is a reasonable effort in accessing available equipment/resources within the host institution
or elsewhere within Singapore.

Adhere to NMRC’s general guidelines on competitive funding and NMRC’s Terms and Conditions.
The undersigned agree to abide by the conditions governing the award of research grants set out by
the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) of Singapore.
_______________ _______________ _______________ ______________
Principal Investigator
Name:
Date:
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
_______________ _______________ _______________ ______________
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
Co-Investigator
Name:
Date:
_______________ _______________ _______________ ______________
Collaborator
Name:
Date:
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Collaborator
Name:
Date:
Collaborator
Name:
Date:
Collaborator
Name:
Date:
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