There are a number of research grants which are available for researchers to carry out research work. Generally research grants are categorized into two main sources which are internal and external research funds.
Besides the financial support by the university, UTHM also receive grants from external organizations such as Mnistry of Higher Education, Ministry of Science and Technology as well as Malaysia Torray.
i) FRGS
Fundamental research involves the explanation of new ideas, concepts or theories which will be the backbone to new discoveries, expansion of knowledge and sophisticated and state of the art inventions. In this respect, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK-9), the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has allocated RM200 billion to fund fundamental research projects in Public Higher Education Institutions. The ministry opened applications for the FRGS for the first time in 2006.
The evaluation and recognition process for each Public of Higher Education Institutions fndamental research application is conducted by a group of FRGS Evaluation Committee comprising of experts form Public of Higher Education Institutions. The fundamental research project is generally classified into six areas, namely Pure Science, Applied Science, Sosial Sciences and Literature, Medical Science, Technology and Engineering and Natural Science and National Heritage. Three forms of research funding are awarded under the FRGS.:
a) Research funding for projects applied by the researcher through the research management at his/her respective Public of Higher Education Institutions.
b) Research funding for projects identified by the Fundamental Research Grant Committee in a Top Down process.
c) Incentive funding for selected Public of Higher Education Institutions
ii) ERGS
Exploratory Grant Scheme is a new grant offered for research which is aimed at producing new theories and new ideas in strategic niche areas in order to broaden new discoveries of knowledge. Exploratory grant focuses more on research which offers solutions of "what" and "where" for the following research fields:
i. Pure and Applied Sciences
ii. Technology and Engineering
iii. Clinical and Health Sciences
iv. Social Sciences
v. Arts and Applied Arts
vi. Natural Sciences and National Heritage
vii. Defence and Security.
Following are the criteria of the Exploratory Grant Scheme:
- Preliminary work on untested and novel ideas
- Ventures into emerging and potentially transformative research ideas
- Application of new expertise or new approaches to "established" research topic
- Having severe urgency with regards to availability of, or access to data, facilities or specialised equipment, including quick-response research on Natural or anthropogenic disasters and similar unanticipated events.
- Efforts of similar character likely to catalyse rapid and innovative advances.
iii) LRGS
The philosophy of Long Term Research Scheme (LRGS) is to promote the excellence in research which develop new theories and new innovations particularly in cutting edge fields that have been identified. Besides, it is also aimed at building collaborations with local as well as international multi disciplinary research institutions in order to introduce Malaysia as one of the leading fundamental research groups in established niche areas.
Following are research fields which can be applied for LRGS:
i. Global Warming
ii. Infectious Diseases
iii. Tropical Medicine
iv. Energy Safety and Water
v. Food Consumption Security
vi. Advanced Manufacturing and Value Add.
vii. Information Communications and Technology.
iv) PRGS
The objective of Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS) is to allow laboratory/research findings which have been developed before pre-commercialization. This includes research based on proof of concepts, evaluation, up-scaling, pre-clinical testing and field testing.
1. Qualification of Applicant
Energetic and creative researcher, Malaysian citizen aged below 40, residing in Malaysia, engaged in a basic fundamental scientific research field excluding mathematics and clinical medicine at a research facility in malaysia, whose work has the potential to contribute greatly to the advancement of science and technology
2. Research Grant
The foundation will provide up to about RM300,000 for research grants per year, comprising 5 to 10 grants of not more than RM60,000 each including 3 to 5 grants from Toray Science Foundation, Japan worth about Yen 5million in total).
The Foundation reserves the right to vary the number and amount of the grants at anytime at its absolute discretion without prior notice.
3. Recommending University/Institution
Recommendation must be submitted by an authorised representative of a scientific or profesional institution or a university of which the applicant is a member.
4. Application Procedure
Complete the Application Form which is obtainable from MTSF or from the MTSF website and return the same to MTSF at the mailing address stated therein.
5. Deadline
The completed Application Form must reach the Foundation on or before 31 May of each year. Late entry and incomplete forms will not be processed.
6. Method of Selection
There are 3 stages in the selection process:
1st Stage : Shortlisting of applicants by the Selection Committee through the review of the Application Forms.
2nd Stage: Interview of shortlisted applicants by the Selection Committee
3rd Stage : Approval of the successful applicants by the Board of Foundation.
For Applicants who have advanced to the 2nd Stage, the shortlisted applicant or a member representing the research group will be interviewed by September of every year.
The decision of the Foundation is final and no correspondence regarding the decision will be entertained.
7. Selection Committee
The awardees shall be selected by the Selection Committee and approved by the Board of the Foundation.
8. Presentation of Research Grant
The presentation ceremony shall be held not later than the end of January of the following year.
9. Disbursement Procedure
The grant is to be disbursed through the nominating university/institution in accordance with the procedure set by the Foundation
