BSPP Small Project Fund 2022: Call for Proposals
Introduction
The Small Project Fund (SPF) is a new opportunity for BSPP members to get financial support for imaginative ideas. This is the first call for proposals and the BSPP welcomes proposals that seek to enrich our knowledge of plant diseases and their consequences for agriculture, forestry and the wider environment. The SPF wants to promote work between different groups. Separate funds to support individuals are available through the BSPP Junior and Senior Fellowships.
The SPF aims to support work and activities that other funds do not cover or prioritise. Proposals that explore new lines of investigation or novel activities that widen knowledge of plant diseases and their impact will be more highly rated.
Scope
The scope is broad and examples of suitable topics might include speculative laboratory work and field-based research (e.g. surveys of neglected diseases), as well as training of groups of people (e.g. in new techniques), understanding the impact of plant diseases on farmers and production of guides and manuals. This is not an exclusive list. Click here for further information on the types of projects we are interested in supporting.
The proposals must have a distinct purpose or goal, with defined objectives and measurable outcomes that target a defined audience, such as scientists, farmers and the general public. The SPF is NOT a source of add-on funding for an existing project, or for bridging the gap between other projects.
Projects should last for a minimum of three months and a maximum of one year.
Eligibility
The project leader must have been a member of the BSPP for at least two years and have a minimum of three years post-PhD experience.
Collaborators
Collaborators do not have to be members of the BSPP, though it would be good to see broad involvement of the membership in proposals. Links between public, private and civil society organisations are encouraged.
Available Funds and Permitted Costs
The maximum funding for a proposal is £15k. Proposals will be judged on value for money and all costs should be carefully explained.
Funds can be used to pay for travel and subsistence, minor consumables, small pieces of equipment and printing/publication costs. Payments to salaried (contracted) staff are not allowed; small payments or honoraria for temporary personnel are. If in doubt, please contact us.
Project leaders are responsible for managing funds.
How to apply
Click here for a copy of the application form. Proposal file names should be renamed appropriately and sent to secretary@bspp.org.uk.
Reporting
A final report summarising activities and results is required within two weeks after the end of the project. The report will be shared on the BSPP website. A summary of the report will be published in the BSPP Newsletter and project leaders (or deputy) will be asked to take part in a session of the online Plant Health Club or similar event.
Timetable
The closing date for applications is the 15 July. All applicants will be contacted after the 1 August. Successful projects should start as soon as possible.
Further information
Please get in touch with either Eric Boa (meetings@bspp.org.uk) or Trisna Tungadi (secretary@bspp.org.uk) for any queries and general advice.
