RGC is now inviting preliminary proposals for the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) – Eleventh Round (Preliminary Proposals).

Aim
The Scheme aims to focus academic research efforts of the UGC-funded universities on themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong. Proposal should be sought to address one of the listed topics under the four themes provided by the RGC. Collaboration amongst different universities and multiple disciplines is encouraged.The four research themes are:

a) Promoting Good Health;
b) Developing a Sustainable Environment;
c) Enhancing Hong Kong’s Strategic Position as a Regional and International Business Centre; and
d) Advancing emerging research and innovations important to Hong Kong.

The four themes and the related topics are the same as that of the Tenth Round exercise.

One-off Additional Funding for COVID-19 and Other Novel Infectious Diseases
In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic and its evolving global impact, the RGC has allocated a one-off additional funding of $100 million under this round of the TRS exercise to support the UGC-funded sector in conducting research related to COVID-19 and other novel infectious diseases (NIDs). The $100 million additional allocation will be designated for proposals related to COVID-19 and NIDs and submitted under any grand challenge topics of the four TRS research themes. Applications of COVID-19 research and those projects that may be completed early will be given priority. The usual TRS budget will be competed by all other TRS proposals.

Project Duration
Up to 5 years

Funding Limit
$75 million (or $15 million per year for up to 5 years)

Eligibility
Please refer to the Staff Eligibility Requirement for the Theme-based Research Scheme in Appendix to Annex D

Application Procedure
For details, please refer to the information on the Research Office’s website and the Call Circular. Interested applicants should submit the Indication of Intention [HKUST will not have internal shortlisting] and the Preliminary Proposal to RO (ocamy@ust.hk).

Deadlines
17 Aug 2020 (Indication of Intention of applying with project title)
14 Sept 2020 (Submission of Preliminary Proposal)

Enquiries
Amy Chan (Email: ocamy@ust.hk, Tel : 2358 6923)

Thank you for your attention.

Research Office