Preamble:
Malla Reddy College of Engineering (MRCE) Management has sanctioned Seed Money to foster a vibrant research culture within the Institution and enhance the research outcomes of its departments. The Seed Money Grant aims to encourage research, preferably interdisciplinary, led by faculty members holding a PhD. This initiative also supports faculty members in developing research resources in their areas of expertise, promoting innovative or interdisciplinary methodologies.
Objectives:
The Seed Money Grant seeks to:
- Provide necessary support based on research frameworks and guidelines.
- Create an enabling environment within the Institute to encourage research.
- Promote inter-departmental collaboration.
- Test novel ideas and generate preliminary results before submitting proposals to external agencies.
- Encourage research in the Indian Knowledge System.
- Facilitate the preparation of formal research proposals for funding.
- Motivate faculty members, enhancing their research activities.
- Increase research publications in SCI/SCIE/unpaid SCOPUS journals.
- Promote the generation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and development of innovative products/processes.
Eligibility Criteria:
- This policy encourages regular faculty members of MRCE to submit innovative research ideas through Seed Research Proposals, preferably in areas such as green initiatives, community development, and emerging technologies.
- Principal Investigator (PI): Any regular faculty member of MRCE holding a Ph.D. degree is eligible to apply for financial assistance as the PI.
- Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI): Other regular faculty members may participate as Co-PIs to support interdisciplinary or collaborative research projects.
Duration of the Project:
- The Seed Money Grant is provided for a maximum period of 18 months.
- In case of delays, PIs/Co-Investigators must request an extension from the Research Council and update the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).
- The project duration shall not exceed two years from the date of sanction.
Review and Recommendation:
- Project proposals are evaluated by the Project Proposal Evaluation Committee (PPEC) appointed by the Principal.
- Acceptance or rejection is based on PPEC recommendations, and the Principal issues an official approval/rejection letter to the PI.
- Grant amounts depend on annual fund allocation, number of applications, and proposal quality.
Project Proposal Evaluation Committee (PPEC):
- Principal – Chairman
- Dean (Research) – Convener
- Subject Experts (2 Members)
- IQAC Coordinator – Member
- Research Council Member / HoD of concerned department – Member
Rules for Seed Money Grant:
1. Submit the application in the prescribed format to the Dean (Research) via the HoD within 30 days of notification. The format is available on the college website.
2. Funding generally up to ₹15 thousand per project; PPEC may approve up to ₹25 thousand.
3. Item-wise financial estimates should clearly indicate rates, quantities, and totals. Maximum allowable expenditure:
- Consumables: 20%
- Fieldwork/Travel: 10%
- Contingency: 10%
- No salary/honorarium; prohibited items: major instruments, laptops, computers, printers, scanners, manpower recruitment, and conference attendance.
4. Selection Process:
- Dean (Research) announces proposal submission.
- Proposals submitted in prescribed format are reviewed by PPEC.
- Face-to-face interviews/presentations may be conducted.
- Final decision communicated via sanction/rejection letter; approved proposals forwarded to Finance for fund release.
5. Progress Evaluation:
- Quarterly review by PPEC, including accounts.
- Biannual progress reports and fund utilization to Dean (Research).
- PI presents research outcomes to PPEC.
- On completion, PI submits final report, statement of expenditure, and utilization certificate. Unutilized funds must be refunded.
- Unsatisfactory progress may lead to grant withdrawal and fund recovery.
6. Fund Disbursement:
- 1st installment: up to 40% at project initiation
- 2nd installment: 40% after progress report & utilization certificate
- Final installment: 20% after project completion & final report
7. Utilization certificates, expenditure statements, and reports submitted to Finance via Dean (Research).
8. Equipment purchased becomes property of the concerned department.
9. Travel for research is allowed, but grant cannot fund conferences, seminars, or workshops.
10. If the PI leaves, Co-Investigator acts as PI; otherwise, remaining funds must be refunded. Intellectual property generated belongs to MRCE.
11. Seed Money Grant does not guarantee further funding.
Deliverables:
- Conduct research on important global topics to strengthen MRCE’s research profile.
- Create research groups for the growth of faculty, doctoral scholars, and students.
- Use preliminary research results for publications or patent applications.
- Submit a final project report as per the prescribed format (Annexure III).
