Forensic Science

The aim of the Forensic Science programme is to strengthen research in the area of forensic science in the Netherlands and to create foci of in-depth knowledge and to the form a community of researchers and users in the field of forensic sciences.

With its research, the programme aims to contribute to the further development of state-of-the-art research techniques which can be used in the forensic process, frequently in a multidisciplinary context. The programme therefore focuses on multidisciplinary research at the interface between scientific disciplines, but also between science and forensic practice.

Who can apply

Full proposals can be submitted only by researchers who have been invited to do so after their previously submitted preliminary proposal.

Proposals can be submitted by researchers employed at Dutch universities, and NWO and KNAW institutes. The proposal is submitted on behalf of a research team by a single researcher (the main applicant), who is employed at one of the aforementioned research establishments.

Moreover you should:

• hold at least a master's degree in science or engineering or an equivalent qualification;
• have sufficient research experience;
• be able to remain effectively involved in the research related to the grant proposal during the period for which the grant is requested.

The following also applies:

• Only one research proposal may be submitted per research group during this granting round;
• a research group is defined as researchers who usually publish together.

If one of the group members is considering the submission of a proposal then the other group members should be informed of this. A researcher may only submit one proposal for this programme as the main applicant, but he or she may act as a co-applicant for several proposals. Female researchers are particularly encouraged to submit proposals.

What can be applied for

The grant can be used for:

• PhD or postdoc researchers on the basis of full-time positions. An individual bench fee will be awarded to each PhD or postdoc to (partially) cover travel costs and the printing of a thesis, for example;
• Activities and equipment that support the research project. The equipment is specifically intended for the project described in the proposal. The relationship to that project and the necessity of the equipment for the project should be clearly argued; Travel costs that are necessary with respect to the research project but are not covered by the bench fee. The necessity for the project, especially for the requested research positions, should be clearly argued;
• Travel and accommodation costs for foreign guest researchers, relevant for the research project. Arguments for this must also be provided;
• Material costs intended for the research project and costs related to internationalisation and/ or knowledge dissemination. The amount of the grant for temporary staff is determined in accordance with the prevailing NWO-VSNU agreement.

When can be applied

• Closing date for the submission of preliminary proposals was 8 February 2011, 12:00 hrs
• Closing date for the submission of full proposals was 10 May 2011, 12:00 hrs

Extra Information

The funding round has two phases:

Preproposal phase

The preproposal phase is compulsory for applicants who want to be considered for the full proposal phase. Preproposals must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines in Appendix 6.2 of the call for proposals.

Full proposal phase

The assessment committee will select preproposals for elaboration. Applicants will be notified whether or not they are advised to elaborate their proposals. Full proposals must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines for the full proposal in Appendix 6.3 of the call for proposals.

Criteria

Both the preproposals and the full proposals will be assessed by the assessment committee against the criteria innovation, scientific quality and forensic relevance.

See the call for proposals for an explanation.

Procedure

Procedure preproposal

The content of the preproposals will be assessed by an independent international assessment committee. This committee will check if these preproposals fall within the scope of the programme and will then select which preproposals should be elaborated into full proposals.Within six weeks of submitting the preproposal, the applicant will receive an advice from the divisional boards concerned as to whether or not the preproposal should be elaborated into a full proposal. The boards can advise applicants who intend to investigate the same subject to jointly submit a full proposal.

Committees

Both the preproposals and the full proposals will be assessed by an independent international assessment committee made up of scientists and representatives from forensic practice. The composition of the committee will be announced on the website after the allocation decision has taken place.

Once the projects have been awarded funding a programme committee will be appointed. This committee will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the research initiated, the provision of progress reports and the facilitation of knowledge dissemination. The committee will be made up of experts from different knowledge institutes and forensic practice.

Budget

3.5 million euro.

Financiers

NWO Divisions for Chemical and Physical Sciences, Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI)

Contacts

• Ms dr. ir. E.C. (Christiane) Klöditz
  phone: +31 (0)70 - 344 05 61, e-mail: c.kloditz@nwo.nl
• Mr dr. I.S. Ridder
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 06 83, e-mail: i.ridder@nwo.nl