Research Infrastructure Support Scheme - Application Guidelines

Important Dates

2023 applications have been extended.

Aim

The RISS is funded through the Research Support Program (RSP) which is a Commonwealth Research Block Grant. The RSP provides funds to eligible higher education institutions to support the systematic cost of research not supported directly through competitive and other grants.

The objectives of RSP are to:

• provide strategic investment to improve research productivity and outcomes
• support the delivery of world-class research
• enhance the University’s capacity to engage with industry and build collaboration.

The RSP grant amount is determined on the basis of each institution's relative success in attracting research income.

Funding

Applications are a minimum of $20,000 per application unless an exceptional case is made for a lower amount. This is to ensure that each application funded receives a viable level of funding.

Researchers are encouraged to consider external funding or collaborations with colleagues at other Universities where the required equipment may already be available, prior to applying. For equipment valued over $150,000, external funding, such as LIEF grants, should be considered.

Awards made under the 2023 RISS will run until 31 December 2023. All funds must be fully expended by the end of 2023 and no requests for carry forward will be considered except under exceptional circumstances.

Guidelines

Charles Sturt University administers the RSP scheme allocation according to the conditions for RSP provided by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Applications must be used for one or more of the following only:

• non-capital aspects of research facilities;
• equipment purchase, installation, maintenance, hire and lease;
• contributions to the salaries of research support/technical staff directly involved in supporting research infrastructure

Research Infrastructure Support Scheme Applications are not to be used for:

• capital works (i.e. construction of buildings);
• rental of accommodation;
• salaries of teaching and research, and research-only academic staff (including the cost of ‘buying time’ to free such staff to do more research);
• general administrative staff
• salaries of staff supporting research at the institutional level;
• stipends of postgraduate research students; or
• travel costs.

Selection Process

Applications are to be submitted through the appropriate Faculty Office or University Research Institute by the lead investigator. All applications must be approved by the relevant Faculty Executive Dean or Research Institute Executive Director.

Applications will then be ranked before being sent to the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) for a final funding decision by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will comprise the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and selected members of the University Research Committee.

The following considerations will be included as part of the review process:

1. How are applications aligned with the Charles Sturt Research Strategy?
2. Are applications directly related to or stemming from projects that are externally funded, or likely to lead to new externally funded projects?
3. Does the application have support from a number of researchers and show potential to support multiple research projects? Multi-disciplinary applications are particularly encouraged.
4. Will a successful application enhance current collaborations or lead to new collaborative projects within Charles Sturt University?
5. Will a successful application lead to new collaborations with external organisations?
6. What is the long-term benefit to be gained if the application is funded?
7. Has the application been fully costed and as appropriate have current quotes or evidence of consultation been provided (see below)?
8. What is the Faculty or Research Institute ranking of the application?

Location, Installation, and Maintenance of the Equipment/Facility

Many pieces of equipment and major facilities require installation and/or ongoing maintenance. For larger pieces of equipment consideration must be given to the availability of space and the type of space required including any special installation needs (e.g. dedicated air-conditioning, three-phase power, water supply or renovations). Investments in infrastructure also need to take into account ongoing maintenance and support requirements for the equipment and applicants must provide an explanation of how these costs are to be met. Where appropriate, applicants may need to discuss their proposals with the Division of Facilities Management (DFM) and/or technical services staff within the Institute/Faculty in order to determine costs associated with the installation, operation, maintenance, and technical staff support of the facility and any health and safety aspects of installing and maintaining the facility. All eligible relevant costs must be included in the application and confirmation provided of consultation with DFM and/or technical services staff.

Application Form

Research Infrastructure Support Scheme Application Form

Enquiries

All enquiries should be emailed to pvcri@csu.edu.au with the subject line 'RISS - Your Name'.