SIOS seeks proposals of high scientific quality to develop the observing system and research infrastructure in the field of Earth System Science in Svalbard. The purpose of the optimisation call programme is to stimulate cooperation within SIOS to develop the observing system and research infrastructure, and to position the SIOS community to respond to larger funding calls. The funding supports projects that seek to develop the observing system in Svalbard, with a pan-Arctic and/or interdisciplinary focus.
Call timeline:
Opening of call: 21 October 2022
Deadline to submit a first-stage proposal: 16 December 2022
Opening of second-stage proposal submission: 16 January 2023
Deadline to submit a second-stage proposal: 28 February 2023
Announcement of successful projects: 14 March 2023
The total available funding for this call is up to 4 000 000 NOK. Each successful project will be awarded between 500 000 and
1 000 000 NOK for direct costs. In addition, a substantial in-kind contribution from the applicants’ institutions is expected.
The proposed project duration can be up to 24 months.
Who can apply?
The following eligibility criteria must be met by a proposal:
• The proposal must be led by a SIOS member institution and include a minimum of 3 SIOS member institutions as project partners from a minimum of 2 countries. Each scientist can only be involved in 1 proposal. While institutions that are not SIOS members can participate in proposals (and access project data as it is generated), they cannot receive direct funding by the project (i.e., non–SIOS institutions must pay for access to research infrastructure, travel etc. with in–kind contributions).
The following aspects are emphasised:
• Relevance to SIOS
• Scientific quality and project feasibility.
• Contribution to developing the observing system and advancement in Arctic Earth System Science.
• Competence of the project partners, particularly the principal investigator.
In the evaluation of Stage 1 applications, particular emphasis will be placed on the relevance of the project to SIOS, whereas in the evaluation of Stage 2 applications, greater emphasis will be placed on scientific quality and project feasibility. When assessing and ranking grant proposals, SIOS will in addition to the main criteria take into consideration elements such as ethical standards, potential environmental impacts, internationalisation, gender balance and integration of gender perspectives.
More details: https://www.sios-svalbard.org/OptimisationCall_2022
Call text: https://www.sios-svalbard.org/system/files/common/Documents/2022_OptimisationCallText.pdf