Section

Description

Score

                    i. 

Title of Proposed Research

The title of the project should normally not be more than 20 words. The title should reflect the content.

10

                   ii.

Thematic Area

See call to identify relevant thematic area.

                 iii.

Background to the Research

This is should provide some details on the project, including description of the research problem(s), as well as justification for the research in relation to developmental needs, as articulated under the thematic area of the project.

                 iv.

Statement of the Problem

A clear statement on the problems to be addressed by the research project.  It should lead to the research questions.

10

                  v. 

Research Questions

The question(s) stemming from the problem the objectives should address the question(s)

                 vi.

Objectives of the Research

A summary of the short- and long-term objectives of the project. Clearly indicate the problems the project will help to address. This will serve to determine the scope of the project. Objectives must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound (SMART)

10

                 vii.

Literature Review

Provide brief review of recent publications relevant to the proposed research to properly situate the proposed research in the knowledge space in the field.

5

                viii.

Theoretical Framework

Describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists and the key concepts of the research, based on a literature review.

5

                 ix.  

Research Methodology

Describe the approaches and methods that will be used to achieve the objectives of the project.

15

                 x. 

Expected Results

Provide information on broad and long-term impact of the project within the context of social, economic and technological benefits, indicating the direct beneficiaries of the project.

10

                  xi.

Innovation:

How different is this from other or earlier projects?  Provide a clear statement of the new knowledge or innovation expected from the research project.

Summarize potential for scientific breakthroughs, disruptive Innovation, start-ups, spinoffs, and commercialization.

10

                 xii.

 Estimated budget (see admissible headings below[1])

The total budget which must not exceed N50 million must be such that not more than 25% of it may be spent on Equipment, 20% on Personnel Cost, 5% on Travels and 3% on Dissemination. Applicants are expected to provide estimates of the total project budget as well as the estimates for personnel, equipment, laboratory consumables and travels.

10

                xiii.

References (maximum 5)

List no more than 5 publications most relevant to the proposed research.  The references should be cited within the concept note

                xiv.

Research Team (Name/Rank/Highest Qualification/Area of specialization)

Provide information on members of the research team, indicating the Principal Investigator (PI) and technical competence of each member of the team.

The PI must be of at least a Senior Lecturer (preferably a professor).  PI will have overall scientific and managerial responsibility for the project and must be able to present and defend it to a review panel.

The NRF grant is also a capacity building mechanism and a platform for mentoring young researchers in the team.  It should provide opportunities for acquiring skills in research leadership, quality research management and good research practices.

The potential of the team for mentoring, multidisciplinary and multi institutional collaboration as well as capacity building prospects should be reflected.

15

Total score obtainable

100