The objective of the Framework Programme Seed Funding Instrument is to avail funding to support South African researchers in exploring participation in and preparing for FP7 project proposals. The chief criterion which applications therefore have to meet is that the main objective of the activity for which funding is requested, should be focused on exploring or preparing FP7 participation in a concrete manner.

Format of application

Applications should be submitted in writing, either via postal mail or electronic mail for the attention of:
Mmboneni Muofhe, Manager: Strategic Partnerships
Department of Science and Technology
Private Bag X894
0001 Pretoria
contact@esastap.org.za

The application should consist of a letter motivating why the activity for which funding is requested, will serve to support the exploration or preparation of FP7 participation as well as meet the criteria specified below:

• Highlight the specific FP7 call for proposals to which it is envisaged the project proposal will be submitted with a specific reference to the relevant action lines in the applicable FP7 Work Programme.
• Specify under which theme the project falls.
• Indicate the purpose for the requested funding, i.e. overseas travel to meet with partners in preparation to write the intended proposal, invitation of a possible European partner or partners to visit South Africa and discuss the call and your role in the consortium, etc. Include details of the potential partners and their respective institutions.
• Provide an abstract of the envisaged FP7 project proposal which the seed funding, if granted, will serve to prepare. Specifically make evident the potential contribution of the South African applicant to the project.
• Provide a draft budget for the intended activity / purpose with substantiating background information. Please consider that seed funding grants are typically between R10 000 to R20 000.
• Include a motivation of how South Africa's science and technology knowledge base will be strategically enhanced through the proposed FP7 participation.
• Provide an overview of earlier efforts, if any, including examples of first contacts with potential European partners, to explore FP7 participation, for example, copies of e-mails exchanged demonstrating commitment by both the SA and international partner(s).
• Confirmation that the application has the institutional support of the applicant's organisation (this is required since funding will only be allocated to research and technology organisations, including small and medium enterprises, and not to individuals in their personal capacities.)
• Full contact details of the applicant.

Requirements once funding is approved

Should seed funding be awarded to an applicant, the Department of Science and Technology will discuss with the applicant on a case by case basis other relevant requirements, which could be applicable to the awarding of funding. This will include the reporting requirements, which the applicant would have to fulfil once the activity has been completed. Funding will only be awarded once the applicant mandated by his or her institution has accepted the Department of Science and Technology's offer of funding, subject to the agreed reporting and other requirements.

Eligibility

South African research and technology organisations, including universities, universities of technology, science councils, other public research organisations, industrial organisations, small and medium enterprises and non-governmental organisations are eligible to apply for support under the Framework Programme Seed Funding Instrument. International institutions/individuals are also eligible for funding, but the application must be made through the South African partner organisation.

Evaluation

Applications are considered by the Department of Science and Technology with regard to their merit of serving to enhance South Africa's FP7 participation. The decision of the Department of Science and Technology in evaluating a proposal is final. Feedback on the outcome of the evaluation will be provided to all applicants within three weeks of receiving the application.

Process to obtain funds once granted

1. Please supply the motivation prepared by yourself as well as the grant letter provided by the DST to Mmboneni Muofhe at contact@esastap.org.za.
2. An original tax invoice is to be submitted within 30 days of the event / workshop / meeting having been attended, this must again be posted to Mmboneni Muofhe (Private Bag X894, 0001 Pretoria). Please note that the VAT number should be included on the invoice and that it should be addressed to CSIR Biosciences. All grant amounts are to be considered VAT inclusive. No fax copies of tax invoices will be accepted.

Contact the ESASTAP Team for further information.