Department of Science & Technology (International Cooperation-Bilateral)

AUSTRALIA-INDIA STRATEGIC RESEARCH FUND

Guidelines for Round Two of the Grand Challenge Fund 1.1 About the AISRF
The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) is a platform for bilateral collaboration in science, jointly managed and funded by the governments of India and Australia.

1.2 About the Grand Challenge Fund

The Grand Challenge Fund is jointly managed by Government of Indias Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Australias Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE). This component is designed to support collaborative projects that address a problem considered by both countries to be significant enough to be characterized as a grand challenge. The problem would typically affect a large or particularly vulnerable population, an important industry and/or essential services. The resolution of the problem would clearly lead to tangible benefits which may include: improvements in the quality of life of the affected population; the viability of the industry or the provision of an essential service. To be competitive, applicants will need to demonstrate that:

their proposed research would make a significant and practical contribution to

solving a significant problem shared by India and Australia;

this contribution would be utilized by an end user (a company, government agency, collaboration between consortium members would be genuine and integral to

non-government organization or other organization), for either commercial benefit or public good (clear path to end use); achieving the expected outcomes and the work would be approximately equally distributed between the two sides; and; experience required to undertake the project.

that the project leaders and research teams have the right mix of expertise and

1.3 Priority themes

The second round of the Grand Challenge Fund is open to applications that address challenges in the themes of health and energy. Given the complex nature of the challenges in these themes, multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged. All applications within the two nominated themes will be considered, but proposals that fall within the sub themes identified below are particularly encouraged. Theme Sub theme Health Metabolic disorders Infectious diseases Lifestyle diseases Medical devices Healthcare delivery Energy New and renewable Fossil fuels Transport Emerging Technologies (including robotics)

2.1 The application process

The Grand Challenge Fund will use a two stage application process.

Indicative timeline

The call for EOIs for Round Two of the Grand Challenge Fund will be open for 8 weeks. The round will open on 22 June 2012, and close on 2 August 2012. The table below summarizes the steps and indicative timing for the application and assessment process for Grand Challenge Fund Round Two: 22 June 2012
2 August 2012 August-October 2012 October-December 2012 December 2012/ February 2013 April 2013 Stage 1 Expression of Interest open for submission Closing date for EOIs EOIs assessed and short listed Stage 2 Full Applications open for short listed EOIs Assessment and selection of Stage 2 Full Applications Projects commence

Please note that the timeline is a guide only and is subject to change. Please refer to the DST and DIISRTE websites for notification of any changes (www.dst.gov.in and www.innovation.gov.au/AISRF) The following site provides the Australia India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) Grand Challenge (Round 2), guidelines and also provides information on the online application process, including how to register and apply. http://www.innovation.gov.au/aisrf INDIAN CONTACTS (Dr. Naveen Vasishta) Email: nvasishta@nic.in Website: www.dst.gov.in AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS Email: aisrf@innovation.gov.au Website: www.innovation.gov.au/aisrf