| Q: |
What is a CRP? |
| A: |
A CRP is a Coordinated Research Project. Research efforts supported by the IAEA are normally carried out
within the framework of CRPs. These are developed in relation to a well defined research topic on which an appropriate number of
institutions are invited to collaborate and represent an effective means of bringing together researchers in both developing and
industrialised countries to solve a problem of common interest. Each CRP is essentially a network of 5-15 national research institutions
which work within an operational framework for research with a similar and well defined global or regional thematic or problem focus which
is relevant to, or can be tackled through, nuclear technology. |
| Q: |
How do I participate in a CRP? |
| A: |
Research institutions in Member States which are interested in collaborating or participating in a CRP are
required to submit proposals in the standard form directly to the Research Contracts Administration Section (NACA) of the International
Atomic Energy Agency. Standard forms from the IAEA's Coordinated Research Activities can be requested electronically or are available for
download in PDF and WORD format on this site. |
| Q: |
Is there a deadline for submitting project proposals? |
| A: |
Each year the IAEA sends its annual circular letter to all Member States inviting submissions
of research proposals. Research contract proposals are accepted throughout the year. |
| Q: |
Can you have a contract for more than one CRP? |
| A: |
The award of a contract for more than one CRP is normally avoided. |
| Q: |
How do I know for which CRPs proposals can be submitted? |
| A: |
The topics of approved CRPs in which the IAEA proposes to support research are publicised through an
annual information circular issued by the Director General which is distributed to Member States and which is also available on this site.
|
| Q: |
Can I get more information on a CRP before I decide whether it is appropriate to submit a proposal? And who can provide that? |
| A: |
Yes, you can obtain more information on any CRP before you decide whether to submit a proposal. The appointed
Project Officer within the Technical Division initiating the specific CRP will be able to provide further information if required. The
Section Head of the Research Contracts Administration Section can provide the name of the Project Officer or any administrative information that you may
require and can be contacted by E-mail at the following address: crp.research@iaea.org |
| Q: |
What is the difference between IAEA support under a TC project and a CRP? |
| A: |
Coordinated Research Activities provide opportunities for scientists and institutions in Member States to
conduct the more "upstream" types of research in which strategic and applied issues with their subsequent opportunities for spillovers
drive the research agenda. Technical Cooperation, on the other hand, focuses on the transfer of well-tried and tested technologies
which nevertheless often require significant adaptive research in the process of adoption by "end-users" or end-beneficiaries, as well
as the involvement of an often complex array of stakeholders. There is close cooperation between the Agency's Technical Divisions and
the Technical Cooperation Department to ensure that Member States receive maximum benefit from both the Coordinated Research Activites and Technical
Cooperation Programme. |
| Q: |
What types of contractual arrangements does the IAEA offer to Institutions in Member States? |
| A: |
Within the scope of the Coordinated Research Activities, the IAEA offers four types of contractual
arrangements to institutions in Member States: research contracts, technical contracts, doctoral contracts and research agreements. |
| Q: |
What is a research contract? |
| A: |
Research contracts are awarded for the financial support of activities which involve an essential
research element or the development of a technique or specified item of equipment related to an IAEA programme. These contracts
are normally awarded in relation to research activities which are part of a Coordinated Research Project. Where consistent with
project requirements, preference in the award of research contracts is given to institutions in developing countries insofar as they can
effectively carry out the research. Research Contracts are awarded for an initial duration of one year with the possibility of renewal. |
| Q: |
What is a technical contract? |
| A: |
A technical contract is awarded for the provision of technical services which do not include a
substantial research element. They provide the IAEA with support or services needed to implement on-going or planned IAEA programmes.
In such cases it is recognised that, while no research may be involved and the award of a research contract would not be appropriate,
the service is needed to continue the programme successfully and that it will be of benefit to the IAEA. |
| Q: |
What is a doctoral contract? |
| A: |
Doctoral contracts are awarded to students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in developing countries. They are awarded for five years,
but are renewed on an annual basis. Doctoral candidates carry out CRP related research for a Ph.D. degree at the contract holders' institute. |
| Q: |
What is a research agreement? |
| A: |
A research agreement, which does not provide financial support, may be awarded to institutions
which can contribute to the achievement of the objectives of a Coordinated Research Project. The institution holding a research
agreement agrees to provide a report at each Research Coordination Meeting on work relating to the CRP and to assist other
participants when possible. In return, the institution shares in the results of the work of all other participating institutions.
Agreements within a CRP are awarded for the entire duration of the CRP. |