1

Theme-based Research SchemeTheme-based Research Scheme

Briefing Session

12 April 2010

2

HK$18 billionHK$18 billion Research Endowment Fund in 2009

EarmarkedEarmarked up to HK$4 billion REF

Investment income about HK$200MHK$200M per year

ObjectiveObjective

To focus academic research efforts on themes of a more

long-term nature and strategically beneficial to the

development of Hong Kong

BackgroundBackground

3

Steering CommitteeSteering Committee was established by the Government

(EDB) to advise on selection of research themes as well as

framework and policy matters

ConsultationConsultation with stakeholders; three themes were

selected for the initial rounds:

1. Promoting good health

2. Developing a sustainable environment

3. Enhancing Hong Kong’s strategic position as a regional

and international business centre

Selection of ThemesSelection of Themes

4

Call for White PapersCall for White Papers The process is distinct from other existing UGC / RGC

funding schemes (e.g. GRF, CRF, AoE)

Academics are invited to submit white papers – to suggest

“ grand challenge topics ” under each of the 3 themes.

The Call for White Papers is NOT a Request for Proposals

nor Submission of Pre-proposals.

The White Papers will be examined by multi-disciplinary

panels, which mainly comprise external experts, for the

selection of Topics.

Grand Challenge TopicsGrand Challenge Topics

5

WorkshopsWorkshops

To coordinate the submitted White Paper topics for

discussion and consolidation

To recommend the selection of the final “grand challenge

topics”

To facilitate the initial assembly of academics among

institutions / academic units which could potentially form

the project proposal teams

To be led by external leading experts as facilitators

Selection of TopicsSelection of Topics

6

Topic Selection CriteriaTopic Selection Criteria

Topic Selection CriteriaTopic Selection Criteria

To contribute strategically to the long-term development

and well-being of Hong Kong;

To create an impact on the creation, application, and

transfer of knowledge;

To build on Hong Kong’s existing strengths, or stimulate

new and emerging areas in which Hong Kong has

demonstrable potential;

To encourage collaboration among institutions here and

elsewhere, and help Hong Kong leverage our strengths.

7

Content of the White PapersContent of the White Papers1. What is the grand challenge / problem?

2. Why is it a grand challenge?

3. What new breakthroughs are needed for a major impact?

4. What capabilities and development are needed to achieve

the breakthroughs?

5. What are the anticipated barriers?

6. How the challenge matches the selection criteria?

7. What are the research areas / projects to be developed in

respect of the challenge?

Preparation of White PapersPreparation of White Papers

8

Content of the White PapersContent of the White Papers

8. What are the training / educational programs to be

developed in respect of the challenge?

9. What are the relationships between academic and society

or industry efforts, and how could they change to speed

development in the area?

10.What are the expected new outcomes and capabilities?

11.Why the research on the suggested topics cannot be

properly funded by the existing funding schemes (e.g.

GRF, CRF, AoE, ITF, etc) ?

Preparation of White PapersPreparation of White Papers

9

DisclosureDisclosure

The White Papers are intended to be shared

broadly with the research community –

trade secrets, proprietary information,

confidential financial and personnel data,

etc should not be included.

Preparation of White PapersPreparation of White Papers

10

Call for ProposalsCall for Proposals

Call for Project ProposalsCall for Project Proposals

Based on the workshops and recommendation by the

multi-disciplinary panels, RGC will finalize the “grand

challenge” topics under each theme.

Call for Proposals: September / October 2010

Deadline for Proposals: January / February 2011

Application eligibility same as the RGC GRF exercise

11

Deadline for White PapersDeadline for White Papers:: 17 May 2010

WorkshopsWorkshops:: August / September 2010

Call for ProposalsCall for Proposals:: September / October 2010

Deadline for ProposalDeadline for Proposal:: Jan / Feb 2011

Funding BeginsFunding Begins:: July 2011July 2011

Milestones and TimetableMilestones and Timetable

12

Thank You

Q & A

Theme-based ResearchTheme-based Research