Networks for Development The Caribbean ICT Research Programme Telecommunications Policy and Management Programme, Mona School of Business, UWI

Transcription

1 Networks for Development The Caribbean ICT Research Programme Telecommunications Policy and Management Programme, Mona School of Business, UWI CARIBBEAN YOUNG ICT RESEARCHERS COMPETITION ICTs for Sustainable Regional Development Call for Proposals The Telecommunications Policy and Management Programme, in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre, invite proposals from suitably qualified Caribbean nationals for the Caribbean Young ICT Researchers Competition. The objective of the Competition is to recruit, build capacity and encourage young ICT researchers in the region in adopting pro-poor, developmental research agendas with practical applications for policy, regulation and socio economic development. Proposals can be made from any disciplinary approach (e.g. technical, environmental socioeconomic), but must seek to promote the ideals of universal access and the developmental potential of ICT s. All types of research approaches are encouraged, including quantitative and qualitative studies studies, cross cultural studies and theoretical analyses. Priority will be assigned to the proposals that involve significant empirical work and support the generation of primary data which would contribute to the development of ICT in the region. It will also be necessary for proposals to demonstrate their relevance to the formulation of evidence based public policy making. The proposals will be assessed by a Selection Panel, comprised of senior academics and researchers from the region, as well as other invited experts. Proposals will be judged based on academic quality, their pertinence to policy formulation, pro-poor applications and their feasibility. Successful proposals will receive financial support, administered through the Caribbean ICT Research Programme

2 Broad Research Themes Proposals are invited covering any of the following research themes: Pro-poor ICT opportunities for wealth creation ICT business applications and innovations ICTs for Sustainable Development Social Impact of ICTs Building the information society (locally/regionally/globally) Impact of ICTs on the Environment Challenges of Rural Broadband Connectivity Broadband over Powerlines - the Next Frontier New Media, ICTs and Youth Development Blogging, Citizen Media and Web Paths to Information Literacy The Semantic Web and the Future of Cognition Artificial Intelligence and Caribbean Productivity Music, ICTs and Development Open Access Technologies and the Challenge of the Digital Commons Intellectual Property, ICTs and Services in the New Caribbean Economy Pro-poor Management of ICTs in Caribbean Contexts Software Development and New Applications in IT and ICT Development People and Technology - Media and Information Literacy 2

3 COMPETITION RULES Proposals must adhere to the following typical specifications: 1. Must not exceed 10 pages, single spaced and using size 12 font. 2. The structure of the research proposal will be as follows: Title of the proposal, researcher s name and institution, telephone number, address Abstract of Research Project 50 words Research Question and Rationale Objectives Methodology Budget Schedule Bibliography 3. Must include the Curriculum Vitae of the entrant not exceeding 2 pages. 4. Must include two (2) recommendations indicating the capacity of the entrant to effectively carry out the research project, if awarded. 5. Eligibility Entrants must be Caribbean Nationals and be 35 years of age or younger as at September Students, research assistants, emerging scholars, academic researchers, public servants who work and study in the field of ICT, persons employed in the field of ICT and ICT Regulation and Policy Development, and all other interested persons. 6. Only one (1) proposal and entry per participant 7. Deadline for Proposals is December 17, Late Proposals will not be accepted 8. The proposal may be sent by , fax or standard mail to: Caribbean Young Researchers Competition c/o Director, TPM Programme Mona School of Business University of the West Indies, Mona Kingston 7 Jamaica Fax: [email protected] 3

4 9. The top three (3) proposals will be selected using the criteria indicated below. Successful applicants will be notified on/before January 14, Notification will be via phone or . All three winners will receive financial assistance in the sum of USD2000 to be used toward the development of the research paper following their success in the first stage of the competition. Only three (3) entrants will move on to the second stage of the competition where the research project will be developed and completed for submission by April 15, All eligible to continue to the second stage will be provided with additional guidelines for the final project report. 11. Notification of awards for the top research projects will be announced by May 20, Research Proposals and Final Projects must be original. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that uses content of others without appropriate referencing. Entrants will be required to sign indicating originality of work 13. Each individual who submits a proposal acknowledges an understanding of and compliance with the rules as indicated. TIMELINES ACTIVITY DEADLINE Submission of Proposals December 17, 2010 Notification of three (3) winning proposals January 14, 2011 Submission of Final Project Reports April 15, 2011 Notification of Awards May 20,

5 PRIZES Placing Award 1 st Place Technical Assistance in the development of the research paper Assistance in accessing opportunity to present paper at major international/regional conference, including airfare and accommodation cost Online publication and access to journal publication. Ceremonial Award and Cash Prize - US$3, nd Place Technical Assistance in the development of the research paper Assistance in accessing opportunity to present paper at major international/regional conference, including airfare and accommodation cost Online publication. Ceremonial Award and Cash Prize - US$2, rd Place Online publication. Ceremonial Award and Cash Prize - US$1, General Criteria for Project Selection Selected proposals will be expected to adhere to four general criteria. Performance of the Research - The capability of the researcher(s) to undertake the research, the technical soundness of the proposal and the adequacy of the resources to meet the scope of the research proposed. Merit of the Research - The likelihood that the research will lead to new discoveries/theories and/or fundamental advances in the field of ICT, with relevance to the Caribbean region. Relevance of the Research - The likelihood that the research will contribute to the achievement of some pre-established goal, can serve as the basis for new or improved technology or assist in identifying a solution for societal problem(s). Effect of the Research on the Caribbean ICT Infrastructure The potential of the proposed research to contribute to a better understanding of, or improvement in the quality, distribution or effectiveness of ICT research, education or workforce development in the region. 5

6 Criteria 1 Academic Standing and Relevance to ICT in the Caribbean Clear Objectives Sound methodology, design and statistical techniques 2 Potential Benefit to ICT in the Caribbean Supports demonstrated need or seeks to assess the extent of a perceived problem Demonstrates potential to produce practical outcomes that can be used directly to support ICT in the Caribbean 3 Consideration of existing research Builds on existing work without duplication Is unique and meets an identified research gap 4 Cost and Timeframes Value for money for the project proposed Deliverables are clearly specified and can be completed within the given time frame 5 Capability of Applicant Applicants qualifications, skills and experience Total 100 Rating System Each proposal will be independently rated by each member of the Selection Committee according to the criteria outlined. To be deemed suitable as a research project, a proposal must obtain a score of at least seventy out of one hundred from each of the Committee members. If two or more proposals receive the same total score, the Chair of the Selection Committee will make the final judgement on which proposal receives final approval. **** 6