The Swedish Research Council introduces a new model for funding research infrastructure. This fall, an inventory that will show where new needs are the greatest will be conducted. Only the areas identified in the inventory of needs can then be supported.
The width of tools that scientists use are collectively named infrastructure for research. Infrastructure can be both large facilities for astronomy research, or databases of social science data. Often, the equipment is extensive and expensive both to purchase and operate, making it difficult for a single institution to finance it.
Until now, research groups have been able to apply for funding for infrastructure in annual open calls from the Swedish Research Council. The procedure, however, has made it difficult to get an overview both of what equipment there is and where it is needed the most.
Therefore, contributions will onwards be awarded only after the greatest needs have been identified by universities and research groups.
Need Inventory in August
In August the inventory of need will begin, aiming to find out where the needs of new national and international infrastructures are the greatest. The inventory is made as a form where research groups, universities, government agencies with research responsibilities and funding agencies will be given the opportunity to provide suggestions. The suggestions should describe the scientific needs for new or developed infrastructure and why there is a national interest of these.
[This text is an excerpt of the article published in the Swedish Research Council’s journal Curie. Here you can read the full article (Swedish only): http://www.tidningencurie.se/22/nyheter/nyheter/2015-06-23-anmal-behov-av-ny-infrastruktur.html?utm_source=apsis-anp-3&utm_medium=email&utm_content=unspecified&utm_campaign=unspecified]