European Social Survey (ESS) - Developmental Projects

The aim of this subsidy round is to fund three developmental projects designed to help the ESS to further refine its methodology and enlarge its scope, as well as to improve the quality of the Dutch ESS data and to support researchers in the Netherlands in keeping their leading role in the further advancement of the ESS.

Researchers who are interested in implementing one of the three developmental projects are requested to send in an application for the projects described below.

• Developmental project (DEVO #1): Experimenting with mixed modes of data collection.
• Developmental project (DEVO #2): Implementing a panel component.
• Developmental project (DEVO #3): Improving the measurement of social background variables. 

Please consult the Call for Proposals ESS Developmental Projects for more information.

Who can apply

Applications can be submitted by post-PhD researchers from Dutch universities and institutes recognised by the NWO.

What can be applied for

NWO supplies a maximum grant for each of the three developmental projects. The budget is earmarked for personnel and additional data collection. Please note that should the total budget required for the proposed research activities exceed the maximum grant, the applicant should find additional funding sources. Additional funding could be provided by the host institution or institutions involved in related research programmes. Guarantees for additional funding should be provided.

When can be applied

Closing date for submission of applications was 3 November 2009, 12:00 hrs.

Extra Information

Please consult the Call for Proposals ESS Developmental Projects for more information.

Criteria

All applications are evaluated on the basis of a fixed set of criteria:

Track Record

• The quality and competence of the principal investigator;
• First-hand familiarity with survey methodology and procedures;
• Knowledge about past national or sub-national studies of a similar nature and, ideally, with experience of cross-national research;
• Scientific standing (publications, international visibility) and academic leadership (PhD supervision; international network)

Scientific Quality

• Quality of the proposed approach;
• Originality and innovative character of the approach;
• Adequacy and effectiveness of the approach;
• Feasibility, including the presence of a sound management plan.

Relevance

• Close fit to the objectives of the ESS.

The programme secretarial office will screen all applications for compliance with the formal requirements as mentioned on the application form. The General Terms and Conditions for NWO Grants apply.

Applicants will receive written confirmation of receipt within two weeks of the deadline, stating whether the application has been accepted or refused.

An application will not be processed if one or more of the following applies:

• The application form is inaccurate, incomplete or not completed according to the instructions;
• The application was not submitted via the Iris system;
• The application was not submitted on time.

Procedure

Proposals are reviewed by international peers (anonymous). Applicants will then have the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in the review reports. The ESSNeth Committee evaluates and ranks the proposals on the basis of the proposal, peer review reports, the applicants' responses to these reports and the criteria mentioned above.

Based on the ranking, the Social Sciences Division Board takes a final decision on funding. Only one application may be awarded for each developmental project. All applicants will be informed in writing about the outcome of the final selection procedure.

Committees

The ESSNeth Committee is responsible for the implementation of the ESS fieldwork and the developmental projects. It will take decisions and bear responsibility for coordinating and monitoring the survey and projects. In addition, it will stimulate knowledge exchange between science, policy and society.

Budget

NWO supplies a maximum grant for each of the three developmental projects.

• Total funding DEVO # 1: € 335,000
• Total funding DEVO # 2: € 410,000
• Total funding DEVO # 3: € 265,000

Financiers

NWO Division for the Social Sciences (MaGW)

Contacts

• mw. drs. A.L. Westendorp
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 09 02, fax: +31 (0)70 383 28 41, e-mail: a.westendorp@nwo.nl