GUIDELINES FOR HIGH IMPACT RESEARCH GRANTS (ARTS ...

Guidelines for HIR-ASH Grants updated : 15.04.2013
GUIDELINES FOR
HIGH IMPACT RESEARCH GRANTS
(ARTS, SOCIAL SCIENCE & HUMANITIES)
Introduction
The high impact research grants from the University of Malaya are to fund projects
which will result in the publication of manuscripts in Tier 1/Tier 2 – ISI/Web of Science
journals. As such, the emphasis will be on fundamental research which will lead to the
generation of new knowledge rather than on the development of new products or
patents. It is also aimed at generating more research capabilities and expertise within
the university and this may result from collaboration with overseas ivy-league
universities.
These grants will be handled differently from all existing grants and will be administered
under the Chancellery. The Vice-Chancellor will be Chairman of the High Impact
Research (ASH) Committee which will evaluate the projects, decide on its suitability for
funding and monitor their progress.
Each project initial funding will have a ceiling of RM500,000 over 2 years, but those
which receive more funding will be expected to out-perform those with less funding.
The initial funding will be for 2 years with the proviso that projects with excellent
outcome will receive further funding. To make projects more cost-effective, each Tier
1/Tier 2 paper should not exceed RM50,000. Projects requesting for more than 40% of
the total budget for equipment will not be considered.
All projects must have international partnerships. Each PI will have only 1 HIR funded
project under the Chancellory HIR Fund. Those who are about to complete their current
project and have met their targets may be considered for a second grant.
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Guidelines for HIR-ASH Grants updated : 15.04.2013
Eligibility
All academic staff, senior research fellows, research fellows, and expatriates attached to
the university are eligible to apply.
Postdoctoral researchers must apply in the name of their supervisors or a member of
the academic staff.
Scope of Funding
Only projects which will result in Tier 1/Tier 2 ISI/Web of Science publications will be
funded. Successful PIs will need to sign a contract to agree to the terms of funding.
The funding can be utilized for the following categories:
Wages and Allowances for Temporary and Contract Personnel (V11000)
Includes wages and allowances for temporary and contract personnel who are
directly engaged in the project.
Allocation cannot be used for study fees. The maximum wages/allowances for
temporary or contract personnel will be based on prevailing rates.
Travel and Transportation (V21000)
Includes travel and transportation expenses for domestic and overseas trips which are
directly related to the project.
Overseas trips must meet the following criteria:
Attending conferences, seminars or workshops to present the results of the
project;
Conducting a portion of the required research when domestic facilities and
expertise are inadequate;
The venue for the above must be suitable in terms of facilities, expertise and
technology transfer; and
Travel is limited to economy class using the shortest direct routes. Travel is only
allowed on MAS or Air Asia carrier except under extenuating circumstances.
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Guidelines for HIR-ASH Grants updated : 15.04.2013
Rentals (V24000)
Only rental expenses for building space, equipment, transportation and any
other items directly related to the project should be included. Rental of vehicles
for the purpose of transportation must be from a licensed transport company.
Research Materials and Supplies (V27000)
Only expenses for research materials and supplies directly related to the project
should be included.
Special Services (V29000)
Services directly related to the project such as consultancy, payment for
enumerators, use of computer facilities, chemical analysis, data processing and
patent registration.
Engagement of foreign expert(s) will be considered on a case-by case basis.
Equipment and Accessories (V35000)
Accessories and special equipment purchased, including accessories to upgrade
the capability of existing equipment directly related to the project.
Funding for special equipment and accessories has to be reasonable and should
have a direct bearing on the project
Variable in Project Costing
Requests for variations in funding after a project has been approved must be made to
the Committee for approval.
Extension of project
Requests for project extensions must be made to the Committee 6 months before the
completion date of the project. The maximum extension period is not more than 6
months.
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Guidelines for HIR-ASH Grants updated : 15.04.2013
Acceptance Of Offer
Applicants must accept or decline the offer within 14 days after notification. Upon
acceptance, the PI will need to sign a contract with the university to fulfil all the terms
and conditions as stated.
Ownership Of Research Equipment
All research equipment purchased under the project belongs to the university and
should be made available to other researchers. The university reserves the right to relocate
the equipment at the end of the project.
PUBLICATIONS
Researchers should only publish their research findings In Tier 1 ISI/Web of Science
journals. All publications must indicate and acknowledge the University of Malaya as the
source of funding.
The PI must indicate in the application form the number of Tier 1 publications expected
from the project, as well as a list of five Tier 1 journals which the publications will
appear in.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Financial reports must be submitted at the same time as the progress report.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
All projects funded by the High Impact Research Grant must be conducted in
accordance with the rules and conditions governed by research in the university.
Projects which involve experimentation with humans or animals will require
approval from the respective Ethics Committee prior to the fund being released.
The projects will be closely monitored to ensure that they are carried out
successfully.
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Guidelines for HIR-ASH Grants updated : 15.04.2013
PROGRESS REPORT (PR)
1. The first progress report must be submitted 8 months after the beginning of
the project. The second report will be 16 months after the project has
started.
2. Failure to submit the Progress Report by the stipulated datelines may result
in suspension of the progress payments.
3. The End of Project Report (EPR) is to be submitted 3 months after the
completion of the project
4. In addition to reviewing the above reports, the Committee may, from time
to time, conduct on-site monitoring of projects.
Note : Failure to complete the project satisfactorily may result in the researcher being
barred from making future application for university research funding.
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