Q. Where can I get further information on the JBI Brighter Futures Grant Program?
A. Please review the JBIC Brighter Futures Grant Program information booklet.
Q. Will the new proposed funding model replace the existing funding model & Matrix?
A. The new funding model will replace the existing funding model, not the Activity Matrix. The Matrix will remain unchanged (see the JBIC Handbook for further information on the Activity Matrix).
Q. How often will the grant program be opened for applications?
A. Applications open biennially (every two years).
Q. Will both Centres of Excellence and Affiliated Groups be allowed to apply for funding?
A. Yes.
Q. Some JBIC Entities have no experience with funding applications. Grant writing is time consuming and requires skill and knowledge. This approach may not favour poor writers.
A. We intend to make the grant application process as simple and straightforward as possible. If you require assistance in your grant application, please contact the Global Relations Manager, Bianca Pilla bianca.pilla@adelaide.edu.au
Q. What if our Entity is unsuccessful and does not receive funding?
A. Currently only 25% of Entities receive funding. We believe that this model with its focus on collaboration will increase the number of Entities that receive funding, with funding more equitably distributed. This will of course be evaluated after the completion of the first funding cycle.
Q. How will the funding be allocated to each of the Entities involved in the program?
A. JBI will manage payments to all JBIC Entities as specified in the application or project plan i.e. if two or more Entities collaborate on a project, they will be required to determine how much funding each Entity will receive and should invoice JBI accordingly, similar to current invoicing processes.
Q. Who reviews the applications, is it a panel? Is there enough expertise in the executive panel? Across all projects?
A. The JBI Executive group will form the review panel. All members of the JBI Executive group currently sit on various funding review panels i.e University of Adelaide; NHMRC etc. and are experienced both in reviewing and writing/winning grants. All projects will be in line with the JBIC Activity Matrix, and these all align to the JBI Divisions, managed by the JBI Executive team. We will only consider external review where there may be multiple conflicts of interest noted by the review panel.
Q. Does the transition change the perceived value of Centre of Excellence versus Affiliated group?
A. It does not change the perceived value of Centres of Excellence, as all other benefits and entitlements conferred to Centres of Excellence (i.e. Funding for travel to JBIC meetings, eligibility and funding for Regional Chair positions, subscription to JBI Journals, eligibility to host colloquia and mentor etc.) as documented in the JBIC Handbook will remain.
Q. Will the funding help accelerate Affiliated group transition to Centre of Excellence?
Hopefully it will help to accelerate more Affiliated Groups to becoming Centres of Excellence, by funding/resourcing current barriers as outlined in the proposal.
Q. There is a big difference between Entities, some have easy access to researchers’ others are more clinically focused, has that been considered?
A. This model does not change the activities currently conducted by Entities, only how they receive financial support. It will support the full breadth of activities currently being undertaken, which align to the JBIC Activity Matrix.
Q. Will Centres of Excellence and Affiliated groups still exist and how will this fit with the Matrix?
A. Yes. All other benefits and entitlements conferred to Centres of Excellence (i.e. Funding for travel to JBIC meetings, eligibility and funding for Regional Chair positions, subscription to JBI Journals, eligibility to host colloquia and mentor etc.) as documented in the JBIC Handbook will remain.
Q. Does the grant fund travel?
A. Yes, if required for the project.
Q. Does the project have to be novel or new, can it fund what we currently would like to see and do (aligned to Matrix)?
A. It doesn’t have to be novel or new, as long as it aligns with the JBIC Matrix activities and funding domains.
Q. Is there a requirement about where it should be published (i.e. must be published)?
A. JBI Systematic Reviews and Implementation Case Reports should be submitted to a JBI Journal, unless a strong case can be made as to why another Journal is required/advantageous. It is envisaged other publication outputs can be submitted to an appropriate journal of the authors choice.
Q. Have you considered a platform to connect high income and LMIC Entities with similar interests?
A. Currently we have an Expertise Register which stores information on expertise throughout the JBIC. We cannot make this publicly available due to privacy matters. Please contact the Global Engagement Office with your interests i.e. expertise, region of interest, and we will review the Expertise Register and contact JBIC members/Entities on your behalf, jbic@adelaide.edu.au
Q. A funding proposal may not provide the full amount applied for, how will a project then continue if the funding does not cover the full cost and there is no further support from the host institution?
A. In the application, there will be a question about whether the applicant/s are open to receive partial funding. This is a common question in funding applications. Some projects may lend themselves more naturally to this than others i.e. projects for evidence implementation training where the proposed number of participants is 20, but would accept funding for 10. If applicants select ‘no’ for this question, then it will be assessed only on the full, proposed amount.
Q. Can you provide clarification on what an Entity is?
A. A JBI Affiliated Group or Centre of Excellence
Q. After the first round of funding will there be an evaluation of the process?
A. There will be an evaluation after the first funding cycle is complete to inform whether it has a) met its aims and b) to assess any other barriers or facilitators.