Format for Requests to Fund Scientific Research
*Applicants must submit all of the following information, along with the items requested in the Funding Proposal Format.*
A. Description of Research Plan and Its Significance (no more than 5 pages for sections 1-5)
1. Specific Aims: State in a concise and explicit manner the specific aim(s) and hypotheses being tested by the proposed research.
2. Background and Significance: State the goals of this research, why it is important, and how it advances the science of gearing, the AGMA Foundation’s Mission and Vision statements, and the general public. Briefly discuss the results of any previous research in this area, and identify how the proposed research will fill gaps in existing knowledge, or otherwise contribute to the body of knowledge. Discuss who will benefit from this project.
3. (optional) Preliminary Data: Provide any data or information to strengthen the hypothesis and/or research methods or approaches.
4. Methods: Discuss the experimental design and procedures to be used to test the hypothesis or accomplish the aims of the project. Be complete with your descriptions and relate individual methods and approaches to the specific aims previously described. While the applicant may safely assume that the reviewers are familiar with current methodology, reviewers will not make the same assumption regarding the applicant. It is not sufficient to state, for example, that a “variety of gears will be evaluated.” The reviewers will need to know which types of gears and the techniques that will be employed, as well as the rationale for using that particular design.
The burden of proof is on the applicant to show, through a succinct explanation, that he/she understands and is capable of handling the research methodology. If new procedures and protocols are proposed describe the advantages over existing methodologies. Indicate what quantitative measures will be used to record and analyze data. Indicate whether statistical considerations have been employed in designing the studies and/or in analyzing the data, and provide the specific statistical method.
5. Potential Difficulties, Limitations, or Anticipated Problems: Discuss along with measures that will be taken to address or overcome them.
B. Budget, Schedule of Work, Reporting and Payments
1. Budget (2 pages maximum): List all revenue and expenses for this project, being VERY specific. For expenses, be sure to break out equipment by item, and detail all other direct and indirect expenses. For revenue, list all funding acquired for this project and all outstanding funding requests.
2. Schedule of Work, Reporting and Payments: Outline the schedule of work for this project (what will be accomplished and by when) and propose, for the Foundation’s review, a draft schedule of when progress reports will be submitted, and funds will be disbursed. Final reporting and payment schedules will be established on a case-by-case basis.
C. Distribution of Results and Support Material
1. Distribution of Results and Foundation Credit: Describe whether and how any work products (reports, data, educational materials, etc;) will be made available to the general public including, where applicable, any meetings/conferences where the recipient intends to present results, or any publications where the recipient intends to publish. Can the AGMA Foundation make the project results available on its website or in other formats? Describe how the Foundation will be credited for funding this project in written, electronic and oral formats.
2. Supporting Material: Attach any letters of support from interested parties.