Frequently Asked Questions on Project Submission and Approval
Process
In January 2000, IUPAC implemented a new system
for the submission and initiation of projects. Only after a proposal
is reviewed in detail and approved by a Division Committee or Standing
Committee are funds made available to the task group formed to carry
out the project.
The sequence can be summarized as
Ideas
> Proposal > Review > Resources > Task Group > Project
The project-driven system permits IUPAC to
address problems quickly, to provide funds where needed to expedite
completion, and most importantly to seek ideas more broadly and of great
importance within IUPAC's scope.
To find out if your idea fits the general
criteria and it is worth submitting a proposal, see the followings hints:
What is a suitable IUPAC project?
IUPAC�s role involves international
chemistry. Traditional projects include the international standardization
of nomenclature and terminology, publication of glossaries in particular
fields, setting standards for presentation of spectral and other data,
establishing uniform scales for quantities such as pH, forging agreement
on analytical methods, and a host of similar matters. Other IUPAC projects
are directed at compilation and evaluation of quantitative (usually
numeric) data in areas where there are international needs, such as
thermodynamics, kinetics, metabolism, etc.
(See Guidelines
for IUPAC Projects for details)
> For examples, see complete listings of
current projects.
Who can submit a project?
Anyone
or any group may submit a project, whether or not they are currently
members of an IUPAC body.
What does a project submission
consist of?
Form and Guidelines are available
as text file and accessible on-line. Please note that the form shown
is an outline; it is quite concise, and it is expected that supporting
material will be included as necessary.
Where should the project submission
forms be sent?
All forms and supporting material
should be sent to the IUPAC Secretariat at the following e-mail address:
[email protected] or
by mail to: P.O. Box 13757, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27709-3757
or by fax to: +1 919 485 8706.
Who will review the project
submission form or proposal?
Each Division Committee and Standing
Committee will review projects relevant to its area of interest. Interdivisional
projects will be reviewed by all Division Committees or Standing Committees
judged to be relevant.
(See Project Review Procedure for
details)
What will the review process
consist of?
After a project proposal is received
by the Secretariat, it will be sent to the appropriate Division or Standing
Committee(s). After a brief initial review for relevance, the Committee
will instruct the Secretariat to distribute the project material to
at least three outside referees. When the referees' reports are received
by the Secretariat, they will be sent (anonymously) to the project submitter
for comment. The referees' reports and the comments from the submitter
will then be returned to the Division or Standing Committee for action.
Projects approved by a Division Committee will usually be funded from
the Division budget. However, projects that are interdivisional in subject
matter or that require additional resources will be referred to the
Project Committee for final decision.
(See Project Review Procedure for
details)
How much time will be needed
for this review process?
In general, the review process should
be completed in four months. In cases where questions arise or funds
are not immediately available, approval and funding may take longer.
When can projects be submitted?
Projects can be submitted at any
time, and project reviews occur continuously; there is no set time for
submission of projects. Funds will be available as soon as a funding
decision has been made.
How long should a project take?
Projects should be for whatever
period is necessary to complete the objectives of the project. Few projects
will probably be for less than 12 months and few should be longer than
three years. There is no need to fit the time frame of a project into
the biennial period defined by IUPAC General Assemblies.
Who can work on a project?
The project leader chooses the Task
Group for the project. These need not be scientists who are currently
members of an IUPAC body. During the review process the Division or
Standing Committee may occasionally recommend additional members to
augment expertise or broaden geographic representation. In addition,
IUPAC's National Adhering Organizations are notified of approved projects
and may suggest scientists that the task group chairman can consider
adding to the task group.
What is the amount of funding
available for a project?
While there is no limit to the size
of a project, it is expected that most projects will be funded for less
than USD 5000.
What can project funds be used
for?
Project funds can be used for travel,
administrative costs such as word processing, printing, programming
or any other expenses necessary for completion of the objectives of
the project. Since funds are limited, every effort should be made to
utilize electronic communications in lieu of meetings of the task group.
In view of the modern means of electronic communication, overhead expenses
are expected to be minimal. Please note that IUPAC projects are not
intended to be original research projects and the cost of new research
work should not be a part of the project costs.
Other Information
Division and Standing Committee
Officers are well acquainted with the project-driven system, and can
be consulted informally prior to submission. Other documents related
to the system are also available, and include:
- IUPAC Projects website
(including access to current and completed projects)
- Guidelines
for IUPAC Projects, IUPAC Handbook
- Project Submission Form and Guidelines for
Completion
- Project Review Procedure
- Advice for Project Reviewers
- 'Think IUPAC
Project" by E.D. Becker - Chem. Int. 23(1), pp. 12-13,
2001
Please feel free to contact the Secretariat
if you have additional questions.
(Feb 02 version)