Awards - The Review Process
SPARC applications are designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible. An application for support should be made on the downloadable application form. Once completed a PDF of your application should be uploaded to the SPARC website PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE (1st March 2006). This does not need to be signed but should have the principal applicant's surname and initials as the file name (e.g. FaragherRGA.pdf). One SIGNED hard copy of your application should be lodged with the SPARC secretariat for administrative purposes. THIS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE FIRST MONDAY AFTER THE DEADLINE (6th March 2006). Applications without this signed copy cannot be progressed.
Once received the SPARC advisory committee will initially examine applications for eligibility. A 'triage' meeting will be held and applications judged outside the SPARC remit will not be progressed. However unsuccessful applicants will be advised of the most suitable standard EPSRC or BBSRC funding instrument under which their proposal might receive support. Proposals held to be within SPARC's remit will then be sent for peer-review. The secretariat will attempt to obtain at least three independent reviews of any application. Applications for support will NOT be sent to anyone identified by the applicant as unsuitable (e.g. due to direct conflict of interest). Following peer review, applications will be ranked on a combination of scientific excellence and capacity building potential. Guidance for referees, and for the advisory committee are available as open-source documents. It is recommended that potential applicants read them as well.
Please note that SPARC cannot accept to Call 2 simple resubmissions of proposals which were previously submitted to Call 1. Heavily revised proposals on the same broad theme are acceptable and applicants themselves are welcome to reapply with proposals in other areas. The Advisory Committee will have final jurisdiction over what constitutes a resubmission.
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