FAQ

What is DIPI?

DIPI is an independent agency that directly funds researchers to provide world-class scientific research needed to build Indonesia’s global competitiveness. DIPI was established to provide support for researchers who show strong evidence and potential for exemplary scientific merit. Learn more about DIPI.

What types of research does DIPI support?

DIPI funds fundamental and frontier research that demonstrate potential for advancing scientific knowledge and investigations that will benefit Indonesian society. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposal within, but not limited to, the eight focus areas outlined in SAINS45. Learn more about DIPI focus areas.

Who qualifies as a Principal Investigator?

The Principal Investigator (PI) should demonstrate the groundbreaking nature, ambition, and feasibility of his or her scientific proposal. It is important for a PI to show the ability to lead and be actively engaged in the proposed research investigation, as evidenced by past publication(s) in national or international peer reviewed scientific publications.

Do I need to hold a PhD degree to apply for DIPI funding?

A PhD/Doctoral degree is not required although applicants must show ability to lead and be actively engaged in the proposed research with a track record of publications in national or international peer reviewed scientific publication(s).

Highly exceptional applicants that do not yet have an established track record of scientific publications but submit proposal ideas that meet DIPI scientific merit criteria may be considered. However, applicants should already be working in a field that relates to DIPI’s priority areas.

Do I need to be affiliated with an organization if I am applying for DIPI funding?

Yes, a PI must hold an affiliation with an educational and/or a research based organization. Such affiliation may be with single or multiple organizations, government or private, for-profit or non-profit.

Can I submit more than one proposal?

No, a PI can only submit one application at a time and multiple applications will not be accepted.

Can a PI be listed as research personnel in other proposals?

Yes, a PI may be listed as a co-PI or research personnel on another proposal.

What is the difference between a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) and Principal Investigator (PI)?

A PI is head of the research group who holds primary research and legal responsibility over all other members of the group. A Co-Principal Investigator maybe part of a research group as an invidual that the PI relies on to assume research/scientific responsibilities above those of other personnel. The Co-PI does not share any legal authority over budgetary matters with the PI. Disbursement of awards is made under contract between DIPI, PI and PI’s institution.

Do I need to be an Indonesian national to apply for DIPI funding?

Yes, for the 2016 Research Call, PI’s applying for funding are required to be Indonesian nationals and hold residence in Indonesia. This requirement may be changed in the future.

Do I need to have a domestic or international collaborator as part of my application?

No, for the 2016 Research Call, domestic and international collaborations between researchers and their institutions are encouraged, but not required. However, other calls such as DIPI-MRC and DIPI-RCUK have different requirements.

Do I need to attach an Institutional Letter of Support during proposal submission?

An institution letter of support is not required for submission but is strongly encouraged at the application stage. However, a letter will eventually be required in order to receive funding at the end of the review process should your proposal be recommended for an award.

What are the criteria for evaluating the proposals?

The procedures for evaluating applicant’s qualifications will focus on the scientific creativity, the innovative aspects of the research approaches, and the potential of the project to have a significant impact on the field.

Proposals will also be evaluated based on their scientific relevance, broader impacts, investigator qualification and sustainability. Other criteria include relevance to DIPI’s priority and focus areas.

How are the proposals evaluated?

All proposals will undergo a thorough peer-review and merit-based multi-stage evaluation process. Details on the different stages of the review process (i.e., initial screening, peer review, interview etc.) may be found in the DIPI Grant Manual.

Download DIPI Grant Manual 2016 for complete guidance on submitting a research proposal.

• DIPI research call 2016
• DIPI-MRC joint health research call on infectious diseases
• DIPI-RCUK research call on astronomy
• DIPI-RCUK research call on pollution, peatlands and mangrove

How do I apply for funding?

All proposals are submitted through the online application website. Applicants are given online notification(s) of the processing outcome of their proposal. The online application system in the DIPI website will guide applicants on procedures and information necessary to complete and submit the proposal.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline of proposal submission for DIPI Research Call 2016 is July 31, 2016.

Do I need to submit an Expression of Interest before submitting a proposal?

No, for the DIPI Research Call 2016, PI’s applying for funding are not required to submit an Expression of Interest. However, this requirement may vary in the future and in different calls such as DIPI-MRC and DIPI-RCUK.

What is the duration of DIPI funding?

Grants can be requested for up to 3 years. All projects that receive funding must be completed by December 31, 2019.

What are the focus areas for the proposals?

DIPI Research Call 2016  will be focused on

• Life, Health, and Nutrition
• Identity, Diversity, and Culture

See the complete DIPI focus areas based on SAINS45 here.

In what language should the proposal be written?

Considering the international scope of the DIPI granting process, all proposals must be written in English.

How much funding do DIPI grants provide for research?

Grants can be requested at the maximum amount of US$100K (IDR 1.5B)  per year for up to 3 years.

How many grants will DIPI offer?

Around 20-50 grants will be offered and will depend on the number of applications received each year.

What research activities does DIPI funding support?

• Costs for equipment rental/use fee, materials, supplies, consumables computing and technical data infrastructure rental/use fee.
• Salaries and stipends of Principal Investigator(s), Co-Investigator(s), Researcher(s), Student(s), Technician(s) and Research Staff(s) wages.
• Travel related to sampling of material(s) or data analysis required for research activities.
• Other direct costs that can include computer services, publication costs, workshops, conferences, facilities, intellectual property registration, and other resources.
• Overhead Costs.

How does DIPI disburse the grant funds?

Financial support will be provided in the form of block grants given to PI. After PI’s budget is approved following scientific merit review, the grant contract is signed by DIPI, PI and the PI’s Institution. The PI can then access the funds through Fiscal Agent(s) assigned by DIPI who will help PIs manage the disbursement of funds based on research needs and approved budget, workplan, and standard operating procedures (SOP).

How many proposal did DIPI receive on call 2016?

DIPI Call 2016 received positive feedbacks from researchers, indicated by the high numbers of proposals received at 467. There were 205 proposals in focus area 1 (Identity, Diversity, and Culture), and 262 proposals in focus area 3 (Life, Health, and Nutrition).

How many judges were involved in the qualification?

DIPI involved local and international prominent scientists during the Scientific Review Panel Meeting process, illustrating DIPI’s seriousness to look for high-quality proposals. There were 51 peer reviewers in focus area 1 and 120 peer reviewers in focus area 3.