Filipino scientists and engineers who are into research and development of copper use now have more funding opportunities through the joint effort of Department of Science and Technology’ Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the International Copper Association (ICA).
This new R&D funding opportunity was ironed out through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed recently by DOST-PCIEERD and the ICA Southeast Asia ICASEA) at the New World Hotel in Makati City, which launched the Fourth Technology Program Proposal Call in the Philippines. ICASEA represents ICA in the region.
“This partnership between DOST and ICA underlines the important contribution of the mining and minerals industry to the country’s economy,” said Dr. Amelia Guevara, PCIEERD executive director.
“It is our hope that this MOU will result in vibrant S&T activities and collaborations in the copper industry,” said Dr. Guevara.
DOST-PCIEERD is the country’s lead agency in the research and development of technologies in the industry and energy sectors.
Proposal selection process
A Technical Review Committee, comprising evaluators from PCIEERD and ICASEA, will handle the initial technical and market review. Proposals deemed qualified for possible assistance will be appraised based on the following criteria: market impact (30%), technical feasibility (45%) and project funds allocation (25%). Shortlisted proposals will be submitted to the ICA headquarters in New York for final review.
Research proposals considered having the greatest potential will be provided grants or awarded special recognitions. The proposals selected for ICA support will be announced in October 2011.
Victor Zhou, ICA Regional Director for China and Southeast Asia, said that selected proposals will receive funding support from ICA and other assistance, including introductions to cooperating organizations. Zhou further explained that project achievements shall be solely or jointly owned by ICA and cooperating parties, according to the ratio of ICA investment. “After winning, the executive team of the technical project shall sign a technical cooperation agreement with ICA,” he said.
A workshop was also conducted after the MOU signing on the proposal submission and selection process, and proposal assessment criteria. Shi Jiangao, Director of Laboratory at the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, apprised workshop participants how to successfully prepare research proposals for ICA assistance. -30- Beth Padilla, STII-DOST
