Untitled - The Future Ocean

1.7.2 Structural Evolution and Quality ControlIt is anticipated that the Cluster will evolve in four phases. Accordingly, the main focus of Clusteractivities will shift from (A) an initial networking phase to (B) a scientific output phase, to (C) anincrease in external funding phase, and to (D) a final structural consolidation phase. A data bankwill be implemented as an efficient scientific controlling system for monitoring the structuralevolution and performance of the Cluster. It will be based on the existing UNIVIS data bank systemat CAU. The data bank will contain measurable quantities of scientific, educational, and transfer toapplication outputs of the Cluster. This implies that, during the initial phase, greater emphasis willbe placed on indicators related to success in achieving structural goals (implementation of newresearch groups, networking, interdisciplinary approaches), whereas pertinent scientific measures(publications, impact factors, Master’s and doctoral theses, fund acquisition, transfer to application)will grow in importance with time. Data submission will take place continuously and will, however,be mandatory at annual deadlines. Moreover, annual reports for the research projects will beprovided to the Executive Committee and Advisory Board through this data bank.1.7.3 Allocation of FundingResearch funding received by the Cluster will be allocated according to the quality anddemonstrated needs of the research proposed. Applicants for junior professor positions (W1) whichhead the JRG’s will be asked to submit a research plan and to define their associated financial andinfrastructural needs. These proposals will be evaluated by external reviewers, and the ClusterExecutive Committee will, together with the proponents of the specific research topics, decide onthe final allocation of resources. More than half of total Cluster funding will be used to permit newprofessors to build high-quality JRG’s (Section 2).Additional funding will be available to the Cluster members, including all proponents and the JRGleaders, through internal proposals in order to support additional research or increase thecapabilities of the research platforms devoted to the research topics identified by the Cluster.There will be predefinded annual deadlines for proposal submission. These proposals willpreferentially serve the initiation of new multidisciplinary projects. Successful projects will beencouraged to apply for further external funding. The selection of projects will take place via areview process. To enable an independent, transparent and rapid review process, the review bodywill be composed of external reviewers, representatives from the proponent group, as well asrepresentatives from the Executive Committee. Proposals will be ranked according to pertinentcriteria, i.e. scientific and structural quality indicators as defined prior to the commencement ofeach call for proposals. Based on this ranking, the Executive Committee will decide on the finalallocation of funds.28