SEED FUNDING SCHEME

Terms of the Scheme

Through the Seed Funding Scheme, the College encourages individuals and groups to apply for seed finance to support early-stage academic research projects on a competitive basis. This scheme supports a) all members of the academic staff holding a contract for at least one academic year; and b) staff for whom research forms a required element of their normal duties at MIC. The College will provide for this within its core budget for research.

Allocations from this fund are made by a peer-evaluation panel. The panel will assess the merit of applications using academic, logistical and financial criteria. Detailed procedures for access and applications to the scheme are available from the Research & Graduate School Office.

The following are the criteria offered as guidance to reviewers in assessing applications:

  • The proposal is clear, coherent and persuasive
  • It has clear aims and objectives
  • The underpinning rationale is clear
  • This research is timely
  • It is a worthwhile study that builds on existing work
  • The proposal has potential for building research capacity
  • This new research raises interesting research questions
  • The proposal has good potential for publication
  • The methodology proposed is robust and appropriate
  • This application involves inter-institutional links
  • The role of the research assistant is clear
  • Query on the number of hours being allocated for the TRA
  • The costs requested are reasonable

Decisions on applications are made by the review panel. RGSO staff do not make the decisions. Appeals may be made in writing to the Associate Vice President for Research / the Research Committee. Where an appeal is lodged, final decisions will be made by the Research Committee

Clarification of any points of detail relating to applications should be directed by e-mail to the Research & Graduate School Office.

The following seed funding categories are supported:

  • Networking Grants
    developing inter-institutional and international research projects / links where these are targeted at specific outcomes and research productivity.
  • Research Skills
    acquiring research training in new or advanced skills. Applications must indicate clearly how skills training will enhance / increase research productivity
  • Project Seed Funding
    for the support of research leading to refereed publications
  • Research Assistance
    temporary research assistants who can assist with basic research tasks that do not involve higher order research work such as research analysis, interpretation of research data or writing up research findings. The job description of a TRA must accompany project applications.

Application

Completed applications should be submitted on the appropriate form by email to . Forms are available on the RGSO web pages.

Claims

Please note that the closing date for claims to be lodged with the Finance office is the 3rd week in September each year. All claims must be processed through the RGSO in advance of this date. Late claims cannot be accepted.

The following items are not eligible for MIC Research Seed Funding:

­Staff replacement costs

­General administration / office costs (including office supplies, photocopying, phone charges and stationery)

­Mileage (Petrol costs may be eligible on submission of receipts, together with expenses claim form)

­Recording and transcription equipment

­Postgraduate work

­Publication costs

MIC Research & Graduate School Office

Tel: 204318 Email: