Who can apply as an Investigator?

 

Principal Investigator 

Definition:

The Principal Investigator (PI) is the individual that leads the Consortium, employed by and based at the Lead Organisation. They are responsible for the management and integrity of the design, conduct, and reporting of the proposed activities, and for managing, monitoring, and ensuring the integrity of any collaborative relationships. Additionally, the Principal Investigator is responsible for the direction and oversight of compliance, financial, personnel, and other related aspects of the proposed activities.

The Principal Investigator should be an established researcher with experience in leading and managing multi-country research projects and partnerships, and should actively promote a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment within the team and across their organisation.

Application requirements:

Within the application PIs will be asked to provide details about their: 

• International standing as a research leader in their field, 
• Experience of leading innovative and creative multi-country research, 
• Track record of leadership, management and training of others.

Eligibility Criteria:

A Principal Investigator must:

• Be employed by and based at an eligible Lead Organisation that can sign up to SEA DREAM’s grant conditions.  
• Hold a permanent, open-ended or long-term rolling contract, or the guarantee of one, for the grant period; including contracts that require to source salary from external grant funding. 
• Have the support from their department and organisation to take on the responsibility of delivering the commitments made and be able to dedicate a significant percentage of their time to the project. 
• Be the Principal Investigator in only one application within this funding round. Principal Investigators can apply to lead only one application but may be Co-Principal Investigators in several applications.
   

Deputy Principal Investigator 

Definition:

The Deputy Principal Investigator (D-PI) is an individual who is also based at the Lead Organisation. The D-PI will support the Principal Investigator with the overall leadership of the Consortium and management of the grant. They should have the necessary skills and experience to manage the Consortium if required.

They should be an established researcher with experience of leading and managing large research grants, partnerships and/or training and development programmes.

Application requirements:

Within the application, D-PIs will be asked to provide details about their:

• International standing as a research leader in their field, 
• Experience of leading innovative and creative research, 
• Track record of leadership, management and training of others.

Eligibility Criteria:

A Deputy Principal Investigator must:

• Be employed by and based at the Lead Organisation 
• Have a permanent, open-ended or long-term rolling contract, or the guarantee of one, for the grant period; including contracts that require to source salary from external grant funding.  
• Have the support from their department and organisation to take on the responsibility of delivering the commitments made and be able to dedicate a significant percentage of their time to the project.
   

Co-Principal Investigators

Definition:

A Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) is a named individual representing the Consortium Member(s), or the Lead Organisation in addition to the PI and D-PI. Each Consortium Member must be represented by at least one Co-PI. 

The Co-PIs will work in partnership with the Principal Investigator and D-PI, contributing specific expertise, resources, or capabilities that complement the overall objectives of the Consortium. A Co-PI must make a significant and essential contribution to the proposed activities. This could include, but is not limited to, leading a strand of research, or meaningfully engaging in training and development or research ecosystem strengthening activities. We also expect all Co-Principal Investigators to be involved in designing the proposed activities and preparing the application.  

Co-Principal Investigators will be responsible for the administrative, financial, and scientific management of their Co-Applying Organisations’ contribution to the proposed activities.

Application requirements:

Within the application, Co-PIs will be asked to provide details about their:

• Technical and methodological experience within their field, 
• Strong track record of leading on, managing, or supporting high quality research, 
• Track record of working collaboratively, with contributions to training and development of others. 

Eligibility Criteria:

A Co-Principal Investigator must:

• Be an experienced researcher, demonstrated through a strong track record of leading on or supporting high quality research. Co-PIs who are Early- or Mid-career are encouraged and should be embedded in a formal mentorship arrangement with a named, experienced researcher at their organisation.  
• Be employed by and based at an eligible Co-Applying Organisation that can sign up to SEA DREAM’s grant conditions. 
• Hold a permanent, open-ended or long-term rolling contract, or the guarantee of one, for the grant period; including contracts that require to source salary from external grant funding. 
• Have the support from their department and organisation to take on the responsibility of delivering the commitments made and be able to dedicate a percentage of their time to the project.
   

Collaborators

You can involve collaborators in your application and grant. 
Collaborators support the delivery of the project but do not lead on a specific component of the research. For example, collaborators could support by:

• Sharing facilities 
• Providing access to resources 
• Providing expertise, sharing subject-specific knowledge and guidance. 

Collaborators are not paid for their input, but you can request costs for their expenses. In your application, you will need to confirm that you have contacted your proposed collaborators and they are willing to participate. Collaborators do not need to confirm their participation themselves.