The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) unveils new research support initiatives with a hefty €14.5 million investment in scientific innovation. The Excellence Programme offers up to €200,000 for individual projects in life sciences, physical sciences/engineering, and social sciences/humanities, while the Post-Doc Programme provides funding up to €150,000 for the former and €120,000 for the latter, aiming to bolster the next generation of researchers.
What are the new research support initiatives launched by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF)?
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has introduced two major research support initiatives:
- Excellence Programme: A €12 million fund, distributed across life sciences (€5M), physical sciences/engineering (€5M), and social sciences/humanities (€2M), with up to €200,000 for individual projects.
- Post-Doc Programme: A €2.5 million fund for post-doctoral projects in the same fields, offering up to €150,000 for life and physical sciences/engineering, and €120,000 for social sciences/humanities.
Bolstering Scientific Excellence
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has recently made headlines with its announcement of two groundbreaking programmes designed to enhance scientific research and support emerging scholars in their academic pursuits. These initiatives, named Excellence and Post-Doc, are not only seen as a leap forward for the research community but are also backed by a substantial investment totaling €14.5 million.
At the heart of these programmes lies a commitment to encouraging the production of new knowledge and enabling young researchers to spearhead projects. A diverse array of beneficiaries stand to gain from these efforts, including research organizations, enterprises, and various entities spanning both the private and public sectors.
Funding Innovation Across Disciplines
The Excellence programme, which boasts a €12 million budget, is segmented into three scientific domains, each receiving a significant portion of the funding: life sciences are allocated €5 million, an equal amount is appointed for physical sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities are earmarked €2 million. This strategic distribution reflects a balanced approach to advancing a wide spectrum of scientific inquiry.
In a bid to stimulate progress, the maximum funding for individual projects is capped at €200,000 for life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. In contrast, social sciences and humanities projects can receive up to €120,000. Remarkably, collaborations between public and private entities can see an increase in funding by 25 percent, highlighting RIF’s vision of fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries.
Post-Doc Programme: Supporting Next-Gen Researchers
On the other end of the spectrum, the Post-Doc programme, with its €2.5 million budget, is set to finance specialized projects in the same trio of scientific areas. Life sciences and physical sciences and engineering projects can secure funding up to €150,000 each, whereas social sciences and humanities initiatives can receive a maximum of €120,000. This targeted support for post-doctoral researchers underlines the importance of ongoing education and the development of niche scientific activities.
The overarching goal is to swell the ranks of innovative researchers and ensure that they have the resources needed for sustainable research efforts. Applications for both the Excellence and Post-Doc programmes are to be submitted through the IRIS portal, with a submission deadline marked for July 5, 2024.
A Broader Vision for Research Excellence
In conjunction with these initiatives, RIF is gearing up to unveil additional programmes, including Vision ERC, ERC Visiting Research Fellowship, and Horizon Europe – 2nd Opportunity – ERC, with a joint budget of €1.8 million. These are designed to propel the involvement and achievements of both burgeoning and seasoned researchers in the prestigious ERC programme, renowned for funding avant-garde research projects.
Notably, organizations that receive funding will have access to complimentary innovation support services and knowledge transfer tools through RIF, further contributing to their research capabilities. The funding for these projects is bolstered by co-financing from the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund, underpinning the Thalia 2021-2027 cohesion policy programme.
How much funding is available through the Excellence Programme and the Post-Doc Programme launched by RIF?
The Excellence Programme has a total budget of €12 million, with funding distributed across life sciences (€5M), physical sciences/engineering (€5M), and social sciences/humanities (€2M). Individual projects can receive up to €200,000 in funding. On the other hand, the Post-Doc Programme has a budget of €2.5 million and offers funding up to €150,000 for life and physical sciences/engineering projects, and €120,000 for social sciences/humanities projects.
What is the deadline for submitting applications for the Excellence and Post-Doc Programmes through the IRIS portal?
Applications for both the Excellence and Post-Doc Programmes must be submitted through the IRIS portal by July 5, 2024.
Are there any additional research support initiatives planned by RIF in addition to the Excellence and Post-Doc Programmes?
Yes, RIF is preparing to introduce additional programmes, including Vision ERC, ERC Visiting Research Fellowship, and Horizon Europe – 2nd Opportunity – ERC, with a combined budget of €1.8 million. These initiatives aim to further enhance the involvement and achievements of researchers in the prestigious ERC programme.
What are the potential benefits for organizations that receive funding from RIF for their research projects?
Organizations that receive funding from RIF for their research projects will not only gain financial support but also have access to complimentary innovation support services and knowledge transfer tools. Additionally, the funding for these projects is co-financed by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund under the Thalia 2021-2027 cohesion policy programme.
