1 Theme-based Research Scheme Briefing Session 12 April 2010

2  HK$18 billion  HK$18 billion Research Endowment Fund in 2009  Earmarked  Earmarked up to HK$4 billion REF HK$200M  Investment income about HK$200M per year  Objective To focus academic research efforts on themes of a more long-term nature and strategically beneficial to the development of Hong Kong Background

3  Steering Committee  Steering Committee was established by the Government (EDB) to advise on selection of research themes as well as framework and policy matters  Consultation  Consultation 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 Themes

4  Call 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 Topics

5  Workshops  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 Topics

6 Topic Selection Criteria  Topic 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 Papers 1.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 Papers

8  Content 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 Papers

9 Disclosure  Disclosure 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 Papers

10 Call for Proposals  Call 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 Papers:  Deadline for White Papers: 17 May 2010  Workshops:  Workshops: August / September 2010  Call for Proposals:  Call for Proposals: September / October 2010  Deadline for Proposal:  Deadline for Proposal: Jan / Feb 2011  Funding Begins: July 2011 Milestones and Timetable

12 Thank You Q & A Theme-based Research