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.
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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