Notice from the Ministry of Science and ICT No. 2023-1082

Announcement of New Basic Research Projects for the First

Half of 2024 by the Ministry of Science and ICT

The Ministry of Science and ICT announces the plan of selection and support for new basic research projects in the first half of 2024 as follows.

December 29, 2023

<Participating Ministry>	Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT	Jong-Ho Lee
<Component of Participating Organization>	President of the National Research Foundation of Korea	Kwangbok Lee

1. Overview of Program

□ Program Objective

○ Contribution to the expansion of future capabilities of science and technology by strengthening creative and challenging basic research and by fostering outstanding researchers.

□ Application Procedure: Free application

□ Supporting Programs

○ Individual Research Grants

Program			Program Objectives and Descriptions	Eligible Individuals		Research period (maxi mum)	Annual research fund budget
Global Leader Grants			To provide focused support for the world-class level researchers to conduct in-depth studies for the development of novel scientific achievements and new technologies for the future. (aiming for global collaborations)	Faculty members (Tenure track, non-tenure track also known as full-time/ non-full-time) in the fields of science and engineering at colleges or universities, and researchers at National (public), government-funded or private research institutes.		9 years (3+3+3)	appx. 800 million won (direct cost within 640 million won)
Conso lidator Grants	Type2 (Global Research Program)		To provide systemic support for the outstanding researchers to develop to the global leader researchers and for their creative research to produce innovative research outcomes (aiming for global collaborations)			1~3 years 4 years (3+1) 5 years (3+2)	appx. 400 million won (direct cost within 320 million won)
	Type1*		To support individual researches with high creativity by cultivating capabilities for the outstanding basic research and by providing the platform for the individual researchers to develop leading researchers.				appx. 250 million won (direct cost within 200 million won)
	Creative Research program		To support small scale research by providing the outstanding researchers with necessarily sufficient support			1~3 years	appx. 70 million won (direct cost within 56 million won)
Young Scientist Grants	Hanwoomul- Phagi Basic Research		To support outstanding young researchers to continuously conduct challenging research in one area for a long period of time to create world-class research outcomes.	Within 15 years after obtaining a final doctoral degree, Faculty members (Tenure track, non-tenure track also known as full-time/ non-full-time) in the fields of science and engineering at colleges or universities, and researchers at National (public), government-funded or private research institutes.		10 years (5+5)	appx. 200 million won (direct cost within 160 million won)
	Outstanding Young Scientist Grants*		To foster excellent researchers by inspiring new researchers' creative research motivation and maximizing research capabilities.	Within 7 years after conferment of a final doctoral degree, within 5 years after the first appointments as an assistant professor or above ranking, or under the age of 39. Working at university in the fields of science and engineering (full-time), or national (public), government-funded or private research institutes, Full-time faculty members or full time researchers.		1~3 years 4 years (3+1) 5 years (3+2)	appx. 250 million won (direct cost within 200 million won)
	Sejong Science Fellow- ship	Domestic Track	To promote young scientists including post-doctoral fellows to conduct their own research that they want to focus through this fellowship, thereby developing and establishing themselves as capable researchers in the core science and engineering fields.	Within 7 years after obtaining a final doctoral degree, or under the age of 39.	Researchers who are not full-time faculty members in the fields of science and engineering at colleges or universities, or who are non-regular researchers at national (public), government-funded or private research institutes ※ Foreign nationals cannot apply.	5 years (3+2)	appx. 130 million won (direct cost within 100 million won)
		Overseas training Track	To support overseas training for outstanding postdoctoral researchers to develop into key players in the fields of national strategic technology* and therefore to serve as a foundation securing national competitiveness. *① Semiconduct·display, ② Secondary battery, ③ State-of-the-art mobility¸ ④ Next-generation nuclear power ⑤ Advanced biology, ⑥ Aerospace·Marine, ⑦ Hydrogen, ⑧ Cyber security, ⑨ Artificial intelligence, ⑩ Next-generation communication, ⑪ State-of-the-art robot·manufacturing, ⑫ quantum	Among the domestic doctoral degree holders, within 7 years after obtaining a final doctoral degree, or under the age of 39.		1 year	appx. 70 million won (The support is limited to the exact amounts of personnel expenses, with 5% of the additional indirect cost )
	Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist		To support young scientists to establish their laboratories for core infrastructures, enabling the researchers to focus on the challenging projects from the early stage of their careers	Within 7 years after conferment of a final doctoral degree, within 5 years after the first appointments as an assistant professor or above ranking, or under the age of 39. Working at university in the fields of science and engineering (full-time)		1 year	100-500 million won/year
Global Matching Grant			To support international collaborative projects with developed countries in basic research areas for the common interests through the joint research support (bilateral)	applies separately depending on the counterpart countries (institutes)		max 3 years	appx. 200 million won/year

* For the Global Collaborative Projects, maximum 50 million won will be additionally supported (the global collaborative projects of the Type 1 Consolidator Grants and Young Scientist Grants will count for around 20 % of the finally selected total projects.

※ The announcement for the second Individual Research Grants (Consolidator Grants [Type 1 and Creative research program]) will be separately announced later.

○ Group Research Grants

Program		Program Objectives and Descriptions	Eligible Individuals	Annual research fund budget	Research period maximum)
Global Centers of Research Excellence	Scientific Field (SRC)	To foster outstanding research groups in the field of science, strengthening national basic research capacity including the development of new theories, solution of scientific challenges and others.	Group of the researchers (around 10 researchers) from the university with graduate school in the science and engineering fields	Within 1. 56 billion won per year	7 years (4+3)
	Engineering Field (ERC)	To produce basic research outcomes that enable to transfer basic research to the applied research, and to serve as a founding base for the industry-academia cooperation within universities by fostering outstanding research groups in the field of engineering.		Within 2.0 billion won	within 7 years (arbitrary decision)
	Basic Medical Science Field (MRC)	To strengthen national bio and health research capabilities by fostering research groups in the fields of medical science, dental science, traditional Korean medical science and pharmacology, and then by promoting investigation of human life phenomena and disease mechanisms, and others.	Group of the researchers (around 10 researchers) from the university with graduate school in basic medical science (medical science, dental science, traditional Korean medical science and pharmacology)	Within 1.4 billion won	7 years (4+3)
	Regional Innovation Field (RLRC)	To provide supports for sustainable and self-sustaining innovative growth foundations, and to strengthen regional research capabilities by fostering research groups in the area of regional innovation.	Group of the researchers (within 8 researchers) from the university with graduate school in the science and engineering fields	Within 1.5 billion won	7 years (4+3)
	Innovation Research Center (IRC)	To build up sustainable research capacity through fostering research groups of the field of outstanding strategic technology, to play a role in a hub for a cooperation among industry/university/research institute within the university, and to produce world-class research outcomes.	Research group from the university with graduate school in the science and engineering fields	Within 5 billion won	10 years (3+4+3)
Global Basic Research Laboratory	Advanced Track	To support various types of research that serve to deepen existing research by systematically fostering small-scale research groups.	Research group of 3~4 people including full-time faculty form the university of the Science and Engineering fields	Within 500 million won	3 years
	Convergence Track	To support research topics that require convergence research in consideration of global research trends, future values, and national scientific competitiveness enhancement.
	Pioneer Track	To support the growth of competent young researchers by supporting creative and challenging research in new fields that are rarely attempted in Korea.

SRC: Science Research Center	ERC: Engineering Research Center
MRC: Medical Research Center	IRC: Innovation Research Center
RLRC: Regional Leading Research Center

2. Year 2024 New Project Funding proposal)

□ Support plan for the individual program

○ New Projects are divided into ‘First New’ projects that are newly selected in 2024 and ‘Follow-up New’ projects that are selected for their outstanding outcomes among the completed projects in 2024.

- The eligibility for New Project is limited to First New project. For the Follow-up New projects, eligible principal investigators will be individually notified and the application will be expected to be selected after the application is submitted and reviewed. However, only one of New Project and Follow-up New project can be submitted and selected during the same period.

○ The numbers and amounts of New Projects can be adjusted based on the approved government budget

Project					The number of project selection
Outstanding Grants	Global Leader Grants				Appx. 12 projects (including around 3 Follow-up New projects )
	Consolidator Grants	Type 2		Global Research Program	Appx. 120 projects
		Type 1(including the 1st and the 2nd announcements)			Appx. 1,480 projects (including around 226 Follow-up New projects )
		Creative Research Program(2nd announcement)			Appx. 140 projects
	Young Scientist Grants	Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research			Appx. 30 projects
		Outstanding Young Scientist Grants			Appx. 759 projects
		Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist			Appx. 200 projects
		Sejong Science Fellowship Grants	Domestic Track		Appx. 330 projects
			Overseas Training Track		Appx. 190 projects
	Global Matching Grant		Germany (DFG)		Appx. 20 projects
			Sweden(SSF)		Appx. 10 projects
			United Kingdom (Royal Society)		Appx. 5 projects
Global Centers of Research Excellence	Science Research Center (SRC)*				Appx. 5 projects
	Engineering Research Center (ERC)*				Appx. 5 projects
	Medical Research Center (MRC)				Appx. 4 projects
	Regional Leading Research Center (RLRC)				Appx. 2 projects
	Innovation Research Center (IRC)				Appx. 4 projects
Global Basic Research Laboratory	Advanced Program				Appx. 112 projects	(including around 20 Follow-up New projects)
	Convergence Program				Appx. 10 projects
	Pioneer Program				Appx. 33 projects

* For SRC, 1 center in the field of Chemistry, 1 center in the field of Physics, 2 centers in the field of Basic Life Science and Basic·Molecular Biology are planned to be selected. For ERC, 1 center in the field of Chemical Engineering, 1 center in the field of Materials Engineering, 1 center in the fields of Energy·Environment Convergence·Integration|Multidisciplinary Convergence·Integration and 1 center in the fields of electrical/Electronic Engineering|Telecommunication|Computer·Software  are planned to be selected.

※ Only 9 months of research expenses are paid for the first year of a multi-year research project for Global Leader Grants and Global Centers of Research Excellence. For Global Basic Research Laboratory, the first and the third years of research project will be supported for 12 months and the second year will be supported for 9 months.

※ Although the recipients of First Innovation Laboratory grants can apply ‘Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist’ grants, the numbers of those awardees will be less  than 50% of total awardees of ‘Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist’ grants.

3. Eligibility for application (performing) and restrictions on participation

□ Number of applications and assignments

◦ (Application) As a Principal Investigator for Individual Research Grant or as a Principal Investigator or a  Co-Investigator for group research grant, you may submit the application according to the following principles.

- (Individual Research Grant, 1st application, during January of 2024) Only one of individual research grant
(Global Leader Grants, Consolidator Grants (Type2(Global Research Program), Type1), Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research, Outstanding Young Scientist Grants, Sejong Science Fellowship Grants (Domestic Track, Overseas Training Track)

※ However, it is possible to apply to both Leader Grant and Consolidator Grant at the same time.

- (Group Research Grant, 1st application, during February of 2024) Only one of Group Research Grant

(Global Center of Research Excellence, Global Basic Research Laboratory)

- (Individual Research Grant (for infrastructure and equipment ), during February of 2024) Only one of Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist (creative and advanced infrastructure )

※ Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist is exception from the policy of 1 grant per 1 basic research grant (can be applied and selected even if Individual Research Grant or Group Research Grants applied and selected at the same time.)

- (Global Matching Grant, application per counterpart country will be announced  between January and March of 2024 ) Only one of Global Matching Grant (Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom)

※ Global Matching Grant is an exception from the policy of 1 grant per 1 basic research grant

- (Individual Research Grant, 2nd application, June of 2024) Only one of Individual Research Grant (Consolidator Grants(Type1, Creative Research Program)

※ Those who applied to Support for the Next Generation of Academics (Postdoctoral domestic training program) supported by the Ministry of Education are not allowed to apply to the second Individual Research Grants (Consolidator Grant-type 1, Creative Research Program)

※ It is allowed to apply to the same type only once a year (In case of Consolidator Grant (Type 1) although the application opportunities are opened twice a year, it can be applied only once at the same year)

※ Recipients of Individual Research Grants (the first announcement) are not allowed to apply any other new Individual Research Grants at the same year.

◦ (Selection) Only one Individual Research Grant as a principal investigator, and/or one Group Research Grant as a principal investigator or a co-investigator will be selected among the applied research programs*.

- (Individual Research Grant) Outstanding Grants(Global Leader Grants, Consolidator Grants, Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Grant, Outstanding Young Scientist Grants, Sejong Science Fellowship [Domestic/Overseas Training Track]), support programs for academic future generations (supported by the Ministry of Education)

- (Group Research Grant) Global Center of Research Excellence, Global Basic Research Laboratory, University-based Research Center (including LAMP project, supported by the Ministry of Education)

※ Those who applied to Support for the Next Generation of Academics (Postdoctoral training program, Developing Collaborative Research Grants) of the Ministry of Education can simultaneously apply Group Research Grants listed above and can be awarded with them too.

* If an applicant is simultaneously selected to multiple programs as a Principal Investigator, the higher-grade program will be preferentially selected.

- Group Research Grant> Global Leader Grants

- Global Leader Grants > Consolidator Grants‧Young Scientist Grants > support programs for academic future generations (supported by the Ministry of Education)

<The number of programs for application and selection in basic research projects>

Classification	Programs		Announcement	Application		Selection note2)	Starting Date
				Number of Application	Application Date
Individual Research Grant	Global Leader Grants		Dec, 2023	(Individual-1st) Only Onenote1)	During Jan~ Early Feb, 2024	Only 1 award will be selected	8.1.
	Consolidator	Type2(Global Research Program), Type 1					5.1.
	Young Scientist Grants	Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research, Sejong Science Fellowship Grants(Domestic Track)
		Outstanding Young Scientist Grants					4.1.
		Sejong Science Fellowship Grants(Overseas Training Track)					9.1. (Starting the second half of the year)
	Consolidator	Type 1	Jun, 2024 (Announcement for the Second half of the year)	(Individual-2nd) Only One	During Late Jun~Early Jul, 2024 (Application for the Second half of the year)		9.1. (Starting the second half of the year)
		Creative Research Program
Group Research Grant	Global Centers of Research Excellence, Global Basic Research Laboratory		Dec, 2023	(Group-1st) Only One	During Feb~ Early Mar, 2024	Only 1 award will be selected	8.1.

Note1) It is allowed to apply only one program as a principal investigator among Global Leader, Consolidator, Young Scientist (However, it is possible to apply to both Global Leader Grants and Consolidator Grants together)

Note2) Only one Individual Research Grant as a principal investigator and one Group Research Grant as a principal investigator or a co-investigator can be selected.
(including the program supported by the Ministry of the Education).

※ Global Matching Grants are not counted as the number of application and awards for basic Individual Research Grants

※ Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist are not counted as the number of application and awards for basic Individual Research Grants or Group Research Grants

<The number of Global Matching programs for application and selection>

Programs			Announcement	Application		Selection	Starting Date
				Number of Application	Application Date
Individual Research Grant	Global Matching Program	① Germany(DFG)	Mar, 2024~	Only One	May, 2024~	Only 1 award will be selected	11.1.
		② Sweden(SSF)
		③ United Kingdom (Royal Society)	Jan, 2024~		Feb, 2024~		9.1.

※ Global Matching Grant is an exception from the policy of 1 grant per 1 basic Individual Research Grant

<The number of Infrastructure Supporting

Grants for Young Scientist for application and selection>

Classification	Programs		Announcement	Application		Selection	Purchase/construction Review	Starting Date
				Number of Application	Application Date
Individual Research Infrastructure and equipment)	Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist	① Creative Infrastructure	Dec, 2023	Only One	During Feb, 2024	Only 1 award will be selected	May, 2024	5.1.
		② Advanced Infrastructure

※ Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist is an exception from the policy of 1 grant per 1 basic research grant (can be simultaneously applied and selected with Individual Research Grants and/or Group Research Grants)

※ (common) Depending on the progresses of the programs and budgets, application periods and commencing dates for program‧country can be changed.

□ Restriction on application and fulfillment

○ Restriction on application for researchers applying the projects of the first of the year

- The applicants who will apply Consolidator Grants Type 1 at the first half of the year cannot apply Consolidator Grants Type 1 at the second half of the same year

- The new recipients of Individual Research Grants at the first half of the year cannot apply any other new Individual Research Grants during the same year

○ Restriction on application for the researchers applying and conducting ongoing projects

- The principal investigator can conduct only one Individual Research Grant as a principle investigator

⇒ The principal investigator who is conducting an ongoing Individual Research Grant cannot apply  a new Individual Research Grant as a principal investigator.

- The principal investigator or co-investigator can conduct only one Group Research Grant

⇒ The principal investigator or co-investigator who is conducting the group research project cannot apply to a new Group Research Grant as a principal investigator or co-investigator.

※ Individual Research Grant: Outstanding Grants (Global Leader Grants, Consolidator Grants, Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research, Outstanding Young Scientist Grants, Sejong Science Fellowship (General/Overseas Training Tracks)), Basic Individual Science & Engineering, Balanced Academic Development Program, Support Program for Academic Future Generations.

※ Group Research Grant: Global Centers of Research Excellence, Global Basic Research  Laboratory, University-based Research Laboratory (including LAMP Project)

	Exceptions
∙(Common) Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist is an exception from the policy of 1 grant per 1 basic research grant and is not counted for the limit on the maximum number of R&D grant awards (total 5 grants, including 3 grants as a principal investigator) (can be simultaneously applied and selected with Individual Research Grants and/or Group Research Grants) ∙(Exceptions for Individual Research Grants) - In the case that the final stage (except annual/phase terminations) of the ongoing project terminates at the end of this year (2024.12.31.) ※ except Global Leader Grant that terminates within 10 months from the commencement date of the new project: ※ This is an exception for the policy of 1 Basic Individual Research Grant per 1 investigator. However it is still counted for the maximum number of R&D grant awards (total 5 grants, including 3 grants as a principal investigator) - The applicants for Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research can apply the grant even if the ongoing individual basic research project of the Ministry of Science and ICT project is not going to be terminated within 10 months before the new project starts (except annual/phase terminations) ※ However, if the applicants are awarded with Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research, the ongoing Basic Individual Research Grant of the Ministry of Science and ICT project should be terminated on 2024.12.31., and the numbers of the grants during the overlapping periods are counted for the maximum number of R&D grant awards (total 5 grants, including 3 grants as a principal investigator) - Global Matching Program is an exception for the policy of 1 Individual Research Grant per 1 investigator, however it is still counted for the maximum number of R&D grant awards (total 5 grants, including 3 grants as a principal investigator) ∙(Exceptions for Group Research Grants) - (Common for Group Research Grants) In the case that the final stage (except annual/phase terminations) of Global Centers of Research Excellence and Global Basic Research Laboratory terminates within 10 months from the commencement date of the new project ※ This is an exception for the policy of 1 Basic Group Research Grant per 1 investigator. However it is still counted for the maximum number of R&D grant awards (total 5 grants, including 3 grants as a principal investigator) - Co-investigators or joint investigators (except principal investigators) of Global Centers of Research Excellence (SRC, ERC, MRC, CRC, RLRC) can apply or join RLRC - Co-investigators or joint investigators (except principal investigators) of Global Centers of Research Excellence (SRC, ERC, MRC, CRC, RLRC) can apply or join IRC ※ Overlapping participation will be temporarily allowed during the 1st year of the research period. However, from the 2nd year of the research period, only new RLRC and IRC can participate. ※ Existing Centers of Research Excellence should maintain the requirements for the research team, and should report the appropriate measures for the personnel that is going to participate RLRC and IRC (changes or removal of co-investigator).

○ The awardees for the Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship sponsored by the Ministry of Education cannot apply Sejong Science Fellowship (Overseas Training Track.

○ Allowance of the number of projects that one person can simultaneously participate

※ the same rule is applied to the 2024 ongoing projects

- (Common) Application of limitation on one person one project (existing minimum  participation rate is abolished)

- (Global Leader Grants) The principal investigator can conduct only 1 additional project of other national R&D projects (prohibiting conducting other basic research projects) as a principal investigator.

※ Exception: For Global Leader Grants, the ongoing project terminates within 10 months from the starting date of the new project

- (Global Research Centers of Excellence) The principal investigator can conduct only 1 additional project of other national R&D projects (including basic research projects) as a principal investigator (prohibiting conducting other group research grants or global leader grant project).

※ Exception: For Global Research Centers of Excellence, the ongoing project terminates within 10 months from the starting date of the new project

- (Sejong Science Fellowship (Domestic Track)) Minimum 50% of personnel expense (based on personnel expense as a principal investigator)

○ Common regulation for national R&D

- (Restriction on participation) The researchers who have been subjected to restriction on participation in national R&D projects can apply and participate to new projects only when the sanction period is finished by the day before the application due date.

- (Limitation on the number of R&D project) The maximum number of projects that researchers can conduct simultaneously is 5, and among the aforementioned 5 projects, the researcher can conduct projects as a principal investigator up to 3 projects.

	Major contents of limitations and exception for the number of R&D projects
‣ Article 64 of the Enforcement Decree of the National R&D Innovation Act (Limitation on the number of R&D projects) ① The head of central administrative agency can limit the maximum number of R&D projects that researchers can conduct simultaneously is 5, and the researcher can conduct projects as a principal investigator up to 3 projects among the aforementioned 5 projects according to Article 35 Paragraph 1 of the Act. ② When the head of central administrative agency calculates the number of R&D projects under Paragraph 1, the head of central administrative agency can exclude any of the following R&D projects for calculating total number of the projects <revised on 2022. 2. 28> 1. The R&D projects that terminate within 6 months after the R&D application due dates according to Article 9 Paragraph 2 or Article 10 Paragraph 2. 2. The R&D projects related to preliminary investigations, planningㆍevaluation studies, or testㆍexaminationㆍanalyses 3. The R&D projects that aim at adjustment and managements of the R&D projects 4. The R&D projects that are related to the projects for infrastructure building, the projects of Article 5 (1)ㆍ(2), higher education support, personnel training, or academic activities, and that do not directly aim at R&D. 5. The R&D projects related to basic projects of Article 4 6. The R&D projects that are conducted by R&D institutes under any of following conditions with collaboration with small- and medium-sized enterprises and that the Minister of the ministry of Science and ICT assigned the R&D expenses separately after the consultation with the head of the relevant central administrative agency. a. The R&D institutes that are applied to Article 2 (3) Na to Ba. b. Specialized production and technology institute under Article 42 of the 「Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act」 7. In addition, the R&D projects that are reviewed by the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, because they need to be calculated without being included in the number of R&D projects for the promotion of R&D or other reasons.

	Exceptions
∙In the case falling under each Provision of Article 64 Paragraph 2 of 「the Enforcement Decree of the National R&D Innovation Act」 (Limitation on the number of R&D projects) - (according to Provision 4) Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist is not counted into the total number of R&D projects - (according to Provision 7) If the average annual budgets of Individual Research Grants (Global Leader Grants, Consolidator Grants, and Outstanding Young Scientist Grants) are less than 60 million won (direct+indirect), small new grants are not counted into the total number of R&D projects (from 2024 to the end of the project termination) * If the budgets of ongoing Individual Research Grants (Global Leader Grants, Consolidator Grants, and Outstanding Young Scientist Grants) are adjusted to less than 60 million won (direct+indirect) in 2024 (including the projects that the budgets are over 60 million won before the adjustments), those projects are not counted into the total number of R&D projects (from 2024 to the end of termination of the project)

※ Among the Basic Individual Research Grants listed above, the exclusion of small grants with an average annual budget of less than 60 million won from counting the total number of R&D projects applies only to the total number of national R&D projects and does not apply to the policy of 1 Basic Individual Research Grant per 1 investigator.

4. Application procedure

▸2024 Basic Research Projects, the applications for all projects, should be submitted, evaluated and managed through IRIS*(https://www.iris.go.kr) managed by Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) instead of existing e-R&D of National Research Foundation of Korea

* IRIS(Integrated R&D Information System): Integrated R&D Information System is an integrated system that is merged into one from the systems that are separately operated by each Ministry and specialized institutes.

○ After the principal investigator log in Integrated R&D Information System (IRIS, https://www.iris.go.kr), fill out online information and upload the research proposal, the principal host institute verify and approve applications.

Requirements before application			Application				Application complete
Member registration of NRI site by Investigator (Principal), agreement of the change of the status to the researcher and registration․update of personal information (educational background and experience)	IRIS institute registration, application for the head of the administrator for the institute (authorization of the institute administrator), registration of the institute representative etc.		Fill out online information and upload the research proposal		Verification and approval of the online registration by the host research institution.
□ Investigator	□ Host Research Institute		Principle Investigator		Head of host research institute

※ Before submitting the application, please check with the administrators that manages research processes at the host institute about the possibility for the host research institute’s approval.

※ Check the attached detailed project application guidelines for details.

▸There are mandatory requirements before the application of projects through IRIS, please prepare in advance to avoid problems for the project applications.

※ Please refer the detailed contents in [Attachment(Manual 1-1] Mandatory requirements before the application of projects (KISTEP IRIS Operation Team) and [Attachment(Manual 1-2] IRIS membership registration (change status to the researcher) and the manual for researcher information registration

□  (Researcher) ① IRIS membership registration, ② Agreement for the changes of the status to the researcher in NRI (National Research Information System) tab of IRIS site (Issuance of National Research Number), ③ Mandatory requirements for updating information for educational background/experience* and the achievements of the major research performance** in NRI site

* In experience information, registration of working (affiliation) departments is mandatory

** Update the list of finished, conducting/applying projects for the last 5 years

※ ① and ②: Required for all of the participating researchers including the principal investigator (except student researchers in the pooling system for student stipends), ③: required only for the principal investigator

□  (Host Research institute) IRIS institute registration, application for the head of the administrator for the institute (authorization of the institute administrator), registration of the institute representative etc.

※ Institute representative and institute (head) administrators are also required to register IRIS membership and to change the status to the researcher (issuance of National Research Number). Since the application of projects cannot be completed unless institute representative registers information, please make it sure to implement the mandatory requirements before the start of the application period.

< Note for host research institute options>

- Upon the application of the projects, the host research institutes are requested to apply as <00 University>, not as <00 University Industry University Cooperation Foundation>.

- Registration for institute information (registration of institute representative, application of head of the administrators, investment of authorization power to the institute administrators etc) of <00 University> is mandatory required.

- University Industry University Cooperation Foundation administrators can authorize the approvals for University Industry University Cooperation Foundation projects as well as the projects applied under the name of the university (00 University)

※ If institute information (representative and head of institute administrators) is currently registered only with <00 University Industry University Cooperation Foundation> and if it is difficult to change information to <00 University> due to time restrictions before the application due date, it is possible to apply as <00 University Industry University Cooperation Foundation>

▸IRIS Inquires: IRIS call center 1877-2041 or utilize the inquiry board of IRIS homepage.

5. Evaluation process

Program			1st evaluation	2nd evaluation
Global Leader Grants			Discussion	Overseas peer review + presentation
Consolidator Grants	Type 2* (Global Research Program)		Discussion	Presentation
	Type 1		Online evaluation	-
Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research			Discussion	Presentation (Special review board)
Outstanding Young Scientist Grants			Online evaluation	-
Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist			Discussion	Presentation
Sejong Science Fellowship		Domestic Track	Online evaluation	-
		Overseas Training Track	Online evaluation	-
Global Matching Grant		Germany(DFG), Sweden(SSF)	Online evaluation	International joint review panel
		United Kingdom(Royal Society)	Discussion	Agreement with overseas institute for the final selection
Global Centers of Research Excellence			Discussion	Presentation
Global Basic research laboratory			Discussion	Presentation

※ Preliminary review will be conducted after the application is closed. If the application does not meet the application qualification requirements, the application will be excluded from the evaluation.

※ It can be changed by detailed evaluation plan.

* (Provision of research activity analyses) When the application is submitted, information for the analyses of the principal investigator’s research activities (citation numbers for the papers, publication trends, grant information, the numbers of patents registration, etc.) will be provided to the reviewers as references (as a pilot program for 2024 Consolidator Grants Type 2 (Global Program) in the fields of natural science and engineering)

6. Application period

※ Notice

- Applicants should check that the application is marked as “Application Completed (Submission Completed)” before the deadline.

(Please note that the application cannot be completely submitted if it is still listed as “In–Process (In the Preparation of the Application)”).

□ [Individual Research Grant, 1st] Global Leader ‧ Consolidator(Type 2(Global Research Program), Type 1) ‧ Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research ‧ Outstanding Young Scientist Grants ‧ Sejong Science Fellowship (Domestic Track‧Overseas Training Track)

○ Principal Investigator Application period : 2024. 1. 19.(Fri) 09:00:00 ~ 2024. 2. 2.(Fri) 18:00:00

○ Approval from host institute : 2024. 1. 19.(Fri) 09:00:00 ~ 2024. 2. 7.(Wed) 18:00:00

□ [Individual Research Grant (infrastructure and equipment), Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist]

○ Principal Investigator Application period : 2024. 2. 8.(Thu) 09:00:00 ~ 2024. 2. 21.(Wed) 18:00:00

○ Approval from host institute : 2024. 2. 8.(Thu) 09:00:00 ~ 2024. 2. 23.(Fri) 18:00:00

□ [Group Research Grant, 1st] Global Centers of Research Excellence ‧ Global Basic Research Laboratory

○ Principal Investigator Application period : 2024. 2. 22.(Thu) 09:00:00 ~ 2024. 3. 6.(Wed) 18:00:00

○ Approval from host institute : 2024. 2. 22.(Thu) 09:00:00 ~ 2024. 3. 11. (Mon) 18:00:00

□ [Individual Research Grant, 2nd] Consolidator(Type1, Creative Research Program)

○ Principal Investigator Application period : plan for 2024. 6

□ [Global Matching Grant]

※ Detailed information and instructions for the application are planned to be announced during January for United Kingdom (RS), and during March for Germany (DFG) and Sweden (SSF).

7. Timeline (Draft)

Timeline	Contents
December 2023	· Announcements of applications for new projects for 2024.
January 2024	· Beginning receipt of the new applications for Individual Research Grant, 1st (Global Leader, Consolidator (type 2(Global Research Program), type 1), Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research, Outstanding Young Scientist Grants, Sejong Science Fellowship (Domestic Track·Overseas Training Track)) · Announcements of applications for Global Matching Grant(United Kingdom)
February 2024	· Beginning receipt of the new applications for the Group Research Grant, 1st (Global Centers of Research Excellence, Global Basic research laboratory) · Beginning receipt of the new applications for Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist
March 2024	· Announcements of applications for Global Matching Grant(Germany, Sweden)
April 2024	· Commencement of the Individual Research Grant, 1st (Outstanding Young Scientist Grants)
May 2024	· Commencement of the Individual Research Grant, 1st (Consolidator (type 2(Global Research Program, type 1), Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research, Sejong Science Fellowship (Domestic Track)) · Commencement of Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist
June 2024	· Beginning receipt of the new applications for Individual Research Grant, 2nd (Consolidator (type 1, Creative Research Program)
September 2024	· Commencement of the Individual Research Grant, 1st (Global Leader Grants) · Commencement of the Group Research Grant, 1st (Global Centers of Research Excellence, Global Basic research laboratory) · Commencement of the Individual Research Grant, 1st (Sejong Science Fellowship (Overseas Training Track)) · Commencement of Global Matching Grant(United Kingdom)
October 2024	· Commencement of the Individual Research Grant, 2nd (Consolidator(type 1, Creative Research Program)
November 2024	· Commencement of Global Matching Grant(Germany, Sweden)

※ The timeline may be subject to change.

8. Other information

□ Guideline for acknowledgment

○ When the outcome of the project is published in a research journal, the paper should include the acknowledgment as shown below.

▸ In Korean

이 성과는 정부(과학기술정보통신부)의 재원으로 한국연구재단의 지원을 받아 수행된 연구임

(IRIS 과제번호).

▸ In English
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (project management number granted from IRIS).

※ MSIT : Ministry of Science and ICT

※ The phrase “This work” can be replaced with the title to be published in the research journal or registered in the patent document.

□ Dispatch of researchers to domestic or overseas research institutes

○ If a principal investigator is dispatched to a domestic or an overseas research institute over 6 months from the commencement date of the project, a prior approval is necessary for dispatch. However, during the approval processes, if it is determined  that conducting the research is impossible, it will be considered whether the project is terminated by a special evaluation process.

- However, the principal investigator of Sejong Science Fellowship(Domestic Track) is allowed to be dispatched to overseas research institute for maximum 1 year during the full fellowship period (5 years), considering the objective and goal of the project.

※ If a principal investigator has already been dispatched on the commencement date of the project, an approval should be acquired from the host institute immediately after the arrangement.

□ Mandatory online research ethics course

○ From 2018, the principal investigator of a basic research project should mandatorily complete the online research ethics course after the commencement of the project. (If the principal investigator fails to complete the course, the principal investigator cannot submit various reports).

- Designated institute of education operation : Korea Institute of Human Resources Development in Science and Technology (https://alpha-campus.kr/).

- Inquiry call about education : KIRD Alpha Campus (1588-5834).

□ Recommendation for avoiding predatory journals and questionable conferences

○ When principal investigators or others publish or present their results supported by National Research Foundation of Korea, they publish or present their results in reputable journals or conferences (avoid predatory journals and questionable conferences), respectively.

○ When principal investigators want his/her joint investigators (including students) to publish their results for the papers, principal investigators should confirm whether the academic organizations are recognized by relevant academic communities.

※ Achievements published in predatory journals by principal investigators or investigators may be taken into account for the evaluation during the processes of selections.

□ Guide for mandatory employment of young people in proportion to the government’s contributions

○ If the main research institute is an enterprise (company), check the contents of ‘Guidelines for the mandatory recruitment of young people in proportion to the governments contributions’ in the application request.

9. Inquiries

○ Inquiries related to system and policy: Basic research promotion division, Ministry of Science and ICT (044-202-4536, 4534)

○ Inquiries regarding project application process:

Individual Research Grant support team and Group Research Grant support team, NRF

International Exchange Programs Team, NRF and American & Asian affairs, NRF

Department of Basic Research Infrastructure, National Research Facilities and Equipment Center

Classification			Division	contacts information
Individual Research Grant	Global Leader Grants		Individual Research Grant support team, NRF	042-869-6813
	Consolidator Grants	Type 2 (Global Research Program)		042-869-6811
		Type 1		042-869-6804
	Hanwoomul-Phagi Basic Research			042-869-6806
	Outstanding Young Scientist Grants			042-869-6803
	Sejong science fellowship (Domestic Track, Overseas Training Track)			042-869-6808
	Global Matching Grants	Germany(DFG)	International Exchange Programs Team, NRF	02-3460-5681
		Sweden(SSF)
		United Kingdom (Royal Society)	American & Asian affairs, NRF	02-3460-5723
Group Research Grant	Global Centers of Research Excellence		Group Research Grant support team, NRF	042-869-6826
	Global Basic Research Laboratory			042-869-6825
Individual Research Grant (Infrastructure and equipment)	Infrastructure Supporting Grants for Young Scientist		Department of Basic Research Infrastructure, National Research Facilities and Equipment Center	042-865-3972, 3982, 3481