1.

What is NRF?

The National Research Foundation (NRF) was set up on 1 January 2006 as a department in the Prime Minister’s Office. Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam is the Chairman.

The mission of NRF is to coordinate the research activities of different agencies within the larger national framework and to fund strategic R&D initiatives that would generate economic benefits for Singapore. It is also the secretariat for the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC) chaired by the Prime Minister.

NRF’s terms of reference are:

• To provide secretariat support to the RIEC;
• To coordinate the research of different agencies within the larger national framework in order to provide a coherent strategic overview and direction;
• To develop policies and plans to implement the following five strategic thrusts for the national R&D agenda:
  • To intensify national R&D spending to achieve 3% of GDP by 2010;
  • To identify and invest in strategic areas of R&D;
  • To fund a balance of basic and applied research within strategic areas;
  • To provide resources and support to encourage private sector R&D; and
  • To strengthen linkages between public and private sector R&D;
• To implement national research, innovation and enterprise strategies approved by the RIEC, and to allocate funding to programmes that meet the NRF strategic objectives.

2.

How does NRF fund R&D initiatives?

NRF generally works through government ministries and existing agencies to develop R&D programmes that will then be administered by these agencies. NRF may also fund new broad-based initiatives which have long-term economic benefits for Singapore.

3.

How do I apply for NRF funding?

As NRF works through government agencies, you should approach the agency most relevant to your proposal (e.g. EDB for private sector research, SPRING for SMEs, MOE for academic research, MOH for medical research, A*STAR for public sector research). These agencies would evaluate if they can support the project through existing schemes.

4.

Can I apply directly to NRF?

We strongly encourage you to apply to the agency most relevant to your proposal. NRF funds initiatives at the programme level and works through other agencies to administer these programmes.

5.

Are there specific areas which NRF would be particularly interested in?

For a start, NRF has identified three areas for focused attention and development:

• Biomedical Sciences;
• Environmental and Water Technologies; and
• Interactive and Digital Media.

However, NRF is not limited to these areas and will consider others, if they meet NRF's strategic objectives.

6.

What type of proposals would NRF fund?

NRF funds research and development programmes that would generate long-term economic benefits for Singapore.

7.

When can I apply for NRF funding? Does NRF have any specific funding cycles or deadlines for proposals?

Calls for the submission of proposals for our various funding programmes and schemes are publicised on NRF's Research, Innovation and Technology Administration (RITA) system. Guidelines and deadlines for proposals can also be found there.

8.

Who will approve proposals submitted to NRF?

All proposals will be approved by the NRF Board and, if necessary, by the RIEC, chaired by Prime Minister.

9.

How will the proposals be assessed?

The proposals will be assessed based on recommendations by the relevant Steering Committees and Executive Committees, the NRF Scientific Advisory Board, Expert Panels, relevant Ministries and agencies, and NRF staff.

10.

How much of the proposal would NRF fund?

NRF will fund proposals to varying degrees and co-funding will be required for some proposals.