Applications for FBIP Concept Notes for Large Grants and FBIP Small Grants are now open.

Feb 13, 2020

Applications for FBIP Concept Notes for Large Grants and FBIP Small Grants are now open. 

Researchers based at NRF recognised research institutions in South Africa are eligible to apply (Postdoctoral fellows and students are not eligible). 

The primary focus of the FBIP is to generate, mobilize, co-ordinate and make accessible foundational biodiversity knowledge in line with the needs of society, the Department of Science & Innovation (DSI) Global Change Programme and the bio-economy.

The main approach is to fund:

1. Large, collaborative/integrated team projects (Large Grants) which align with knowledge needs, or which involve participants along the entire value chain from knowledge generation to application for decision-making.
2. Small strategic projects (Small grants) that address critical gaps relevant to foundational biodiversity information and knowledge.

FBIP Large Grants

The range of funding available per project is R500,000 to R1.5 million per annum for a three-year period (R1,500,000 – R4,500,000 in total per project).

The large projects should align with knowledge needs, or should involve participants along the entire value chain from knowledge generation to application for decision-making. These projects should also include postgraduate students and emerging researchers, and the up-skilling of researchers and practitioners who use the data generated. The projects must generate or mobilize species occurrence data, DNA barcode data, and descriptive information on species, and should ensure that the knowledge is co-ordinated, managed and disseminated through appropriate structures and systems.

 Programme Focus area:

Projects falling within the seven focus areas have been identified for support. The Programme focus areas for Large grants are listed in the FBIP Call Framework document (Section 4.2.1, Page 13 & 14).

Application process:

Two-step process: The application for funding is a two-step process managed through the NRF:

1. Concept Notes: Evaluation and selection for full development (Review Period 1); Concept Notes will be assessed by a panel within 2 months after the closing date and a limited number (usually 2-4) will be selected for further development into full proposals in the same year.
2. Development of Full Proposals: Successful Concept Note applicants will be invited to submit full proposals (Review Period 2); Evaluation and selection of 1 to 2 full proposals for funding for a three-year period (implemented in 2021-2023).

 The NRF publishes the One Call for Applications for funding in February 2020 (Review Period 1). The One Call includes applications for Concept Notes (Review Period 1) which must be submitted electronically via the NRF Online Submission System at https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za.

For more information and deadlines for the One Call for Applications for funding, please refer to the NRF General Application Guide 2021.

Applicants applying for FBIP grants must read the FBIP Framework and Funding Guide and FBIP Concept Note Application Instructions to make sure that all the essential information is submitted through the proposals.

Small Grants

Smaller grants ranging from R50 000 to R200 000 are awarded for one year. These grants can be used for taxonomic research, mobilisation of primary data (specimen records), generation of DNA barcodes, compiling species information or for data management / dissemination innovations.

Application process:

There are two application windows for FBIP Small Grants (Review Period 1 & 2). Applications for FBIP Small Grants (Review Period 1) must be submitted electronically on the NRF Online Submission System at https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za. Applications for Review Period 2 will be published later.

For more information about the process, the number of applications allowed within a call year and cut-off dates, please refer to the NRF General Application Guide 2021.

Applicants applying for FBIP Small Grants must read the FBIP Framework and Funding Guide and FBIP Small Grant Application Instructions to make sure that all the essential information is submitted through the proposals.