Reference number: _____________________ Form RG1 Multi-Disciplinary Research: Yes / No + (Delete where appropriate) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE ACADEMIC RESEARCH FUND APPLICATION FOR A RESEARCH GRANT SUBMISSION TO: (please tick appropriate box) THE FACULTY RESEARCH COMMITTEE: FOR HUMANITIES: (PROJECT VALUE < $90,000) FOR SCIENCES: (PROJECT VALUE < $180,000) THE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH COMMITTEE: FOR HUMANITIES: ($90,000 PROJECT VALUE < $500,000) FOR SCIENCES: ($180,000 PROJECT VALUE < $500,000) THE ACADEMIC RESEARCH FUND COMMITTEE: $500,000 PROJECT VALUE $1,000,000) THE MINISTERIAL LEVEL COMMITTEE: (PROJECT VALUE ≥ $1,000,000) + Defined as any research that requires input from staff in a different department or staff belonging to other disciplines from other institutions outside the University. 1 TITLE OF RESEARCH PROJECT Title should be short and concise. 2a PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Provide 1-page C.V. of Principal Investigator, giving an outline of education and work experience, track records in managing research projects and list (not more than ten) selected relevant and top publications. Name: Appointment: Employee number: Department & Faculty: Telephone number: Fax number: (For NUS Staff, please complete and attach Form ORE/RP1B) Email address: 2b Previous grants from Academic Research Fund: To state the date/amount of previous grants. If the grant includes equipment, indicate the equipment purchased and the current / proposed usage of the equipment after project ended/ends. CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Provide 1-page C.V, giving an outline of education and work experience, track records in managing research projects and list (not more than ten) selected relevant and top publications. Name: Appointment: Employee number: Department & Faculty: (PLEASE SEE 2a) Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Previous grants from Academic Research Fund: ORE/revised Dec04 To state the date/amount of previous grants. If the grant includes equipment, indicate the equipment purchased and the current / proposed usage of the equipment after project ended/ends. Form RG1 Page 1 3a NUS COLLABORATOR(S)/OTHER KEY TEAM MEMBERS Name: Appointment: Employee number: Department & Faculty / RIC Provide 1-page C.V, giving an outline of education and work experience, track records in managing research projects and list (not more than ten) selected relevant and top publications. (PLEASE SEE 2a) Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: 3b Previous grants from Academic Research Fund: To state the date/amount of previous grants. If the grant includes equipment, indicate the equipment purchased and the current / proposed usage of the equipment after project ended/ends. EXTERNAL COLLABORATOR(S)/OTHER KEY TEAM MEMBERS Provide supporting documents to show his/her agreement to collaborate. Name: Provide 1-page C.V, giving an outline of education and work experience, track records in managing research projects and list (not more than ten) selected relevant and top publications. Appointment: Employee number: Organisation/Institution: Telephone number: (PLEASE SEE 2a) Fax number: Email address: 4 Previous grants from Academic Research Fund: To state the date/amount of previous grants. If the grant includes equipment, indicate the equipment purchased and the current / proposed usage of the equipment after project ended/ends. ABSTRACT In about 200 words, describe the project in the context of previous work done or in progress at the University or at other institutions, and explain the significance and uniqueness of this project. ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 2 5 LIST MAIN OBJECTIVES IN ORDER OF PRIORITY Describe the objectives clearly and succinctly, and highlight the deliverables upon project completion. Attach a self-contained Case for Support, consisting of no more than five A4 pages. Please note that this application may not be considered if the Case for Support is not enclosed, or its contents do not give sufficient details. 6 POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS/EXPLOITATION State the likely applications of the work (technological, social, scientific, economic). Also highlight any potential for exploitation, and the necessary follow-up arrangements. 7 COLLABORATION/S Where appropriate, describe any collaborative arrangements, including arrangements for exploitation and protection of intellectual property. Please attach letters of support from all collaborating parties whose names are indicated in this Section. (Note: This section is for official collaborators only. Details of “potential” collaborators may be provided in the Case for Support”) 8 MANPOWER TRAINING IN THIS PROJECT No. of Masters Students to be Trained No. of PhD Students to be Trained ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 3 9 SUMMARY OF RESEARCH GRANT REQUESTED (GST to be included, where appropriate) Grant requested must cover the entire project life. Applicants should note that research grant, once approved, will not be increased. Please note that for cash flow management, the PI is advised to plan the expenditure carefully for each year of the project period and commit such expenditures according to the proposed schedules. Vote Year 1 1 Manpower 2 New equipment/facilities 3 Materials/consumables 4 Miscellaneous Costs: Year 2 Year 3 Total ($) 4a Overseas Travel 4b Training/other misc. costs Grand Total ($) Please see Notes for Budget Preparation in Annexes B-C2 for assistance in completing items 9.1 to 9.4. 9.1 MANPOWER COSTS Please indicate an “E” against the number if it is a continuation of an existing appointment. NS increments* - Please tick against staff grade if increments are to be given for National Service (NS). If the manpower required is a Research Fellow, please provide information on his/her qualifications and experience. Manpower Staff Grad e With NS* Number Full Part Time Time Annual Cost ($) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 No. of Months on Project Research Fellow Visiting Professor (for periods 1 mth) Research Assistant Lab Officer Technician/Junior Research Assistant Student Assistant: a Undergraduate Student Researcher (wef 1 Jan 03) b Graduate Student Researcher (wef 1 Jan 03)# Research Scholarship ^ Grand Total ($) # ^ Applicable to FRC/URC projects only – ie projects with TPV < $500K Applicable to ARC/MLC projects only – ie projects with TPV ≥ $500K ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 4 Total Cost ($) 9.2 NEW EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES COSTS (GST to be included, where applicable) For projects to be considered by the University Research Committee and/or Academic Research Fund Committee and/or Ministerial Level Committee, it is mandatory to attach vendor’s written quotations. Item Description Quotation* No. Unit Price ($) Quantity Year 1 ($) Year 2 ($) Year 3 * ($) Total Cost ($) Grand Total ($) To facilitate identification of each item’s cost, indicate clearly item number on the quotation showing the particular item description, unit cost and total cost. The cost must tally with figure(s) shown on the quotation. * Please append a list of existing equipment that will be used in the project. Equipment descriptions, costs and locations must be provided. IMPORTANT! : If the overall proposed equipment budget exceeds 50% of total project value, &/or consists of a single piece of equipment costing S$100,000, detailed justification must be provided (please refer to details in preparation of ANNEX A - Case for Support). Please note that the application may not be considered if justifications provided are insufficient. 9.3 COSTS OF MATERIALS/CONSUMABLES (GST to be included, where applicable.) For projects to be considered by the University Research Committee and/or Academic Research Fund Committee and/or Ministerial Level Committee, PIs may be requested to provide vendor’s written quotation. Item Description Quotation* No. ($) Unit Price ($) Quantity Year 1 ($) Year 2 ($) Year 3 * ($) Total Cost ($) Grand Total ($) * To facilitate identification of each item’s cost, indicate clearly item number on the quotation showing the particular item description, unit cost and total cost. The cost must tally with figure(s) shown on the quotation. 9.4 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS COSTS (GST to be included, where applicable) A) OVERSEAS TRAVEL Item Description Country No. of days Purpose Year 1 ($) Year 2 ($) Year 3 * ($) Total Cost ($) Grand Total ($) ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 5 B. TRAINING/OTHER MISCELLANEOUS COSTS Item Description Purpose Year 1 ($) Year 2 ($) Year 3 * ($) Total Cost ($) Grand Total ($) 10 OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING (GST to be included for Purchases of Equip, Materials, Consumables and Services) Please attach letters of financial commitment/support from funding parties, where possible. Name and address of other funding parties: Contact name and designation: Contact number: Type of organisation: (eg industry, commerce, research institutes, government, etc) Details of contribution: (A) Cash contribution: (B) In-Kind Contribution: $ Item Description Value ($) Equipment/materials: Staff secondment: Facilities: Others: Total value of A+B ($): ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 6 11 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE (Gantt Chart Format) Quarters / Research Milestones Q1 Year 1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Year 2 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Year 3 Q2 Q3 Q4 The start date is defined as the first date on which the project commits or incurs expenditure. Researchers are reminded that a project, once approved, must start within 60 days of approval. Estimated start date: Estimated completion date: 12 DECLARATION For sections A and B, please indicate N.A. if non- applicable. (A) My/Our project involves the collaboration with and/or contribution from (inkind or cash) the following external organisation(s): 1 2 PLEASE NOTE: Arrangements for the possible establishment of an MOU or RCA with the abovementioned external organisation(s) will be made when outcome of your application is made known. (B) 1. My/Our project involves human subjects in (please circle): 1. drug clinical trials; 2. non-drug clinical trials; and/or 3. others (please specify): ____________________________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: An application should be prepared and submitted to the NUS Institutional Review Board (NUS IRB) for review. Please visit URL: http://www.nus.edu.sg/irb/ for further information and application guidelines. The outcome of NUS IRB's review should be attached to this proposal application or provided once it is available. 2. My/Our project involves the use of animal subjects in (please specify): ____________________________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: An application should be prepared and submitted to the NUS Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for review. Further information and application guidelines are available from the Office of Life Sciences. Please note that IACUC’s approval must be obtained before animal experiments/use of animals can proceed. A copy of the outcome of the NUS IACUC’s review should be provided to the FRC and ORE once it is available. (C) We declare that the facts stated in this application and the accompanying information are true and that this is an original proposal. Signatures and dates Principal Investigator Collaborating party(if any) Applicant(s) : ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 7 13 EVALUATION/ ENDORSEMENT BY HEAD OF DEPARTMENT / CHAIRMAN, FACULTY RESEARCH COMMITTEE This section is to be completed by the Head of Department and endorsed by the Chairman of the Faculty Research Committee. A. MERIT OF THE PROJECT (1) Clarity of project objectives (Please circle) 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Unclear Very Clear (2) Clarity of project deliverables 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Unclear Very Clear (3) Relevance of project to Department / Faculty / University 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Irrelevant Very Relevant (4) Relevance of project to the industry and economy 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Irrelevant Very Relevant (5) Timeliness of project with respect to applications 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Untimely Very Timely (6) Extent of multidisciplinary linkages among staff / research groups 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Nil Many Disciplines Please comment on the merit of the project: B. PROJECT’S POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE USEFUL RESULTS (Please circle) 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent (1) Project’s potential to produce results in teaching: (2) Project’s potential to produce results in the area of advancement of knowledge/ core technology competency / clinical application: Project’s potential to produce results in the area of industrial application / commercialization / public policy-making 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent Project’s potential to produce results in other areas: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent (3) (4) 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent (please specify): ___________________________________ Please comment on the project’s potential to produce results: ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 8 C. REASONABLENESS OF RESOURCES REQUESTED (Please circle) (1) Manpower Resources: Quantity: Type: (2) Equipment/Facilities*: Quantity: Type: (3) Materials/Consumables: Quantity: Type: (4) Miscellaneous Costs (4a) Overseas Travel: Quantity: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Excessive Very Reasonable 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Inappropriate Appropriate 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Excessive Very Reasonable 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Inappropriate Appropriate 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Excessive Very Reasonable 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Inappropriate Appropriate 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Excessive Very Reasonable 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Inappropriate Appropriate (4b) Training/other misc. costs: Quantity: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Excessive Very Reasonable Type: Type: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Inappropriate Appropriate Please comment on the reasonableness of resources requested (* Please ensure that detailed justifications are provided for large equipment budget in the “Case for Support (Annex A)”, and validate the assertions): D. REASONABLENESS OF SCHEDULE OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION (Please circle) Extent to which the project implementation schedule is achievable i.e., lead time for procurement of equipment & recruitment of manpower, if any, has been taken into account: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Unrealistic Realistic Please comment on the reasonableness of the schedule of project implementation: ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 9 E. (1) (2) TRACK RECORD OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (For this section, please indicate N.A. if non- applicable for new academic staff.) Timeliness of projects completed in the past 3 years: Timeliness of on-going projects: (Please circle) 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Delayed On Time/Ahead of Schedule For delayed completed projects, please give the number and reasons for the delay: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Delayed On Time/Ahead of Schedule For delayed on-going projects, please give the number and reasons for the delay: (3) (4) (5) Achievement of objectives of projects completed in the past 3 years: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Not Achieved Well Achieved Achievement of research milestones todate of on-going projects: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Not Achieved Well Achieved Outputs from completed projects in the past 3 years: For projects in which the objectives are not achieved, please give the number and reasons: For projects in which the milestones are not achieved, please give the number and reasons: Number of Publications in: Conferences: ____________, International refereed journals: _______________ Other relevant information (eg technology licensed etc): (6) Outputs to-date from on-going projects: Number of Publications in: Conferences: _____________, International refereed journals: ______________ Other relevant information (eg technology licensed etc): (7) Number of people who have been trained by the Principal Investigator in the past 3 years: Number of research students: ____________(at Masters Level) Number of research students: ____________(at PhD Level) Number of technical staff: ____________ Number of research assistants:____________ (8) Application of results from projects completed in the past 3 years: ORE/revised Dec04 In the area of teaching: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Nil Very Applicable Form RG1 Page 10 (9) (10) Application of results from projects completed in the past 3 years: Application of results from projects completed in the past 3 years (Please circle) In the area of advancement of knowledge/ core technology competency / clinical application: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Nil Very Applicable In the area of industrial application / commercialization / public policy-making: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Nil Very Applicable Please comment on the general track record of the PI: F. OVERALL EVALUATION General Rating on (1) Merit of project 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent (2) Project’s potential to produce results 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent (3) Reasonableness of resources requested 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent (4) Track Record of PI 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Poor Excellent Ranking of proposal in relation to others in the Department in the same round: _____ of _______ (Please rank ALL proposals according to its funding category ie FRC or URC/ARC/MLC). _____________________________________________ Signature of HOD / Director, University-level RIC _______________________________ Date of Assessment Comments by Faculty Research Committee (FRC) Ranking of proposal in relation to others in the Faculty in the same round: _____ of _______ (Please rank ALL proposals according to its funding category ie FRC or URC/ARC/MLC). Based on the above given evaluations, and taking into account the number of R&D projects which the PI currently has on hand, the FRC’s decision for the proposed project is: 1……………2……………3……………4……………5 Not Supported Strongly Supported _______________________________________ Signature of Chairman, FRC ORE/revised Dec04 _______________________________ Date of Assessment Form RG1 Page 11 RANKING OF PROPOSAL (i) Head of Department Ranking of proposal in relation to others in the Department in the same round: _______ of _______. (Please rank ALL proposals according to its funding category ie FRC or URC/ARC/MLC.) Please explain the reasons behind the ranking given for this proposal: (ii) Chairman, Faculty Research Committee (FRC) or nominee/ Director (RIC): Ranking of proposal in relation to others in the Faculty in the same round: _______ of _________. (Please rank ALL proposals according to its funding category ie FRC or URC/ARC/MLC.) Please explain the reasons behind the ranking given for this proposal: ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 12 Comments by University Research Committee (URC) / Office of Research (ORE) SUPPORTED BY / APPROVED BY _______________________________________ Signature of Director/Office of Research _______________________________ Date ENDORSED BY _______________________________________ Signature of President & Vice-Chancellor ORE/revised Dec04 _______________________________ Date Form RG1 Page 13 ANNEX A (Form RG1) CASE FOR SUPPORT The application form should be accompanied by a self-contained case for support, consisting of no more than FIVE A4 typewritten pages, covering the following points. (1) PURPOSE The objectives of the research, their order of importance, the novelty and timeliness of the research, and if collaboration is involved, an assessment of the possible benefits of the collaboration. Are the objectives clearly stated and soundly based? Any intellectual and innovative merits? (2) (3) BACKGROUND (i) Previous work - the relation to earlier or current work of the applicant and/or collaborating agency and relevant work elsewhere. (ii) Preliminary studies – a 1-2 page report on the preliminary studies undertaken and results to support the proposed research. (iii) Research experience - the research experience of the applicant and collaborators. Other key team members and the extent of their involvement should be specified. PROGRAMME The methods to be used, showing what alternatives have been considered and why the chosen methods were preferred, whether the investigation is to occur in stages and if these will be sequential or in parallel, known constraints that may affect the programme. Programme schedule and milestones reasonable? Reliable methods and techniques? Any strategic factors about the proposed research? (4) COMPETITIVE / COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE Indicate the competitive / comparative advantage the research team has in the proposed area of research. Originality of approach and its relationship with other work in this area? Industrial relevance and potential for exploitation? Is there a broader impact? (5) PI’s EFFORT LEVEL IN PROJECT For all projects to be approved by the University Research Committee, Academic Research Committee and Ministerial Level Committee, PIs are required to provide a quantitative (e.g. hours per week) and qualitative description of his commitment to the project. (6) TEAM MEMBER(S)’ EFFORT LEVEL IN PROJECT (including Co-PI) For all projects to be approved by the University Research Committee/Academic Research Committee/Ministerial Level Committee, PIs are required to provide a quantitative (e.g. hours per week) and qualitative description of his team member(s)’ commitment to the project. Details of “potential” external collaborators may also be provided here. ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 14 (7) RESOURCES A detailed case for the resources required, showing what alternatives have been considered and rejected, providing a cost-benefit appraisal where appropriate. In particular, justify the following: (i) (ii) Manpower Costs (a) The type and level of all staff appointments and the duration of employment. (b) If applicant already has assistants employed for his other research projects, then he should explain why the existing assistants cannot be used for the new project. New Equipment/Facilities Costs (a) The need to purchase equipment/facilities. (b) The choice of equipment. Show that the equipment chosen will give the best value for money. For projects to be considered by the University Research Committee/Academic Research Fund Committee/Ministerial Level Committee, it is mandatory to attach vendor’s written quotations. (c) Explain why it is not possible or cost effective to meet the demand from University’s existing stock of equipment. (d) Where use of major equipment/expensive instrument (in which the total equipment budget constitutes 50% of total project value, and/or a single piece of equipment costing S$100,000) is proposed, please provide: (i) Explicit statements on existence of similar equipment elsewhere and its availability; (ii) Commitment from other potential users; (iii) Justification of usage level; (iv) Provision for maintenance; (v) Details of other intended uses upon project completion. (e) Append a list of existing equipment (if any) that the project will be using. Equipment descriptions, costs and locations must be provided. (iii) Materials and Consumables (a) The need for consumables. Consumables requested must be items that can be uniquely and unambiguously identified with the research project. (b) The number, type and source of supply of animals to be used in the research. Show that the number of animals to be used is the minimum required to give valid results. (c) For projects to be considered by the University Research Committee/Academic Research Fund Committee/Ministerial Level Committee, PIs are requested to provide vendor’s written quotations/sample quotations where possible. Estimated/projected costings should be listed as indicated below and must tally with the total budget request (ie RG1 form, Table 9.3): ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 15 Item Description Estimated/Unit Price ($) Estimated/Quantity required (over 3 years) Estimated/ Total Cost ($) (iv) Overseas Travel The need for any travel, detail the places and/or countries to be visited, the purpose, duration and persons travelling, and emphasise any proposed international collaborations. All travel requests made on proposals should be evaluated against IT alternatives such as e-mail and video conferencing and cogent reasons must be given for not using IT. A breakdown of the travel budget into airfare and allowance for board and lodging is advised. Please refer to circular ORE/ARF/001-04 for guidelines on standard rates and allowances. The Office of Human Resources circular (N10-4-1) on “Review of Travel-related Provisions” dated 10 March 2004 applies. Please refer to subsistence allowance payable on the intranet at https://aserv.nus.edu.sg/staff/ohr/benefits/leave_acad/subs_allowance.htm or contact OHR directly for further information. (v) Training and Other Miscellaneous Cost (a) The need for and type of training required. (b) The need for and details of other costs that will be incurred. ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 16 ANNEX B (Form RG1) NOTES FOR BUDGET PREPARATION 1. Applicants are expected to make an accurate assessment of their requirements so that the approving committee is fully aware of the cost implications when deciding whether proposals are worth funding. Expenditures should be budgeted inclusive of any Goods & Services Tax payable. Please take note that variations to the approved budget such as buying new equipment or adding manpower, have to be considered afresh by the relevant approving authority even if funds are available. Research grants, once approved, cannot be increased and hence researchers are advised to prepare their budgets carefully. 2. Manpower Costs Please refer to Annex C for notes on manpower budget preparation. You are advised to contact the Faculty’s Human Resources Officer or Office of Human Resources for further clarification/information. Research Scholarship Scheme Full research scholarship positions may be requested for ARC/MLC projects only ie. projects with TPV ≥ $500K. Please refer to Annex C for budgetary guidelines. Note: The Research Scholarship Augmentation Scheme (RSAS) was discontinued on 1 July 2002. Research Scholars, whose commencement date of the RSAS award falls before 1 Jan 02, may continue to receive augmentation until the end of the committed period. In such cases, Scholars cannot be concurrently appointed as Graduate Student Researchers. Further information on the Research Scholarship Scheme can be obtained from your Faculty’s Graduate Division or Registrar’s Office. Part-Time Appointment Scheme for NUS Undergraduate & Graduate Students (wef 1 Jan 2003) Undergraduate Student Researcher An NUS undergraduate student may be appointed to assist the PI in specific research duties. Graduate Student Researcher An NUS graduate student may be appointed to assist the PI in specific research duties. Graduate Student Researcher positions may be requested for FRC/URC projects only ie. projects with TPV < $500K. PIs are advised to refer to Registrar’s Office website for relevant Terms and Conditions under the Part-Time Appointment Scheme for Undergraduate & Graduate Students (wef 1 Jan 2003): http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/ptemploy.html 3. New Equipment/Facilities This covers research equipment, computer hardware, equipment delivery and installation. It also covers the renovation of premises (eg. installation of clean rooms, extension of airconditioning), if such works are essential to the success of the project. Only equipment properly justified for the research project (not presently available in the University) and required for dedicated applications should be included. ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 17 Applicants must check the availability of the equipment in the University including Research Institutes/Research Centres. This is available online in the SAP Assets Management (AM) System. For major equipment items costing $10,000 and above, specific reference to their availability should be made. For projects to be considered by the University Research Committee, Academic Research Fund Committee and Ministerial Level Committee, it is mandatory to attach vendor’s written quotations. In other cases, applicants should be able to produce quotations when called upon by Head/Faculty Research Committee/Dean to back up the cost of the budgeted items. You are advised to budget for future cost increases over the entire lifespan of the project. 4. Materials and Consumables This includes resources that are specifically required for the project such as:a) Cost of data gathering/questionnaires/surveys b) Cost of stationery, postage, photocopying and computer software c) Use of animals and laboratory supplies d) Cost of chemicals e) Page charges, publication costs, submission fees and typing costs (up to a total of $1,000) f) Cost of foundry services etc. Only resources specifically required for the project should be included. Examples of items not allowed in the budget are miscellaneous, contingency, reprints, books, laboratory manuals, tokens and reference materials. Requests for books, laboratory manuals and reference materials should be made through the Central Library. You are advised to budget for future cost increases over the entire lifespan of the project. For projects to be considered by the University Research Committee/Academic Research Fund Committee/Ministerial Level Committee, PIs are requested to provide vendor’s written quotations/sample quotations where possible. Estimated/projected costings should be listed as indicated below and must tally with the total budget request (ie RG1 form, Table 9.3): Item Description 5. Estimated/Unit Price ($) Estimated/Quantity required (over 3 years) Estimated/ Total Cost ($) Overseas Travel Where there is a need for the researcher or his staff to travel overseas for research purposes, applicants should arrange to coincide this with travel for their conference/sabbatical/study attachment. All overseas travel should be arranged with the University’s panel of approved travel agents. Only economy class airfare is allowed. Please refer to circular ORE/ARF/001-04 for standard rates and allowances. The Office of Human Resources circular (N10-4-1) on “Review of Travel-related Provisions” dated 10 March 2004 applies. Please refer to subsistence allowance payable on the intranet at https://aserv.nus.edu.sg/staff/ohr/benefits/leave_acad/subs_allowance.htm or contact OHR directly for further information. You are advised to budget for future cost increases over the entire lifespan of the project. ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 18 6. Training and Other Miscellaneous Costs The cost (including airfares) of inviting overseas researchers / collaborators / professors to NUS as part of the research project’s program for periods of less than 1 month should be budgeted under this subhead. Only economy class airfare is allowed. Deviations from this must be approved by Chairman of URC or his nominee. Please refer to circular ORE/ARF/001-04 for the per diem rate. It also includes cost of local travel, conference registration fees, maintenance of equipment, patent cost and publicity cost. You are advised to budget for future cost increases over the entire lifespan of the project. ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 19 ANNEX C (Form RG1) NOTES FOR MANPOWER (FULL TIME) BUDGET PREPARATION 1. The estimated costs shown in the attached tables are based on the salary scales of the respective manpower grade known at the time of this circular, and are subjected to changes. PIs are advised to check with the Faculty’s Human Resources Officer or Office of Human Resources for the latest rates. The 1st year’s monthly salary is the entry point of each scale. If a PI wishes to pay the appointed staff at a higher salary point, he can adjust the budget but must justify the need in his Case for Support. 2. The estimated costs shown in the attached tables are intended to assist the PIs in their budgetary preparations. PIs are ultimately responsible for their own budgeted figures. They are advised to make adjustments for any announcements or changes in any component of the manpower costs as may be made from time to time. 3. Cost of recruitment advertisement is not provided in the estimated annual manpower cost. If there is such a need, another $1,000 should be added to the first year’s manpower cost. HR 069/02 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR RESEARCH APPOINTMENT / ATTACHMENT UNDER PROJECT GRANTS Type of Contract Length of Contract Salary Standard Visiting Up to 3 years all-inclusive monthly Research Attachment as recommended (preferably not >1 yr) all-inclusive monthly @ $75 per day or $2250 per month Airfare (appointment/ departure) (for appointee only, if recommended) Housing allowance (up to $1500 per month, if recommended) CPF (Singaporeans /Singapore Permanent Residents) Holiday leave (28 days per calendar year) (≥ 6 mths) (≥ 6 mths) Medical benefits (Medisave cumSubsidised Outpatient Scheme) (≥ 3 mths) 1 month’s resignation notice ORE/revised Dec04 Form RG1 Page 20 GUIDELINES FOR SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS: RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS/ATTACHMENTS UNDER PROJECT GRANTS Designation Entry requirements Annual Salary Range (all-inclusive) Min (S$) Max (S$) Salary Range (all-inclusive per month) Senior Research Fellow Doctorate Degree With ≥4 Years Of Research Experience 84,000 174,960 42,000 94,920 40,800 84,600 30,000 58,200 $7,000 - $14,580 Research Fellow (A) Doctorate degree $3,500 - $7,910 Research Fellow (B) Master’s Degree With ≥2 Years Of Relevant Work Experience $3,400 - $7,050 Research Assistant / Research Engineer Pass degree $2,500 - $4,850 PIs are advised to check with the Faculty’s Human Resources Officer or Office of Human Resources for the latest rates and any additional costs such as CPF, Medisave etc (if applicable). LABORATORY OFFICER SCHEME OF SERVICE (wef 1 July 2000) WITHOUT NS INCREMENT LOA- Hons* 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Monthly Salary 2,150 2,310 2,470 Total Cost Per Annum 47,750 52,750 56,150 LOB2- Hons* Monthly Salary 2,000 2,130 2,260 Total Cost Per Annum 44,650 48,900 51,700 LOB2 - Pass with merit Monthly Salary 1,750 1,865 2,000 Total Cost Per Annum 39,550 43,300 46,200 LOB2- Pass w/o merit Monthly Salary 1,635 1,750 1,865 Total Cost Per Annum 37,200 40,850 43,300 LOD – Diploma Monthly Salary 1,310 1,400 1,490 Total Cost Per Annum 30,500 33,450 35,350 * LOA Honours Degree (2nd class upper & above) LOB2 Honours Degree (2nd class lower & below) ORE/updated Apr 04 WITH 2.5 NS INCREMENTS 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 2,470 2,630 2,790 56,250 61,550 64,950 2,260 51,600 2,390 56,100 2,520 58,850 2,000 46,250 2,130 50,600 2,260 53,350 1,865 43,550 2,000 47,800 2,130 50,600 1,490 35,300 1,580 38,400 1,670 40,300 Form RG1 Page 21 RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP (MOE) BUDGETING GUIDELINES 1. Full research scholarship (RS) positions may be requested for ARC/MLC projects only ie. projects with TPV ≥ $500K. 2. Allocated annual costs shown in attached table are based on the following computation: Average Cost of 1 RS/yr = [$1,400 mthly stipend x 12mths] + [Academic Year tuition fees] Academic Year (AY) Faculty Medicine/Dentistry Other Faculties AY02 ($) 22,520 21,100 Average Cost of 1 RS per Academic Year AY03 AY04 ($) 23,400 21,100 ($) 24,280 21,420 AY05 onwards* ($) See AY04 See AY04 * subject to change 3. All other RS top-ups should be borne from the Faculty or other funding agency, subject to approval by Dean of Faculty. Additional RS costs should be borne from the Faculty if the duration of the project does not cover the duration of the RS candidature, subject to approval by Dean of Faculty. ORE/updated Apr 04 Form RG1 Page 22 ANNEX C2 (Form RG1) NOTES FOR MANPOWER (PART -TIME) BUDGET PREPARATION 1. The estimated costs shown in the table below are based on rates for the respective manpower grade known at the time of this circular and are subjected to changes. PIs are advised to check with the Faculty’s Human Resources Officer or Office of Human Resources 2. PIs are advised to check with the Office of Finance (OFN) for further information on Employer’s CPF (16%) and Skills Development Fund (SDF is applicable if monthly salary < $1,500). 3. It is assumed that part-time appointees are not entitled to staff welfare, medical benefits, 13th month allowance and variable bonus. 4. Cost of recruitment advertisement for postgraduate is not included in the estimated annual budget. PI should cater for this item if he expects to incur it. HR 175/02 RATES OF PAYMENT FOR NON-ACADEMIC STAFF EMPLOYED UNDER THE CASUAL EMPLOYMENT SCHEME WITH EFFECT FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2002 Appointment 1. Casual Office Support Staff 2.Casual Management Support Staff 3. Casual Laboratory Officer/Technical Support Staff (Non-graduate Officers) 4. Casual Laboratory Officer/Junior Research Assistant (Graduate Officers) Note: Qualification (Rates of payment are determined by job function and not by qualification) - Hourly Rate Job Scope $5/- Unskilled Work: Shifting, moving equipment, packing, sorting, delivery and mailing of materials, etc. $6/- General clerical/office support : Filing, typing, coding, data entry and book labeling/cataloguing, etc. $8/- Management support (involving wider scope and responsibilities): Assisting in coordinating projects/ functions/events, compilation of statistics and survey returns and other administrative assignments. (Rates of payment are determined by job function and not by qualification) 4 GCE ‘O’ level passes $7/- Full GCE ‘A’ level Certificate $8/- Polytechnic Diploma $10/- Pass Degree $12/- Honours Degree $15/- Providing IT/Technical/Laboratory support and/or assisting in research/project work. If non-NUS undergraduates are employed as Student Assistants to perform Office/Management/IT/Technical/Laboratory support functions or research work, the hourly rates of payment outlined in items 1, 2 and 3 above will also apply. ORE/updated Apr 04 Form RG1 Page 23 PART-TIME APPOINTMENT SCHEME FOR NUS UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS (wef 1 Jan 2003) Undergraduate Student Researcher (USR) Hourly Rate $8.74 Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) With Bachelor’s degree $1 2 Hourly Rate Bachelor’s degree (at least Honours or equivalent) $1 5 PIs are advised to refer to Registrar’s Office website for relevant Terms and Conditions under the Part-Time Appointment Scheme for Undergraduate & Graduate Students (wef 1 Jan 2003): http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/ptemploy.html ORE/updated Apr 04 Form RG1 Page 24