Page Updated: 12-Feb-2007
Grant Mechanisms > SFP

Science for Peace Project (SFP)
Support for Applied R&D

Notes for Applicants

Contents Introduction Funding basis Project Characteristics Approval Process Level of Financial Support available from NATO Submission of application form Definitions   Who can apply   Deadlines   Application form

Science for Peace (SfP) grants offer support for applied research and development projects in Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue countries, to cover project-related costs such as scientific equipment, computers, software, and training of project personnel.

Introduction

• In the framework of the Science for Peace and Security Programme, NATO offers support in applied research and development projects, called Science for Peace Projects.
• Support for SfP projects is offered only in Priority Research Topics in the areas of Defence Against Terrorism or Countering Other Threats to Security and/or Partner country Priorities. Please refer to "Topics Supported" for details.

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Funding Basis

• NATO SfP funds will be provided to participants from eligible Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue countries to cover the cost of scientific equipment, computers, software, travel, training of project personnel, and project-specific consumables. In addition, up to a maximum of 10% of the grant will be available as stipends to key young scientists working on the project. The following will NOT be covered from SfP funds: salaries, office equipment, overhead costs such as the construction of buildings, maintenance of premises and the supply of consumables such as electricity and heating oil.
• Funds provided to NATO countries are mainly to cover travel and project-specific consumables.

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Project Characteristics

• Science for Peace projects are of a co-operative nature, jointly carried out among NATO and Partner / Mediterranean Dialogue countries. Projects may be a maximum of three years' duration and those involving more than one Partner or Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) country will be encouraged.
• In addition to dealing with NATO Priorities, the essential characteristics of Science for Peace projects are:
  1. High quality applied R&D.
  2. Substantial scientific co-operation among scientists from Partner or MD and NATO countries.
  3. Ability to contribute to the solution of problems.
  4. Ability to promote collaboration among scientists and end-users.
  5. Good prospects for promoting the integration of the country's scientists into the international R&D community.
  6. Participation of younger scientists.
• As a condition of final approval of a project a written agreement, where appropriate, on the ownership of the intellectual property which may result from the project, must be drawn up and signed by all of the principal participants.

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Approval Process

• Project Proposals ( max. 6 pages + CV's) can be submitted at all times.
• Project proposals are evaluated by an Advisory Panel of independent experts.
• Applicants of proposals recommended for further development by the Advisory Panel will be invited to prepare a detailed "Project Plan". A "planning grant" will be made available by NATO for meetings of participants in order to prepare this Project Plan.
• The Project Plan should describe in detail the purpose and objectives of the project, its management and organisation and the responsibilities of key personnel, and must also include a detailed work plan and budget.
• The Project Co-Directors (NPD and PPD) will then personally present their Project Plans to the Advisory Panel and, if accepted, full project support will begin. The approved Project Plan will become the basis of a contract between the Project Co-Directors and NATO.

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Level of Financial Support available from NATO

• Although there are no formal upper and lower limits to the level of funds which may be requested from NATO for individual projects, the average amount awarded in the past has been between 250,000 and 300,000 EUR per project, of which no more than 50,000 EUR has been awarded to the NATO country participants. These levels continue to be applied. Projects requesting NATO funds in excess of 300,000 EUR will accordingly need to be of exceptionally high national priority and involve several Partner / Mediterranean Dialogue countries (transboundary projects).

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Submission of application form

• The proposal must be submitted on the application form provided, by e-mail to: sfp.applications@hq.nato.int

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Definitions

• PPD
  Partner country Project Director: The person from the Partner or Mediterranean Dialogue country having responsibility for the management and implementation of the project within the participating Partner or Mediterranean Dialogue country or countries. The PPD will also be the person from the Partner or Mediterranean Dialogue country responsible for the preparation of the Project Plan and its presentation to the review panel.
  
  
• NPD
  NATO country Project Director: The person from the NATO country having overall responsibility for the management and implementation of the project. The NPD will also be the person from the NATO country responsible for the preparation of the Project Plan and its presentation to the review panel.
  
  
• Project Co-Directors
  Project Co-Directors are leaders of research teams from NATO, Partner or Mediterranean Dialogue countries for whom a NATO budget has been requested in the Project Plan.
  
  
• Industrial and/or Public Sector Collaborators
  These are companies or organisations that are actually participating in the project and contributing their know-how and expertise toward bringing the project to a successful conclusion. These companies or organisations will generally also be the end-users of the results of the project.
  
  
• End-User
  The entity which will be using the results of the project. In the case of environmental projects this can be e.g. a Government ministry, State organisation or regional authority in charge of the environmental protection. In the case of industrial projects the end-user will generally be a private company.

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