Midstream Research Programme for Universities (MRP)

Midstream Research Programme for Universities

Objective

Launched in December 2016, MRP aims to encourage universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) to collaborate with leading research institutes worldwide to conduct more theme-based inter-disciplinary and translational research and development (R&D) work in focused technology areas.

Eligibility

The lead applicant must be a university funded by the UGC.

Key Features

Application

MRP invites applications for funding once a year. The application period in 2021 was 11 January 2021 to 26 March 2021. Project Proposals under the themes "Drug Development" and "Green Engineering Technologies" were invited. Please read the following documents before submitting an application:

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Assessment

The ITF Secretariat will conduct a preliminary screening upon receipt of an application. Where necessary, individual application may be subject to external review. The ITF Secretariat's assessment, together with the views of external reviewer(s) (if any), will be submitted to the Innovation and Technology Fund Research Projects Assessment Panel for examination in accordance with the assessment framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does midstream research cover?
Midstream research covers a wide range of activities, including concept proofing, laboratory validation, system/process optimisation, prototyping and trials, and has the potential of leading to further downstream R&D work, the outcome of which could be applied or commercialised.
Can I decide the research topic of my own application?
There will be specific research theme(s) for each round of MRP application invitation. Applicants are welcome to decide their own research topic under the specific research theme announced for each round of application.
How can a private company participate in MRP projects?
A private company (both local and non-local) may contribute cash and/or in-kind sponsorship to MRP projects to indicate support. Eligible sponsors may apply for Research and Development Cash Rebate Scheme but will not be eligible to own the intellectual property rights generated from the projects (if any).
Who is eligible to apply as co-applicant of a collaboration project?
A different unit of the same university of the lead applicant, or a different local/ non-local university/ research institute may apply as co-applicant of a collaboration project. Private companies are not eligible.

Others

For non-local co-applicant, a legal opinion issued by a lawyer duly qualified to practise the law of the place of incorporation, formation or establishment of the co-applicant should be provided.

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