Science Leveraging Fund (SLF) for 2009-10

Call for Expressions of Interest

Funds from the SLF are available for research consortia seeking to enhance their bids under a range of Commonwealth Government research and infrastructure programs in 2009-10. Eligible Commonwealth programs are:

• Cooperative Research Centres Rounds 11 and 12
• Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence
• Education Investment Fund Super Science (Fabrication; Data Commons and Integrated Marine Observing System)
• Australian Solar Institute 2009 competitive bids.

The SLF will be targeted at those research consortia that can demonstrate a clear contribution to NSW Government priorities, as articulated in the Research Partnerships Program and the State Plan. See the Guidelines for details.

To be eligible for SLF funding, research consortia will need to have their headquarters or a major presence in NSW. As an indicator of ‘major presence’ bids should have at least 40% of their expenditure and research staff located in NSW, however the assessment panel will use its discretion to assess this based on the benefit to NSW.

Funding is available for consortia bidding for the first time, or for those seeking extension funding under a relevant Commonwealth Program.

Unlike previous rounds, the first round of SLF scheme in 2009-10 will involve a two stage selection process, including an Expression of Interest stage.

The Expressions of Interest (EOI) stage is currently open. Applicants wishing to lodge an EOI for SLF funding in 2009-10 will need to complete the Expressions of Interest Application Form. Applications for the EOI stage close at 5pm on Thursday 26 November 2009.

Those consortia that are successful in the EOI stage, will be notified of their success and the maximum level of funding available to them through the SLF. Applicants successful through the EOI will then be asked to submit more detailed information in early 2010, as a full SLF application.

Applications for SLF funding will be determined on a competitive basis.

The SLF grants provide funding for consortia to support research activity, equipment, staff and students located in NSW.

The Guidelines for SLF Applicants and the SLF EOI Form are available. *‘Research consortia’ are collaborations which are established to address distinct research questions or support the development of critical and distinct research infrastructure, and which comprise at least one NSW university or recognised NSW public research organisation as the main project proponent, and other partners including universities, research organisations, government agencies, private sector organisations, industry groups or other entities.

Contact

Chris Armstrong
Phone: (02) 9338 6745
Chris.Armstrong@business.nsw.gov.au

Downloads

1. Expressions of Interest Form for Science Leveraging Fund grant program
2. Guidelines for the NSW Science Leveraging Fund grants