Introduction to Calls for Danida Research Proposals, 2017 Information meetings for applicants December 2016 - February 2017 Copenhagen, Aarhus, Dar es Salaam, and Accra

Presentations Introduction to the Call What is a good application? Strategic aspects and criteria for selection (FFU) The application process (DFC) Questions for clarification

Part 1. Introduction to the Call 2017, Window 1.

Danida support to development research – overall objective “With a view to strengthening research capacity in the developing countries and creating new knowledge to address development challenges, the Minister for Development Cooperation may provide grants for research”. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute an overall thematic framework for development cooperation and research. Danish Act on International Development Cooperation Consolidated Act no. 555 of 18.06.2012  (Lov om Internationalt Udviklingssamarbejde): Art. 7. Research: (MFA translation. Only the Danish text has legal validity).

The 17 SDG’s

Introduction to the Call 2017: Window 1 Research collaboration projects in Danida priority countries (“Window 1”): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Only research-based institutions in Denmark, Ghana, and Tanzania can apply

Call 2017 Window 1 - process The application process for W1 consists of two phases: Phase 1 Concept phase (prequalification) Deadline 3 March 2017 12:00 hrs (DK time) Phase 2 Full application Deadline September 8, 2017 Project start From first quarter of 2018 Project period Up to 5 years Budget max DKK 10 million (W1)

Who can apply The responsible institution: Universities or research based institutions (public and private) in: Denmark, Ghana and Tanzania The project coordinator (PhD level or higher, and attached to the responsible institution). The research team must hold a research background within the topic applied for. Equivalent to PhD: (Professor, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor), documented clearly in the CV. The qualifications of the research team (the persons named) must be documented in the CV’s

Other participating researchers, institutions, and private sector partners All partners shall contribute actively in preparing both Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications. Involvement of private sector partners and national authorities as is strongly encouraged. International research institutions and research institutions in countries outside Denmark and partner countries can be included as sub-contractors. International partners can be supported by the grant only for their direct services to the project activities. Research applications which have been prepared without the active involvement of partners in the partner countries will not be approved.

Window 1 Covers strategic research cooperation which generates new knowledge relevant to the priority countries and to Denmark’s development cooperation, and contribute to strengthening research capacity in these countries. Open to proposals from research institutions in Denmark, Ghana and Tanzania for development research in the Danida priority countries. Grants for a total of about DKK 75 million Up to DKK 10 million for each project 5 year project duration. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda Must include substantive elements of research capacity strengthening, which focus on national priorities and ownership in developing countries

Window 1, focus and themes The SDG’s constitute an overall thematic framework for development cooperation and research, and must be reflected in the justification for the research proposals. Theme 1 - Growth and technological innovation Theme 2 - Gender equality and development Theme 3 - Humanitarian assistance and development Theme 4 - Resilience to climate change Theme 5 - State building

Part 2. What is a good application Part 2. What is a good application? Strategic aspects and criteria for selection (FFU)

The Consultative Research Committee on Development Research (FFU) 8 members appointed by the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation. Assesses and Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications and suggests the prioritized projects for funding by MFA (after the approval by Innovation Fund Denmark). Participates in the quality assurance of the projects based on annual and final reports. Policy on conflict of interest as in the Danish Research Councils. - incl. 8 representing main academic fields (of which 3 international) One member from MFA. - Contributes to the drafting of the call text, application procedures and guidelines. - and is consulted concerning approvals of major changes in projects.

Three criteria for assessment: RELEVANCE, QUALITY and EFFECT 1) The relevance of the proposal is evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: Focus: the focus with respect to the announced theme in the selected country. Danida relevance: the project responds to national development priorities relevant for Danish development assistance. Private sector cooperation: opportunities for enhanced private sector development.

The scientific quality of the proposal is evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: The research experience and qualifications of the project coordinator; The originality and innovative nature of the project, in terms of generating new knowledge; With respect to state of the art, the contribution to advancing research in the given field according to international standards. For Phase 2 furthermore the research design and the methodological approach, and ethical considerations.

The effect of the research is evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: the potential direct effects on the SDG’s. the effects of the project in terms of the partnerships with public and private sector which could take the research to the next step. the international research dimensions of the project. the contribution of the project to strengthened research capacity.

Recommendations: Do select a subject within the themes described in the Calls. Do identify a research question which is not only intellectually challenging but also relevant and under-researched. Do formulate research questions and hypotheses that describe the innovative nature of the proposed research, how controversies in the literature may be addressed and how ‘conventional wisdom’ may be revised. Do explain carefully how the project contributes to new knowledge by positioning it in relation to existing research (not enough to provide a list of literature read).

Recommendations (continued): Make sure that the main responsible research(ers) can allocate sufficient time (not necessarily a good idea to select a director or dean as main researcher). Do include all relevant stakeholders early in the project formulation phase to ensure relevance and feasibility   Do consider how and when to communicate research results throughout the project period (most important for phase 2 applications, but mention of main considerations could also strengthen phase 1 applications). Do ensure a good balance between input from each of the project partners. Do follow up on recommendations from the evaluation of the phase 1 application, when writing the Phase 2 application.

Recommendations: Be focused, realistic and feasible. It is not an advantage to cover very broad research questions or extensive empirical material. It is not an advantage to apply for multi-country comparative studies unless the rationale is clearly explained. Make sure that the research is analytical rather than descriptive. Consider that interdisciplinarity is an asset and make sure that you have the right competences in the team. Do try to move from ‘grey’ to internationally refereed publications.

Warnings: Do not apply for ”product development” projects. Do not apply for data collection projects without thorough explanation of how data will be used. Do not apply for ”development projects”, as the grants are for research. Do not apply for consultancy type of activities. Do not apply for Ph.D. projects only without sufficient involvement of senior researchers (allocate enough time for the key applicant). Do not apply for funding for your entire institute (number of key researchers should be limited to approx. 5-6). Do not address only part of the call text.

Part 3: The application process, DFC

Who is involved in the application: The application must list all partner institutions. At least one researcher from each partner institution must be named in the Phase 1 application and their CV’s must be attached. Private sector partners: Grant funding can be used for their direct work input and expenses in relation to the project activities. Such partners are encouraged to contribute with additional resources (funding or in-kind) for the projects. International partners (sub-contractors) can be supported by the grant only for their direct services to the project activities. PhD’s enrolled at a university in the priority countries or in the region W1: Applications from Denmark must list partners in Danida priority countries and possible international and private sector partners, while the research project applications from Ghana and Tanzania must list partners in Denmark (and elsewhere, if applicable).

How to make the e-application The e-application system is accessible from DFC’s website, link http://dfcentre.com/research/calls-for-applications/ The relevant Call must be selected. Once the application form has been created, it is possible to break off from it and resume work at any time, and edit the information, until the submission. All research partners can access the application by using the same e-mail address and password. Acknowledgement of receipt of the application will be sent to the username e-mail.

Recommendations: Carefully read the Call and the instructions in the e-application form and the application guide. Comply with the formal requirements set in the Call and fill in the e-application correctly. Remember to include all the required appendices. They may take time to upload. Start well ahead of the deadline! (No mercy) Check, especially if text is too long and is may be cut off (only rely on the word count function in the e-application). This must seem obvious, but each year several applications are rejected administratively due to simple and easily avoidable mistakes, and some submit too late.

Practical advice to applicants in Phase 1 The project description must outline the project idea and be structured according to the indicated headings. The application must include an estimate of the amount applied for, in DKK The Phase 1 application must comprise the following: The e-application form Appendix A: CVs of all researchers named in Step 1A of the Application Form Appendix B: Signatures Remember that it is only a concept note, much shorter than in previous years- Headings: 1. State of the art, rationale, and relevance 2. Objectives and results expected 3. Indicative project methodology

Practical advice to applicants The eligible costs for the Phase 2 application are: • Salaries and emoluments • Tuition Fees and educational grants to PhD students from the priority / countries • Expenses for trips abroad and fieldwork; • Project and research materials and equipment; • Publication, dissemination and communication; • Administration fees (overhead); Not of DFC expenses • Study stays in Denmark of PhD students from partner countries; • External annual and final audit. All salaries and fees must follow the institutions’ own level. It is a concept note, so a budget is not needed.

Process from application to grant Start in time; getting signatures and CVs may take time. Involve all the partner applicants in the planning and e-application, ensure ownership, and adjust expectations. Remember that the e-application system closes at 12:00 sharp (Danish time) on the day of the deadline! Appendices (A and B) must be uploaded to the e-application. It is not possible to submit appendices after the deadline has passed. Once you have submitted the e-application in the e-application system, your application cannot be changed.

Who are involved in the assessment of applications and in decisions? National Screening Committees in Tanzania and Ghana and assessment and shortlist Phase 1 applications. FFU and MFA participates MFA assess relevance with Embassies (phase 1). International peer reviewers assess scientific quality (phase 2). FFU asesses applications and makes recommendations (phase 1 and phase 2). DFC handles the administration and the communication with the applicants (phase 1 and 2).

National Screening Committee – NSC in Ghana and Tanzania. NSC consists of national researchers/experts within the relevant five research themes, and FFU and MFA rep’s. The national members are appointed by MFA based on CVs recommended by COSTECH and GAAS, respectively. The members strictly adheres to the rules of Conflict of Interest, and evaluates applications on the same criteria as FFU. Phase 1 applications are being prioritized/non-prioritized on the recommendation of NSC.

How to identify relevant partners: Partners can often be identified from earlier collaborations or through professional networks. Otherwise, searching can be done in international scientific databases (links are suggested in the Call) or at the websites of the Danish Universities. Inspiration can also be found among ongoing and past projects at the Danida Research Portal: http://drp.dfcentre.com/.   If still not possible to find a partner, you can submit your project information to DFC and it will be posted at the DFC website under a “Research Collaboration Marketplace”. Any relevant researchers interested may then contact the applicant. See DFC’s website: http://dfcentre.com/research/calls-for-applications/research-collaboration-marketplace-7/

Useful links The e-application system is accessible from DFC’s website: http://dfcentre.com/research/calls-for-applications/ For questions concerning the practical application procedure, please contact the Research Unit at DFC by mail at: research@dfcentre.dk See the ongoing projects at Danida Research Portal: http://drp.dfcentre.com/

Part 4: Thank you! Questions for clarification: