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Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2017-18 opens for application
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     The Central Policy Unit (CPU) today (April 28) announced that the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme 2017-18 is now open for application.

     The Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme has gradually gained support from the community since its launch. From 2013-14 onwards, the CPU has administered the Scheme. The Scheme welcomes applications of a short (6-12 months) duration, as well as research with a longer duration and larger funding amount. To facilitate longer-term strategic public policy research, capacity building and collaboration, the CPU introduced the re-modelled SPPR Funding Scheme in April 2016 having regard to the success of the PPR Funding Scheme. Both funding schemes will run simultaneously.

     Seven major strategic themes of SPPR are identified for capacity building, which can provide long-term research support for Hong Kong's development: namely (a) Belt and Road Initiative; (b) Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area Development; (c) Cross-Strait Three Regions Studies; (d) Elections and Political Landscape; (e) "One Country, Two Systems": Change and Prospect of Relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; (f) Big Data and Smart City; and (g) Impact of New Technology on Modern Life and Industry. Applicants may also submit their own research areas for consideration by the Assessment Panel. The same assessment criteria shall apply to all applications received.

     The SPPR Funding Scheme applications are accepted once a year. Applications for 2017-18 should be submitted before July 31, 2017. To enhance the flexibility of the SPPR Funding Scheme, applications with significant relevance to strategic policy research needs may also be invited from time to time.

     A sum ranging from $3 million to $5 million may be granted to each SPPR project for a period of research lasting for three to five years. Subject to application and evaluation, further funding lasting for three to five years may be granted.

     To ensure academic freedom and the quality of the research projects, assessments will be conducted by the Assessment Panel comprising experienced academics. The Panel is chaired by the Emeritus Professor of Social Work and Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Nelson Chow. The Panel will determine the assessment criteria and details. Applications will be assessed by the Panel as well as reviewers, who are academics and experts outside the Panel. Suggestions and views of relevant government bureaux/departments will also be sought for reference. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and just.

     Research quality and the strategic relevance of the proposal to the public policy development of Hong Kong are the primary considerations in evaluating research proposals under the SPPR Funding Scheme. In considering a research proposal, the Assessment Panel will also take into account factors such as the deliverables (e.g. policy implications and recommendation, monographs, occasional papers, workshop, conference, journal, post-doctorate researchers etc.), the research team's capability, whether the proposal is practical and feasible, whether the implementation schedule is well-planned, and whether the proposed budget is prudent and realistic. Apart from the above-mentioned assessment criteria, institutional support towards capacity building in policy research (e.g. infrastructure support or matching funds), or external funding sources and support will also be taken into consideration.

     Details of the SPPR Funding Scheme, including eligibility criteria, the strategic themes, composition of the Assessment Panel, means of application and other related information, have been uploaded onto the CPU's website (www.cpu.gov.hk). Applicants should complete the specified application form and submit it to the CPU preferably by email (email: ppr@cpu.gov.hk).
 
Ends/Friday, April 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:30
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