Launch of the Research Horizons Award to foster innovation in research

05 Aug 2009

To encourage the development of novel research ideas, NUS and the Singapore Millennium Foundation (SMF) have launched the SMF-NUS Research Horizons Award. A total funding of $2.8million, co-funded by NUS and SMF, has been set aside to accelerate the development of paradigm-changing research ideas from conception to implementation.

NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan said: "We recognise that as we push for higher levels of research excellence, more of our faculty will have to engage in 'high risk, high impact' research. Such types of research often involve very novel and unconventional ideas which may not be supported by the usual funding sources." Prof Tan added that with strong support from SMF, the Research Horizon Award will encourage more faculty members to pursue research ideas with greater potential to make exciting breakthroughs.

SMF Chairman Prof Lim Pin said: "SMF is pleased to work with NUS to encourage researchers to 'think out of the box' and be bold and imaginative in seeking solutions, unshackled by conventional approaches. This should strengthen and broaden our research culture and elevate Singapore's standing as an international research hub."

NUS plans to call for proposals during the last quarter of 2009 and the proposals will be reviewed by an international review panel comprising leading scientists and established entrepreneurs who have a strong track record for innovation. Up to four research proposals in Phase 1 will be selected by the review panel for seed funding of up to $100,000 for each proposal. Projects that establish proof-of-concept within a year may be considered for further funding.

In Phase 2, the four pilot projects will be reviewed to see if they merit additional funding of up to $1million over two years for further development.