- 061-450249/450251
- rcii@gandakiuniversity.edu.np
- Pokhara-32, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Faculty Research Grant Guidelines
Our application process is designed to be as streamlined and efficient as possible, while ensuring that each submission is carefully evaluated. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications in accordance with the guidelines provided, detailing their projects, theses, and other relevant contents. By adhering to these guidelines, applicants enable us to better understand the scope and significance of their work.
Key Grant Information
Grant Amount
Rs.1,00,000
Per approved project
Project Duration
6-12 months
Maximum Timeline
Budget Release
40% → 30%→ 30%
Phase Release Schedule
Chapter 1: Introduction
Gandaki University—established in 2019 by Gandaki Province—is the first provincial university of Nepal. It has a mission to provide world-class higher education and to produce highly skilled graduates in key disciplines, with a major focus on meeting the demand of the 21st century in keeping with the most recent international trends in university education involving research-based teaching. To meet with this mission, faculty members need to carry out relevant research as a part of their job so as to provide benefits to students. Relevant research proposals from faculties are expected to link teaching with generation of science continuously and solve burning problems/issues through action and problem-solving research. Being an institution of learning at higher level, GU has developed Research Center, Invention and Innovation Center (RC-II) as a core unit to engage itself and GU’s faculties in generating scientific knowledge through basic as well as advance research and cater science and community from a new perspective.
Points to be Considered
- The fund is comprised of money received from the Gandaki Province Government as part of the regular budget for the Gandaki University.
- Awards are in the form of small grants to the projects submitted by faculty members selected through peer review processes based on certain limit of total fund.
- GU provides small grants (Rs. 1,00,000; Rs. One lakh) to basic and problem solving, strategic, and short-term action research.
- The research works should comply with the vision and mission of GU and fall within the broader national interest.
- The Vice-Chancellor of the University provides periodic suggestions to improve guidelines and help establishing appropriate research environment.
- Director of RC-II shall be responsible to carry out daily works including management of financial and technical part of the research projects.
Peer Review Process
- All proposals submitted for GU research grants are subjected to the peer review process.
- Reviewers are identified based on having minimum PhD degree, or Master’s degree with at least five first-author publications in peer reviewed journals.
- Complete proposals are sent to reviewers on the condition of anonymity.
- Reviewers are required to submit an evaluation report based on provided pro-forma.
- A peer reviewer will be paid an honorarium (Rs. 2,000) for each proposal reviewed.
Report Submission
- RC-II requires submitting a six-monthly technical report of all projects supported by GU.
- Logical Frameworks will be the bases of evaluating the reports.
- All grant recipients need to submit final technical report upon completion.
- Unused money shall be automatically retained at the university account.
Chapter 2: Thematic Areas
RC-II has a wide scope of research ranging from biochemical, molecular to ecosystem characterization and their utility for socio-economic development of Nepal. Research themes are organized into the following groups:
Pharmacy and Allied Subjects
Sports Science and Sports Management
Information Technology and Allied Subjects
Business Administration and Management
Law and Related Affairs
Fundmental Science and Social Sciences
Environment Science and Technology
Note: Submitted proposals should have increased inclusion of issues contributing to teaching, policy development, and national economy. Multidisciplinary research with student involvement is encouraged.
Chapter 3: Guidelines For The Concept Propsal
Medium term: 6–12 months duration. All proposals must follow the structured format outlined below for proper evaluation and consideration.
Cover Page Requirements
- Thematic areas (as mentioned in guidelines)
- Title of the proposed research project with abbreviated version
- Principal Investigator: Person with overall responsibility of the research project
- Executive Summary/Abstract: Brief overview of rationale, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes
- Project Location: All research locations must be displayed
- Start and Completion Dates (DD.MM.YYYY) – Maximum 12 months
- Mailing Address, Telephone, and Email of Principal Investigator
- Collaboration/Partners details if applicable
Main Body - Introduction (500 words)
- Nature of the problem being addressed
- Why is this problem important?
- Previous work in the area and knowledge gap illustration
- How the proposed research will contribute to solving the stated problem
- Potential for providing rewarding investigation/output
- Suitability and vision of the research project
Literature Review (600 words)
- Describe relevant work performed or currently being performed elsewhere
- Explain how this project will relate to the proposed work
- Provide scientific facets to the proposed project
- Establish that previous knowledge has been inadequately addressed
Hypothesis & Objectives
- Research hypothesis should lead from introduction
- Each objective should state a specific action, not loosely defined goals
- Each objective should be achievable with measurable outcomes
- Objectives shall ensure expected outcomes for assessment
Justification/Rationale (300 words)
- Explain logically why this research is essential
- Cover existing knowledge and knowledge gap
- Include technical and budgetary justification
Materials and Methods
- Duration of study, list of materials and resources needed
- Justification of study site selection
- Study design (qualitative, quantitative, or both
- Type of research (experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal, survey, etc.)
- Sampling techniques and data collection methods
- Method of data analyses
Ethical Consideration
- Outline ethical considerations if appropriate
- Identify professional body for ethical oversight (e.g., Nepal Health Research Council)
Expected Outcomes
- Link outcome of each objective with benefits to funder, policy makers, scientific community
- Highlight what the project intends to achieve
Team Composition
- Describe team composition, roles, and responsibilities
- Indicate student involvement in planning, monitoring, and implementation
References
- Provide full and correctly cited references
- American Psychological Association (APA) style of referencing is suggested
Chapter 4: Budget Guidelines
The total budget should be produced under specific headings with proper allocation and release schedule.
Budget Headings
- Materials and equipment
- Supplies (questionnaire preparation, print, photocopies, stationery)
- Labor/research assistants
- Travel and field visits
- Progress reports/final report preparation
- Monthly remuneration of researchers/research assistants including 5% contingency costs
Budget Allocation and Release
- First Release: 40% of total costs (Rs. 40,000) upon approval
- Second Release: 30% of budget after successful 6-monthly progress report
- Final Release: Remaining 30% upon completion and submission of final report
Evaluation Criteria (Annex 1)
Proposals are evaluated based on the following criteria with a total score of 100 points:
| Criteria | Weight | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance with content and format requirements | 10% | |
| Clear and measurable objectives achievable in study period | 10% | |
| Quality of study design and methodology | 15% | |
| Quality of plans to evaluate project impact | 10% | |
| Prospects for near-term implementation | 10% | |
| Project is innovative, problem solving, and action oriented | 15% | |
| Budget appropriate to the proposed project | 10% | |
| Relevance to the policy of Gandaki Province Government | 5% | |
| Addressed issues related to GU programs (interdepartmental involvement) | 5% | |
| Prior experience of PI/coordinator with subject matter | 5% | |
| Team composition and their expertise (student involvement) | 5% |
Downloads & Resources
Download official templates and forms required for your grant application