Conflict and Security - Fast Track

The aim of the Conflict and Security Programme is two-fold, firstly to build and test theory on conflict, and secondly, to provide society with perspectives and evidence-based tools necessary to adequately diagnose, manage and benefit from the conflicts it faces.

The focus of the present call is on Fast Track Research into active, escalating or de-escalating conflict. There has to be some sense of urgency and topicality. Researchers may apply for funding to be able to do research into conflict at short notice or to be able to gather research data and material while the conflict is ‘hot’ or rapidly (de-)escalating.

The call is open for applications concerning the subthemes:

• Conflict-escalation, justice and intervention
• Conflict and religion
• Framing conflict in culture, politics and science
• Natural resources and conflicts
• Conflict around work and organisations
• Ethnic conflict in local communities and societies
• Gender and conflict

Who can apply

Applications can be submitted by senior researchers and professors from Dutch universities or institutes recognised by NWO, or by an international centre for scientific education in the Netherlands recognised by WOTRO (IHS, ISS, ITC, MSM, UNESCO-IHE). Applicants who are not affiliated to a organisation recognised by NWO can submit an application in partnership with a main applicant from a Dutch university.

• Replacement subsidies may be applied for by researchers themselves.
• Postdoc positions have to be applied for by a senior researcher affiliated to a university or NWO recognised institute.

Applicants are not allowed to submit more than one proposal. 

What can be applied for

Fast Track Research projects can be applied for that either consist of a postdoctoral position or a replacement/support grant for the main applicant. It is not possible to apply for both a replacement subsidy and a postdoc position. 

When can be applied

• Closing date for submitting proposals was 6 April 2010, 12:00 hrs

Criteria

All applications are evaluated according to a fixed set of criteria:

1 Scientific quality

• originality / innovative character of the problem definition;
• adequacy, effectiveness and clear outline of the functionality of the approach in light of the research questions posed and/or the perspectives sought after;
• feasibility, including the time schedule and publication plan;
• appropriateness and suitability of the methodology;
• scientific standing of the research team (publications, international visibility).

2 Added value

• urgency and topicality of the research topic;
• close agreement with the objectives of the Conflict and Security programme;
• the relationship between the description of the programme and the project;
• collaboration with national and international partners, including long-term perspectives and the quality of possible collaborative arrangements.

3 Relevance

• the potential to provide society with new insights and/or evidence-based conflict-management tools;
• the societal relevance of the identified problems in terms of, for example, originality, timeliness, innovativeness, urgency or impact;
• the adequacy of the research set-up to provide new insights or answers to the societal problems and opportunities identified;
• the collaboration in terms of communicating, implementing results and formulating policy advice with relevant local, national and international societal partners.

Procedure

Applications will be reviewed by the members of the international Scientific Assessment Committee (SAC) and the Societal Panel. Applicants will then have the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in the assessments. The SAC will evaluate and rank the full proposals on the basis of the proposal, the assessments by the SAC and Societal Panel members and the response to these by the applicants. Finally, the SAC will provide a ranking of the fundable applications.

The Thematic Committee will take a final decision on funding, based on the recommendations received from the Scientific Assessment Committee. All applicants will be informed in writing about the outcome of the selection procedure. The selection procedure will take about four months.

Committees

The composition of the Committees and Societal Panel is detailed in the call for proposals and on the website. 

Budget

Budget: 1.175 million euro, of which 0.25 million euro is earmarked for the Gender and Conflict programme line. 

Financiers

NWO Divisions for Social Sciences (MaGW), Humanities (GW) and WOTRO Science for Global Development. 

Contacts

• Mr drs. M.G. van Leeuwen (MaGW)
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 09 31, e-mail: m.vanleeuwen@nwo.nl
• Ms Han van Dijk (WOTRO)
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 09 45, e-mail: h.vandijk@nwo.nl
• Ms dr. E.O. Gerritsen (GW)
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 08 21, e-mail: e.gerritsen@nwo.nl