Types of proposals
In order to simplify the procedure of application for research projects, the Scientific Board (SB) supports the following two steps in research proposals.
Letter of intent (1-3 pages)
The purpose of a letter of intent is to inform the SB about a plan for a scientific project. A preliminary discussion of such a proposal will help the investigators to finalize their project within a major scope of the scientific agenda of the SHCS. The SB will also make suggestions for additional study aims or research groups to be included in the final project.
The letter of intent will include a short general description of the research question, the rationale and the resources likely to be needed. Minimum requirements include:
- a short introduction with 1 - 5 key references
- the study objectives
- the study design
- a preliminary budget
Full proposal
The detailed description of the study should concisely present all the information necessary to permit a complete assessment of the proposal. In general, it should consist of 10 pages or less.
For proposals that only require the use of SHCS data but no financial support, about 3 pages will usually suffice.
The template full proposal shows all information required.
Fast-track proposal
For fast-track proposals, rapid decisions may be taken by e-mail but they are limited to very special circumstances.
- The special conditions are:
- temporal delay of the decision to the next SB meeting would jeopardize the timely publication of the work (e.g. late breaker abstract, important publication in a very competitive situation).
- Clear research question and straightforward analysis.
- The suggested budget for the proposed work is less than CHF 5'000.-.
- Submissions have to be done as usual through the SHCS submission e-mail with request for rapid evaluation (submission©shcsmail.ch). The usual full proposal template has to be used.
- The chairman of the SB will decide whether special circumstances are met.
- If conditions are met, the proposal is sent to all members of the SB by e-mail (sb©shcsmail.ch). The members of the SB have the possibility to express their objection during one week. If there is no objection, the project is accepted. In case of an objection, the project will be discussed at the next SB meeting.
At each step, the SB will get back to the investigators in order to avoid unnecessary efforts if a project is not felt to be worth pursuing or if coordination with other projects is necessary.