FSSR Research Briefing 2014

1. FSSR Research Briefing 2014 Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) – 1/2014 Oskar Hasdinor Hassan & Rafeah Legino Coordinator Research & Innovation (FSSR) Formgiving Research Group (REI Tier 5)

2. Booster • We only have TWO (2) AD Schools in Malaysia !!! • The AD UiTM & • The REST Including the AD schools in RU • COME and be a LEADER

3. FSSR Tentative FRGS 1/2014 – Submission and Evaluation

4. MyGrants • http://portal.mygrants.gov.my/main.php

7. MOHE Grant Scheme

8. Research Characteristics Why (theory) is this happening ? How (theory) didthishappened ?

9. Research Characteristics Whathappenedif we applythistheory ? Wherecan we applythistheory ?

10. Fundamental Research Grant Pure Science Applied Science Technology & Engineering Clinical & Health Science Social Science Acceptable (Basic) Applied Research Arts & Applied Arts Natural Science & National Heritage Weakness : A Very Applied Organization

11. FRGS Experience (1/2009 Forms) KriteriaAsas Penyelidikanasas yang dipohonmerupakanprojek yang menghasilkansesuatuidea/konsep/teori/dasarbaru Hasilpenyelidikan yang berpotensikearahpenyelidikanlanjutan, teknologi or prosesterkini Penyelidikan yang akanmenambahbaiksesuatumetodologi, teoridankonsepsediada Penyelidikan yang dapatmenghasilkanfakta, maklumatdanpengetahuanbaru Teknologi & Kejuruteraan (Di tolakkeranatidakmemenuhisalahsatukriteriaberikut) TidakmempunyaipelajarM.Sc/PhD dibawahsekimransanganekonomi Penyelidikmudakurangdari lima tahunpengalaman Tidakmenepatikriteria fundamental ataupenyelidikanasas Tidaklengkapmengikutgarispanduan/format Kos melampauibajet yang ditetapkan

12. Kriteria • Penyelidikan yang dipohonmestilahmerupakanpenyelidikan yang dapatmenghasilkansuatu idea/teori/konsep/kaedah/model/proses baru; DAN • Penyelidikanyang dapatmenambahbaiksesuatupolisi, metodologidan model penyelesaian yang sediaada; ATAU • Penyelidikanyang merangkumiisu-isukemanusiaandankemasyarakatanbagitujuanpeningkatannilaikehidupandalamnegaradansejagat; ATAU • Penyelidikanyang berpotensiuntukmenyumbangkepada agenda strategiknegara.

13. Each Fundamental Research Grant Scheme application must satisfy the following criteria:- The research applied can produce new ideas/theory/concept/method/model/process and develop other research, AND Research which can improve a particular policy, a method and an existing problemsolving methodology OR Research which encompasses humanities and social science issues intended to improve the values of mankind, and society for purposes of improving quality of life, nationally and globally OR Research projects which are niche to national strategic projects which can develop a particular industry of national interest. Projects which have institutional collaboration will be given some weightage. Criteria Collaboration Advantage All about Theory

14. Fundamental research is basic research performed for a specific period and it will not produce benefit in the short term. Intended to encourage new ideas/concept /theory which are innovative and latest. Leading to the advancement of knowledge in the various research areas. Generally the research will focus on: accumulation of theories; fundamental structures; and fundamental processes with the goal of understanding them Fundamental Research Not a Product Not about Applications All about Basic Theory

15. Acceptable Applied Research • Basic Research that could uncover/enhanced national resources for future economic gains • Arts & Applied Arts • Natural Science & National Heritage Acceptable (Basic) Applied Research Arts & Applied Arts Natural Science & National Heritage

16. Choice of Research Areas • Chemistry • Pure Science • Applied Science • ICT/Computer Science • Applied Science • Technology & Engineering Chose closer to your foundation /field of knowledge

17. Competitive Groups FRGS (2/2010) • Professors • A/B/C • Associate Professors/Senior Lecturers • Gred 51/52/53/54 • Lecturers • Gred 45/Gred 46 Expatriate must have permanent local lecturers (collaborators) & local PG Contract Lecturers must have permanent local lecturers as collaborator Least Competitive

18. Research Proposal Submission of Authoritative Expert • Project Title • Objectives • Research background • Benefits of the project • Impact • Outcomes expected • Project structure • Organisations involved • Linkages • Project Team Definite Title Definite Problems Definite Outcomes

19. Research Proposal • Experimental design & methodology • Project activities (Plan of action) • Key milestone • Duration of project • Project schedule • Project costs • Manpower • Travelling, Materials, Expenses & Equipments • Ethical considerations (If relevant) Committed to Produce New Theory/Technique/Model Committed to Train PG Committed to Publish Conclusive Research

20. To Refrain in Title • Avoid applied wording such as; • “Development of…, • Application of…., • Design of….., etc • Restricted scope such as “Malaysian Context”, UiTM context etc • A software for Malaysian Rubber Industry… • Product directions; i.e mapping system, computer based softwares • A new computer-based measurement system …

21. To also refrain in title • Anything implying commercial entities • A low-cost automated machine …. • Avoid words that add nothing to a reader's understanding; • Studies on..., • Investigations..., • Research ….. • Some Problems in.... • The effects of …

22. Acceptable Titles but Weak • Must have fundamental sense such as; • “Basic study of…, • Theoretical investigation of …, • Mechanism …., etc • The word “New” • New techniques in Measurements … • The word “Algorithms” • Search algorithms for ….

23. Acceptable but Weak Title • Fundamental Study …. • New Model …. • Novel Theory …. • Theoretical Investigation … • Potential of … • Modelling of .. • Assessing … • A Performance Analysis … Reduce Multi-Parameter Increase in Depth Pilot Study not Width Outcome : Applied Research as Future

24. Project Title Test 1: Google • Must reflect the work that you would like to do • Specific Focus and Unique (Not too general) • Gives the impression as to the level of work/ intensiveness of work worthy of the type of grant proposed. • Signify the status of research that will be performed • original or value added • lab based, fundamental • Signify the area of expertise that you would like to develop for the country • If you are involved at the National Level Test 2 : Google Scholar Test 3 : ISI Search Peer Review

25. Other Researchers (Recommended) • For new researchers, include experienced researchers and vice versa. • Minimum two researcher • Suggest three (3) researchers in team, maximum of five (5). • A balanced team would be desirable as it would reflect the team’s track record. Don’t forget to include CV. • Senior Head/Junior Collaborator • Junior Head/Senior Collaborator • No PhD (Find One) Non-PhD new PI : Compulsory Others : Option

26. Research Collaborations • University Linkages (Academics) • Inter-University • Inter-campus • Inter-faculty • Inter-department • Inter-fields within department • Industry Linkages (Preferred for TechnoFund) • Researchers • Other Staff Members • Other Universities • Others

27. Executive Summary • Executive Summary • Abstract of Work Proposed • Do not write a thesis on this. This is an abstract of 300 words (FRGS) • Include the background of research, objectives, research methodology and expected outcomes from the research project • Concise and compact • No citation • Very important as evaluators tend to only read this when time is limited. May not even read further if summary is poorly written Concise & Compact

28. Research Background • Literature Review summary • impact-oriented/value added • guide towards producing original research / value added research • Short but thorough enough • Consistency with the whole content • Quote the relevant references • (not more than 15 (12 to 15); preferably 30% from last 18 months) • At least one paper Jan 2012 Observe Reference

29. Research Background (Major Components) • Introduction • Literature Review Summary including work of others • Some relevant background to solutions • Problem Statement/Research Questions • Problems to solve • Questions to answer • Hypothesis to Solutions • Solutions to problems • Answers to Research Questions • Significance and Uniqueness in work • Advantage, Simplifications, Impact Gaps in Theory / Unraveling of Phenomena Significance Solutions & Hypothesis

30. Research Methodology • Describe how you plan to carry it out • Include a flow chart • Must have a Gantt Chart • Milestone for every 6 months • Include all relevant details such as • What do you plan to do • How ? • Study area • where you plan to study/collect samples from • Equipment used • Where you plan to do • Sample size / No of tests to be done • Is it statistically significant ? • Sample size is important since it has a bearing on project costs. • Do you need approval from government ministries to do the work. If yes, attach the approval letter. Flow Chart Gantt Chart/Milestone Equipment Used in Method Statistics if Applicable

31. Equipment in Research Methodology • Implementation of Experimental Verifications • To verify validity of the proposed technique, basic test equipments including; volt-meter, ammeter, wattmeter together with basic DC supply for controller will be used. • A frequency generator will be used to generate test waveforms. A special DC supply (600V, 10A) will be used to provide the DC rail voltage for inverter operation. • A new high sampling oscilloscope will be used to record waveforms presenting the performance and behavior of the proposed work that includes;

32. Outcome (Human Capital & Publication) Human Capital • Three (3)- year project • Is required to train at least one (1) Ph.D student/2 Master. OR • Two (2)-year project:- • Is required to train one (1) Masters students. • Publication • Minimum three indexed publications Recommended Another Master 1 Overseas Conference At least 1 Local Conference

33. Budget (FRGS) • Follow Guidelines • Vote 11000 - Salary and wages (Only GRA) • Ph.D : RM2000.00 • M.Sc : RM1500.00 • Vote 21000 - Travelling Expenses and Subsistence • (Not to Exceed 40% of Project Cost) • Overseas conference : 20% (<RM15,000) • Overseas field trip/data collection : 40% of total cost • Rentals (V 24000) • Equipments etc /Software licenses Ceiling Per Annum = RM100,000 Reduce 20 – 30% for SSP & Non Material Research

34. Budget (2) • Vote 27000 - Research Materials & Supplies (Including Animals, Disposables, etc) • Includes special documents • Minor modifications and repairs (V 28000) • Repairs of equipments/renovations • Vote 29000 – (max 10%) • Professional Services, Training for subjects for 3 Weeks to 3 Months & other services including printing & hospitality, Honorarium for subjects. • Special equipment, accessories (V 35000) • Indicate in Research Methodology where equipment is used. • (Not more than 40%) Ceiling 10% of project costs Not more than 40% of project costs

35. Budget (Guidelines) • Minimise purchase of Equipment • Research Assistants (Salary and Wages) • Young Lecturer without Ph.D • (1 M.Sc x RM1.5K x 24 months = RM36,000) • PhD Holder (3 years) • (1 PhD x RM2K x 36 months = RM72,000) • (1 M.Sc x RM1.5K x 24 months = RM36,000) • Commit to present paper overseas • Allocate RM15,000.00 for travelling (vote 21000) • Allocate fees > RM5000 for fees (vote 29000)

36. FRGS Structure of Proposal Not about solving World Problems About Solving Basic Theory About Flaws/Gaps in Basic Theory Remove Association with Applications

37. Project title One line summary of research Objectives Key outline of activities in research Recommended to limit to 3 items ( more than RM200,000) Limit to 2 (less than RM200,000) Problem Statement/Research Questions No of items to match objectives Research Methodology Maximum 7 Activities (2 years) Maximum 9 activities (3 years) Critical Proposal Component To solve problems Problems to overcome Approach to Solutions

38. Problem Statement/Research Questions There is a leak in the roof of your house Objectives To seal the roof leak using a ROOF SEALANT Project title Implementation of solution to roof leak in your house using roof sealant Research Methodology Go to a hardware shop; buy a sealant Find a ladder to climb the roof Seal the leak Roof Leak (Simple Example) Problems to overcome To solve problems Include Objectives & Method Approach to Solutions

39. Research Questions • Howto seal the leaking roof ? • Objectives : To define the method/technique on sealing a ROOF LEAK • Whyis the roof leaking ? • Objectives : To investigate a leak in the roof

40. Problem Statement and Objectives Problem Statement and Objectives Two Objectives with Two Solutions

41. Main Background

42. Background Submission in Jan 2012 / Reference in Dec 2012 (Impact Factor Pub)

43. Background Significance to World & Malaysia

44. Latest Reference Submission in December/Reference in Nov 2009 (Impact Factor Pub)

45. Objective VS Problems Observe the link of Problem Statement & Hypothesis VS Objectives

46. Expected Results Minimum 3 Paper Average 4 Paper Performance 5/6 papers

47. Expected Results Very generic applications and leading to applied research Tentative Postgraduate Titles

48. Executive Summary (1) Background & Problem Objectives Method Outcome

49. Executive Summary Applied Research (National Heritage) Nowadays, increasing number of populations, industries and agricultural activities in Malaysia produced large amounts of organic wastes such as sewage sludge, livestock manure, industrial sludges and others thus creating economical and environmental problems. Thereby, this research is an attempt to promote proper waste management via organic fertilizer production applying earthworms assisted bioremediation technique. Specifically, this research objectives are i) to study the potential of various types of sludges, animal and agricultural wastes as organic fertilizer using vermiculture technology and ii) to determine earthworms basic chemical properties that suitable for medicinal purposes and iii) to investigate the antioxidant, anti-aging and skin-whitening properties of earthworms extract for cosmeceutical application. Pot trial experiment will be conducted under greenhouse conditions involving 5 types of sludge, 5 types of worm species and 4 types of organic wastes with 4 replicates and 6 mixtures ratios for each treatment levels using factorial arrangement of treatment design. Physico-chemical analysis including heavy metals accumulation in the vermicompost, sludge and earthworms bioactive ingredients will be analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and high performance liquid chromatograpy. At the end of the experiment, it is expected that we will discover the potential ability of different types of sludge produced in Malaysia as an organic fertilizer using vermiculture approach. In addition, the ultimate aim is to produce high quality of sludge-based vermicompost and get basic knowledge of earthworm potential use for human healthcare. Background & Problem Objectives Method Outcome

50. Key Activity & Milestone (Life-Science Applications) Activity 3 to 9 months Milestone : Once every 6 months Jan-June/Jul-Dec • Purchase of reagents and equipments (Activity) • Commissioning of Real-time PCR machine • Design and purchase of primers and probes for MB and DNA-dipstick (Activity) • Designed and purchased of primers and probes for MB and DNA-dipstick • Evaluation and parameter determination of multiplex primers for MB and DNA-dipstick (Activity) • Completion of evaluation of multiplex primers for MB and DNA-dipstick • Evaluation and parameter determination of detection formats for MB and DNA-dipstick (Activity) • Completion of evaluation of detection formats for MB and DNA-dipstick • Selection of final MB and DNA-dipstick formats: Field Trials using clinical specimens(Activity) • Review and selection of final MB and DNA-dipstick formats • Field Trials using clinical specimens(Activity) • Completion of field trials Source : Prof Asma USM