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The Central Policy Unit (CPU) announced today (May 20) the funding results of the first round of the Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme 2014-15.
The CPU processed 18 research proposals in this round. The total funding sought was about $16 million. To ensure academic freedom and the quality of the research projects, assessments were conducted by an assessment panel comprising 17 experienced academics. Besides panel members, the CPU also invited reviewers who are academics and experts outside the panel to assess the applications according to the assessment criteria and details announced earlier. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and just.
After the above assessment process, the CPU decided to fund, on the advice of the assessment panel, five projects with a total funding of about $2 million.
The funded projects cover a wide spectrum of policy areas, including poverty and inequality, ageing population, and the impact of new media on politics and governance. Details of the funded projects have been uploaded to the CPU's website (www.cpu.gov.hk).
Since the introduction of the PPR Funding Scheme in 2005, the Government has allocated $20 million annually for promoting public policy research. From 2013-14 onwards, the CPU is administering the day-to-day operation of the PPR Funding Scheme. The Scheme was open for application since July 16, 2013. To increase the Scheme's flexibility and to cater for potential applicants' needs, applications are accepted throughout the year. Applications will be processed upon receipt.
Ends/Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:01
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