National Council for Scientific Research - CNRS

Moun HamzSecretary General - CNRS

AUBBeirut, 03 May, 2006Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP):New ProgramsNew Prospects

CNRS: Integrated programs The New Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) officially launched by the CNRS on April 27, 2006 recommends the creation and/or empowerment of the following programs:Grant Research Program (GRP) (empowered)Internal and External Scholarships Program (empowered)Associated Research Units (new)Science and Technology Cultural Program (new)Publications (Lebanese Science Journal & Bulletin) (empowered)Bilateral and European Cooperation Programs to Support Research and Development (empowered)

Grant Research Program, GRPThe CNRS manages, finances and sponsors research projects carried by active research teams throughout Lebanon

Most research projects financed by the CNRS are implemented in universities

% Projects Accepted in 2005

GRP Distribution of Funds by Discipline(2000-2005)

Chart2

Sheet1

537

Medical&Biological Sciences34%

Engineering &Basic Sciences32%

Environmental &Agricultural Sciences31%

Human & Social Sciences3%

Sheet2

Sheet2

0.3426443203

0.3165735568

0.312849162

0.0279329609

Environmental &Agricultural Sciences , 31%

Human & Social Sciences, 3%

Medical&Biological Sciences, 34%

Engineering &Basic Sciences, 32%

Sheet3

Distribution of Funds by Discipline2005

Chart1

0.3610421978

0.2468303056

0.0812859413

0.1587876848

0.0886028193

0.0634510512

Sheet1

Medical Sciences36.1%34315800

Environmental Sciences24.7%25215900

Agricultural Sciences8.1%971100

Basic Sciences15.9%18138890

Engineering8.9%1177500

SBS6.3%1055500

107874690

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GRP Distribution of Funds by Institution (2000-2005)

Distribution of Funds by Institution 2005

Chart1

1

Chart2

378700

152690

173900

56700

29500

59200

Chart3

0.4329533892

0.1745647029

0.1988132939

0.0648229659

0.0337262344

0.0676811213

0.0274382924

Sheet1

AUB43.3%378700

UL17.5%152690

CNRS19.9%173900

Balamand6.5%56700

USEK3.4%29500

USJ6.8%59200

Others2.7%24000

874690

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GRP Outputs (2002-2005)

escwa

232

68

19

5

4

Journal articles (peer reviewed)70%

Monographs 2%

Theses6%

Sheet1

Journal articles (peer reviewed)232

Conference proceedings68

Thesis19

Monographs5

Maps4

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Fellowships by country (1999-2005)

Chart1

0.66

0.19

0.04

0.01

0.03

0.01

0.01

France 66%

USA 5%

England 4%

Belgium 1%

Switzerland 1%

Germany 1%

Canada 3%

Lebanon(Co-Tutelle) 19%

Chart2

79

22

5

1

3

1

1

6

Chart3

79

22

5

1

3

1

1

6

Chart4

0.66

0.19

0.04

0.01

0.03

0.01

0.01

0.05

USA 5%

Switzerland 1%

Belgium 1%

Canada 3%

Germany 1%

Lebanon(Co-advisory) 19%

England 4%

France 66%

Sheet1

France66%

Lebanon(Co-Tutelle)19%

England4%

Germany1%

Canada3%

Belgium1%

Switzerland1%

USA5%

100%

Sheet1

0

0

0

0

0

Distribution of Scholarships According to Countries

Canada2%

France67%

Belgium1%

Lebanon20%

England5%

USA5%

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Scholarships for theCo-advisory Ph. D. program(1999-2005)

25 PhD Students CNRS centers&French universities

CNRS Research Centers Operational Budget 2002-2004** In 2005, the integrated budget of the four research centers represented 41% of the total budget of the CNRS

Chart3

0.19

0.15

0.22

0.44

Marine Sciences19%

Remote Sensing15%

Geophysics22%

Atomic Energy Commission44%

Sheet1

4204.65

National Council for Marine Sciences19%

National Center for Remote Sensing15%

National Center for Geophysical Research22%

Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission44%

Sheet2

Sheet3

MBD00147FEE.xls

CNRS 2005 BudgetIn 2005, Government financing represented 60% of the CNRS budget. The remaining funds accrued from remunerated services, activities and bilateral & multilateral programs

Chart1

1560400000

3535000000

1690000000

1500000000

214600000

Research Centers 41%

Admin.18%

Reserves3%

GRP18%

Ph. D. Scholarships20%

Sheet1

Administration[$LBP] 1,560,400,00018

Centres de Recherche du CNRS[$LBP] 3,535,000,00042

Bourses - Doctorants[$LBP] 1,690,000,00020

Subvention des Projets de Recherche[$LBP] 1,500,000,00018

Fond de Rserve[$LBP] 214,600,0002.5

Total8,500,000,000

Sheet1

0

0

0

0

0

Sheet2

University or InstitutionMedical Sciences & Biological SciencesEnvironmental Sciences & Natural ResourcesAgricultural SciencesTotal No. of projectsFunds allocated 1000 L.L.% of total fundsMed. & Env. & Agr. Sciences% of total fundsOther disciplines% of total funds

No of projectsNo of projectsNo of projectsNo of projectsNo of projectsFunds in 1000 LL

CNRS2226323021799.9279.42114000.4

LU20281411781762026.85616.55531275011.6

AUB87521143141850046.59635.2302465009.2

Subtotal CNRS-LU-AUB1095541311253829983.117961.18757065021.3

Subtotal others254136851475016.93912.1231477505.5

TOTAL1345954379305304910021873.211071840026.8

University or InstitutionMedical Sciences and Biological SciencesEnvironmental Sciences and Natural ResourcesAgricultural SciencesTotal No. of Projects% of Total FundsMed. & Env. & Agr. Sciences% of Total FundsOther Disciplines

No. of ProjectsNo. of ProjectsNo. of ProjectsNo. of ProjectsNo. of Projects

CNRS2226329.9279.42

LU20281411726.85616.555

AUB8752114346.59635.230

Subtotal CNRS-LU-AUB109554131183.117961.187

Subtotal others254136816.93912.123

TOTAL134595437910021873.2110

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Guide all national public research and act as an:Operator & Resource AgencyFill the role of a Labels Agency Implement Interdisciplinary ProgramsReinforce partnership and cooperation with universities and enterprisesCreate poles of excellence and encourage the emergence of new research teamsAchieve a sustainable policy of Human Resources.

CNRS Strategic objectivesResearch, Capacity Building & Development

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP)

STIPIn 2000, the CNRS launched an initiative to establish a plan for a new Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.The CNRS received financial support from UNESCO, ALECSO and a scientific contribution from ESCWA.A comprehensive participatory approach was adopted in elaborating this policy.The objective of the plan is the reinforcement of knowledge and innovation production and the development of a national culture for innovative research.

STIP Launching Ceremony

STIP Launching CeremonyA launching Ceremony took place on Thursday April 27, 2006 at the Grand Serail, under the auspices of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, UNESCO Director-General, Mr. Kochiro Matsuura and in the presence of ministers, high ranking officials and scientific and academic personalities

Prime Minister Siniora reiterated the commitment of the Government to the implementation of STIP.

Concepts Adopted in the Implementation of STIP Insist on the production of local knowledge and innovation Link research results to educational curricula, and the productive and service sectors Develop a spirit of commitment to applied scientific research and innovation answering the needs of the society in universities and professional training institutions Outline practical mechanisms for the transfer of locally generated as well as imported knowledge to the productive, service and public sectors Adopt a series of financial and intellectual incentives aiming at encouraging researchers and innovators to answer societal needs.

Call for partnershipEveryone is a partner in building the economy and supporting development projects: globalization is indeed a reality that we have to face. Science, technology and innovation are basics and not luxuryCreation of local knowledge and its dissemination in educational curricula and the society and identification of a new science and innovation culture in LebanonReviewing the concept of higher education and trainingCommitment to applied researchLinking educational curricula with locally generated researchLinking education with economic and societal priorities

Research priorities versus societal challenges (1)Sustainable management of coastal areas and marine resources.Integrated management of energy, water and other natural resources and of biodiversity, using technological innovations.Research and development towards the exploitation of new agricultural opportunities with clear economic benefits, including animal stocks, health and nutrition.Research in biotechnologies: quality and specifications of Lebanese ethnic diet and of locally produced food. Research on nutritional systems and their impact on public health in Lebanon.

Research priorities versus societal challenges (2)Information & communication technology as tools and products, and its diffusion in the business and industry sectors; including web technology and Arabization of Software.Research to enhance the competitive advantages of Lebanese products (reduce cost, use of suitable new technologies, increased use of local input, smart materials and technologies).Research on access of Lebanese products to new markets and on the provision of suitable information on these markets. Economic and social research, including science ethics, addressing Lebanese human resources and societal development.Mathematical modeling, including financial and economic applications.

Research priorities versus societal challenges (3)Research on archaeological technologies and cultural heritage and their impact on the development of tourism and cultural awareness in Lebanon.Research in basic and experimental sciences with promising societal benefits and applications.Research in molecular and cellular biology and related genomic applicationsResearch on chronic diseases prevalent in Lebanon and the region, and development of suitable treatments.Research on new genetic diseases and epidemics in Lebanon and the region. Research on the forecasting of natural disasters in Lebanon and the region, and mitigation approaches of economic, social and environmental impacts.

Grant Research Program (GRP) 2006Pre-qualification Criteria

Qualification of projectsResearch and innovation-related projects characterized by originality and authenticity and especially those relating to practical applications for sustainable development are eligible for funding.

Projects based on well-defined and clearly focused research objectives leading to concrete results in terms of applicable knowledge that will either improve upon or develop new products.

Pre-qualification, Why?The purpose of pre-qualification is to assist researchers in the preparation of the final project documents in conformity with the CNRS priorities and the GRP mechanism

Researchers should abide by the instructions provided by the CNRS. This will facilitate acceptance of the project for financing when submitted in its final form.

Pre-qualification Mechanism (1)The CNRS accepts pre-qualification documents between the beginning of March and the end of April 2006 (85 applications have been submitted).

The CNRS does not guarantee consideration of documents after this date for its 2006 program.

The pre-qualification document (Researchers publications, projects of the researcher already financed by the CNRS, projects financed in similar topics,) is handed over for preliminary appraisal of the project

As soon as a sufficient number of applications are received, a specialized committee convenes to examine them and give its observations (for acceptance or referral to arbitration or modification).

Pre-qualification Mechanism (2)The researcher is then given a period of two months to modify the project according to the observations of the specialized committee, and return the project documents together with the endorsement of the institution which he/she belongs to.

The specialized committee reexamines the project to check whether the researcher made the necessary modifications according to its instructions, and forwards it to the Board of Directors of the CNRS with a recommendation for support.

Pre-qualification ApplicationElectronic form:

The pre-qualification application can be obtained online from the CNRS website: http://www.cnrs.edu.lb. The application is a ready to use Microsoft Excel document. It is available in Arabic and EnglishThe application can be filled and sent back to the following email address: grp@cnrs.edu.lb pre-qualification_En.xls

Pre-qualification ApplicationThe application consists:

Personal data: name(s), specialization, telephone no., institution (half a page for the principal & fellow investigators).

Scientific data: description of the different phases of the project, related previously implemented research, budget and support received from other sources.

GRP General principlesWhich projects?Projects with an applied nature: applied sciences, environmental sciences, economics, etcBasic and experimental sciences, Social and Behavioral sciences

To whom?Principal researchers contracted by a university: YESPart-time lecturers: NOPh. D. Students: NOPhysicians working in a medical school: YESContracted researchers: YES

CNRS projects are given priority in funding:In case projects are presented by a research team (the CNRS encourages formation of teams composed of researchers working in similar fields)

Funding limits:

In order to encourage the creation of interdisciplinary research teams along CNRS research priorities, the CNRS could double this amount for a given project.

To whom is the CNRS financial contribution disbursed?The CNRS financial contribution is paid directly to the concerned university or institution.Items falling under administrative and/or overhead expenses cannot be included in the budget.

Project supported by other funding sourcesIf the project is already supported by other funding sources, the researcher has to justify his additional need for GRP supportProjects supported by the Lebanese-Syrian Scientific Research Cooperation Program are not entitled to GRP fundingProjects supported by the CNRS Lebanon-CNRS France cooperation program are entitled to GRP funding

Some Selection CriteriaProject proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Relevance to the priority areas defined by the CNRS

Cooperative research

Scientific and technological excellence

Potential impact

Mobilisation of resources (sustainability)

Disbursement ModalitiesOne-year projects: 2 disbursements75% of the total allocated amount is paid upon signature of the contractThe remaining 25% are disbursed following acceptance of the final scientific report and approval of the financial report.

Two-year projects: 3 disbursements75% of Year I budget is paid upon signature of the contract25% of the remaining amount Year I budget and 50% of funding of the Year II budget is paid upon acceptance of the annual report including expenditures.The 3rd disbursement amounting to 50% of Year II budget is paid upon acceptance of the final scientific report and approval of the financial report.

Project Renewal9. Project funding can be renewed for a 2nd year if the report submitted by the researcher shows encouraging and promising results. Funding renewal is automatic in case the researcher reached the results anticipated in the project proposal and/or published an article in a peer-reviewed journal.

10. If the researcher did not reach the anticipated results or did not publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal, by the end of the contract:

The CNRS refrains from disbursing the second amount for one-year contracts or the third disbursement for 2-year contractsThe CNRS will no longer support projects presented by the principal researcherThe CNRS may review this position if the principal researcher later publishes a peer-reviewed article.

11. The researcher loses his right for renewal in case he fails to submit an annual report within two months from the end of the contractual period. Likewise, no new project can be considered for funding in case the researcher fails to administratively and/or scientifically conclude a former project.

12. The researcher must either submit a final report or an article published in a peer-reviewed journal together with an explanatory note about application possibilities of the research projects findings.

13. In case the researcher is not able to conclude the project within the period originally assigned to him, an extension equal to half the period already elapsed is granted provided his justifications are accepted.

New Forms of AssistanceEquipment acquisition:The CNRS can consider contribution for the acquisition of equipment together with the implementing institution or university

Contribution for participation in a conference:The researcher can solicit a lump sum to participate in an international conference in order to present the results of his research financed by the CNRS according to the following scale:

600 000 LBP for a conference held in Syria1 000 000 LBP Jordan, Egypt, Turkey or Cyprus1 500 000 LBP Gulf States, Maghreb Region2 000 000 LBP Europe or USA

Conformity of research projects with STIP priorities will determine a crucial condition for funding.

Co-funding by a productive or service sector: the objective is to boost partnership between scientific research teams and these sectors and to ensure that research results are indeed used for applications in these sectors.

Projects with an element of innovation, even though not in line with STIP priorities, will be considered for limited funding by the CNRS.

GRP 2006 Main Orientation

CNRSASSOCIATED RESEARCH UNITS

ObjectivesThe objective of the CNRS Associated Research Units (ARU) program is to enhance collaboration between the CNRS and competent research teams working in scientific institutions and universities by means of a well defined cooperation mechanism. These associated research units will be co-financed by the CNRS and candidate institutions.

ARU: Requirements & SpecificationsOrganization and structure:

The ARU is composed of at least three principal researchers/investigators working on a coherent theme

The ARU should also include:Associate researchersAssistant researchersMaster studentsPh. D. studentsPost doctoral fellowsTechnicians

Scientific Requirements

Conformity of the science research theme of the ARU with the CNRS priority areas.

Scientific achievements of the researchers:Peer-reviewed publicationsPrincipal researchers should have a track record of projects financed by the CNRS

Ability and readiness to accept Master and Ph.D. students as well as Post-doctoral researchers

Availability of basic equipment at the hosting institution.

Availability of qualified technicians.

The ARU should be capable to carry out expertise and training activities.

Administrative requirements:

Acceptance by the hosting institutions of the CNRS conditions including an outspoken announcement of association with the CNRS.

The Research Associated Unit can not be considered as a moral persona or a legal entity.

CNRS InputThe CNRS will:

Finance partial or total cost of the equipment (in case of completely new scientific areas). In the case of total financing, the equipment remains the propriety of the CNRS.Subsidize the regular maintenance cost of the main equipment.Contribute to premiums for insurance against work accidents and occupational diseases of the ARU staff.Disburse a lump sum as salary compensation for a part-time or full-time researcher or a post-doctoral fellow for a limited period.Subsidize running costs.

ARU benefits from the following advantages:

The CNRS considers the ARU as a suitable institution for CNRS fellows, to carry out their Ph.D. research.

The CNRS considers that the ARU has a priority right in using the scientific capabilities of the CNRS centers or in benefiting from national or international projects implemented by the CNRS.

Application documents (1)Designation of the Research Unit (subtitle hosting laboratory or institution)

Director of the Research Unit (the Director of the Research unit is appointed following the consent of the CNRS)

Objectives of the ARU and reason for association with the CNRS

Brief description of the Units establishment comprising:Starting date and estimated duration (maximum 3 years for well established scientific units and 4 years for completely new areas of research)Research topic and objectivesStaff: Principal researchers, assistant researchersNumber of Master, Ph. D. students and Post-Doc. fellowsScientific achievementsAvailable equipmentAdditional equipment required

Application documents (2)List of projects previously implemented by the researchers and subsidized by the CNRS.

List of articles published in peer-reviewed journals during the past three years.

Grants, contracts and funding received by the principal researchers during the past three years (Agreements with third parties).

Detailed description of the research program

First years annual budget and expected other financing sources (a special attention will be given to those units capable of attracting external funding).

Proposal AssessmentBroadly speaking, proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Relevance to the objectives of co-operative research

Distinctive past and prospective scientific achievements having a positive impact on development programs and the economy as a whole.

Scientific and technological excellence

Socio-economic potential impact Quality of the management

Mobilisation of resources

Practical StepsApplication files containing all requested documents are submitted between the beginning of March and the end of May 2006.

Applications are evaluated by specialized committees.

The CNRS prepares an association agreement with the concerned institution for the programs duration with a possibility for renewal.

The CNRS undertakes an annual evaluation of the ARUs performance and the degree of its commitment to the already approved program.

Counting on your contribution, cooperation and partnership

Thank you