Green Genetics

The aim of this programme is to maintain and strengthen the knowledge base and capacity building within the working area of Green Genetics. The core programme is of an academic/fundamental nature. However, added value with respect to the commercial plant breeding sector should be apparent.

This research programme covers research projects that are in part cutting edge fundamental research sub-projects that may turn out to be unsuccessful (1/3) and in part fundamental research sub-projects that are of a more strategic or applied nature (2/3). Projects must contribute to breeding plants which satisfy the requirements and wishes that will be imposed on future crops.

Who can apply

For the risky fundamental Part I, the starting point is formed by the conditions that apply to the Open Programme of NWO-ALW. Researchers employed at institutes from which proposals can be submitted to NWO may act as the (main) applicant.

For the strategic fundamental Part II, the framework is formed by the boundary conditions established by TTI GG with respect to the TTI GG core programme. For Part II the following rules apply with respect to applicants:

Grant applications may be submitted by researchers at publicly financed knowledge institutes located in the Netherlands.

If the main applicant for Part II considers the participation of researchers from the commercial sector to be necessary, then companies can be invited to participate in Part II of the programme. Participation by companies is highly valued but is not obligatory.

What can be applied for

For Part I of each project a budget to cover personnel and material costs can be requested up to a maximum of € 250,000. For this the rules that apply within the Open Programme of ALW will be followed, except for the fact that it will not be possible to cover the costs of equipment within Green Genetics 2.

With respect to Part II, the rules and regulations of TTI GG apply. This means, for example, that for Part II a maximum project size of € 500,000 applies and that for Part II of each project only 50% of the costs will be reimbursed. Moreover, 5% of the budget will be held back to cover the office costs of TTI GG. Applicants can find further information in the programme brochure and on the website www.groenegenetica.nl.

When can be applied

• Closing date for the submission of applications was 13 January 2011, 23:59 hrs

Extra Information

Applications can only be submitted via the grant guide and electronic application system Iris. Only applications that have been completed on the form intended for this and that meet the formal requirements will be processed further. During the call period applicants can only obtain the application form and programme brochure via the grant guide.

Criteria

There are four evaluation criteria, that contribute equally to the final average mark. These criteria are described in greater detail in the programme brochure.

• Criterion I: Originality/Innovativeness
• Criterion II: Quality of the proposal
• Criterion III: Quality of the group
• Criterion IV: Appropriateness in the Green Genetics programme

Committees

The evaluation committee shall be jointly formed by researchers from knowledge institutes and experts from the field of breeding. The composition of the committee will only be announced after the outcome of the evaluation has been published. Under no circumstances whatsoever may applicants approach committee members or experts who they think might be committee members with questions or comments about the programme or individual projects.

Budget

The programme budget is € 3,000,000.

ALW will contribute € 1 million and TTI GG € 2 million. In line with the 50% contribution to Part II of each project, € 1 million will be contributed from central TTI GG funds and the remaining € 1 million by the participants.

Financiers

NWO Division for Earth and Life Sciences (ALW), TTI Green Genetics.

Contacts

• Mr drs. Th. A.W.M. Saat
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 07 91, e-mail: t.saat@nwo.nl
• Dr. Bernard de Geus
  email: info@groenegenetica.nl