Q: Do we have to be associated with a university?  

A: No you do not.
If you have the appropriate expertise to conduct the research with out aligning to a university research group, then you do not need to collaborate. However, collaborations can strengthen your application.

Q: It appears from the description that two DHBs or PHO's much collaborate. Can an application be submitted that is primarily submitted by a single DHB but with university support?  

A: It is a requirement of the RFP that the application show a meaningful partnership between at least one other DHB and/or PHO.  Collaborations with university groups are encouraged, but the initial requirement of a partnership between at least two DHBs and/or PHOs must also be met.

Q: I would be grateful if you could clarify whether universities can apply for this research? The RFP indicates only DHBs or primary care organisations can lead the applications.  

A: You are correct in that they intent of the RFP is to have DHBs and PHOs lead the research.  If there is a particular reason as to why this cannot occur for a project then approval form the steering committee will have to be sought.  Collaborations with university researchers are encouraged to strengthen applications if necessary..

Q: With the possibility of up to 20 projects to be funded out of a funding pool of $1.5million, that only leaves $75,000 per project. Is this the budgetary limit?  

A: Proposals are not restricted to $75,000 only.  We anticipate that we will fund up to 20 projects, which will have a range of budgets.  The number of projects funded could be less depending on the amount of money required and the number of suitable proposal received.  Budgets need to be appropriate for the research proposed given the one year time frame.

Q: Can we submit a full application if we have not submitted a Registration of Intent?  

A: If you missed the registration of intent deadline and are still interested in submitting an application please contact Ms Katie Hart, at the HRC, khart@hrc.govt.nz or 09 3035081.

Q: My organisation has submitted a ROI, will we be receiving feedback to advise if the ROI had sufficient merit to warrant under the undertaking of a full proposal?  

A: Registrations of Intent are not assessed.  These are submitted as an indication that you will be submitting a full application.  Due to this no feedback can be given regarding the merit of the application.  Please read the RFP carefully to make sure you meet all the requirements.

Q: Can we submit more than one full application?  

A: If you have more than one distinct research project then you are welcome to submit more than one full application.

Q: What is the deadline for full applications?  

A: Full applications are due on Friday 14th November, 5pm and 12 hardcopies of the proposal must be received by the HRC by this time.  If an extension is required this must be requested in advance and written authorisation from the HRC must be given.

Q: Do all ethics and Maori approvals have to be completed and attached to the application?  

A: We do not need the ethics approval forms attached to the full applications.  If your project is selected for funding and requires ethics approval then this needs to be sought before the research commences.  If you have letters of support for your research these can be attached to the application form.  Please see section 5G of the application guidelines.