Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of this program?
The SIRCA Programme is designed to ensure that capacities to conduct research in the area of Information and Communications Technology and/for Development (ICT4D or ICTD) are built in Asia. More specifically, it will support research projects that will strengthen the body of methodologically sound and theoretically-based social science research in ICTD.
2. Eligibility for funding
a) What types of ICTD projects are eligible for funding?
Eligible projects need to be grounded in the social sciences, but can draw on other disciplines to complement the conceptual design, data collection and analysis. Each round of calls for proposals will indicate a thematic area of ICTD research. All proposals must have: clearly articulated research questions; a review of relevant literature; a conceptual design grounded in theory; and a detailed summary of research methodologies and methods to be utilized. Although not conditional on funding, added preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach. For more information about the application requirements click here.
b) What types of ICTD projects are not eligible for funding?
The focus of this granting mechanism is placed on social science research with respect to the relationships between ICTs and society. As such, projects focusing on developing ICT applications or other types of action research fall outside the scope of this program.
c) Will there be a compulsory list of topics from which I have to select?
The SIRCA secretariat is not limiting proposals to specific topics. Hence, applicants are free to choose relevant topics within the overall ICTD discipline.
3. What countries and regions will this granting mechanism fund research in?
Funding provided through this granting scheme will be reserved for research conducted in or on emerging Asia.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible candidates must be affiliated with an institution or with a consortium of institutions based in Asia. These institutions can be from academia, public sector, private sector or civil society. Organizations applying must be legally registered entities. If the project includes multiple investigators, the principle investigator must be based in Asia.
5. Are graduate or post-graduate students eligible to apply?
Yes, graduate or post-graduate students eligible to apply.
6. Are joint projects eligible?
Yes, projects that are co-implemented or co-funded with other agencies and organizations are eligible.
7. What is the amount of funding?
There are three (3) categories of funding – 20,000 SGD, 26,500 SGD and 33,000 SGD.
The number of grants approved in each category is contingent on available funds and specific budgetary needs. Project proposals exceeding 33,000 SGD must specify the source of additional funds. If the proposal seeks to supplement an existing research program, please specify the alternate source and categories of funding.
8. What is the duration for each grant?
The duration of the grant can range from 12 months to 24 months, depending on the type of research being proposed. If, for example, the proposal requires longitudinal data collection and analysis, a longer duration will be entertained.
9. What format should I use to submit my application?
All proposals should be completed using the guidelines provided here
10. Who will review my application?
Applications will be considered by a board of individuals with varied expertise and experience in development research, social science methodologies, and a deep understanding of the ICT landscape and issues in the Asian region. The review process will be double-blinded.
11. When should I apply?
Completed applications must be uploaded on sirca@ntu.edu.sg by 13th October , 2008 11:59 EST
12. When do I find out if my application is successful?
Notification is planned to be given by 1st November 2008. Please visit the web site for updates.
13. Will I own the copyright for the output?
Research outputs and raw data from the grants will be made available under a Creative Commons license (likely the Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License) to facilitate subsequent research and comparative analysis. Authors are free to publish the results of the research in a variety of academic journals.
14. What processes and resources are available to grant awardees while implementing research grants?
In an effort to encourage and facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing, all grant awardees will be invited to at least one workshop to discuss their research design and another to share their research findings with others and to interact with established ICT4D researchers. Moreover, there are opportunities to be paired with a mentor over the course of the grant. More information about such opportunities will be made available as they arise.
