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submitting your proposal

First Call for Feasibility Studies:EPSRC Future Compound Semiconductor

Manufacturing Research HubCall type: Invitation for proposals

Closing date: 30 March 2018 at 16:00

Funding Available: Funding is available for up to eight feasibility studies. Awards will be limited to £40,000 at 80% FEC for up to six months. Follow on funding of up to £120,000 (at 80% FEC) will be available for up to four of the feasibility studies. The funding is intended to lead to and facilitate a large scale EPSRC or Innovate UK application with strategic alignment to the Hub.

How to apply: Feasibility study applications should be submitted to Dr Sarah Taylor, Hub Manager ([email protected]).

Assessment Process: Submissions will be considered by a panel of independent assessors.

Key Dates:Activity Date

Call launched 01 January 2018

Closing date for applications 16:00, 30 March 2018

Evaluation of applications by 30 April 2018

Grants announced and feedback given by 04 May 2018

Expected start date of projects (or within three months) 01 August 2018

Contacts: Dr Sarah Taylor ([email protected] 029 2068 8891)

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mailto:[email protected]


First Call for Feasibility Studies:EPSRC Future Compound Semiconductor

Manufacturing Research HubCall type: Invitation for proposals

Closing date: 30 March 2018 at 16:00

SummaryThe EPSRC Future Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Research Hub is offering funding for up to eight feasibility studies to conduct research at TRL 1 to 3. Industry partner support can be used to include research at TRL 4. Proposals should be in topic areas consistent with the aims and complementary to the activity of the Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Research Hub. The feasibility study should examine a topic that is ambitious and high risk and the proposal should identify key challenges and research questions not currently being addressed.

Proposals must offer a step-change in Compound Semiconductor manufacturing and be co-created with an industry partner.

This call is open to UK academics and is a mechanism for new academic collaborators to engage with the Hub. Awards are limited to £40,000 at 80% FEC, for up to a maximum of six months and are expected to attract significant industrial support. Successful applicants may then apply for further follow on funding from the Hub and are expected to use the initial and, if appropriate, total funding to develop ideas and technology to prepare for an application to the EPSRC in responsive mode (e.g. the Manufacturing the Future Investigator-led or to other EPSRC Themes) or to Innovate UK as part of the strategic development of Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing.

BackgroundThe Future Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Research Hub is a £10.3m investment by the EPSRC to engage academics from across the UK to deliver a step change in the manufacturing of Compound Semiconductors. The Hub is led by Cardiff University and includes Spokes at the University of Sheffield, University College London and the University of Manchester.

The vision for the Hub is to reduce cost and increase volume by applying the manufacturing approaches of Silicon to Compound Semiconductors (CS) e.g. generic functionality; develop integrated CS and Silicon (Si) manufacturing to exploit the highly advantageous electronic, magnetic, optical and power handling properties of CS while utilising the cost and scaling advantage of Silicon where it is best suited; apply the manufacturing advances across the different families of CSs and combine these different CSs to generate novel integrated functionality; and change the UK academic mind-set to start with “manufacturable” research.

Details of current Hub strategy, activities and project partners can be found at www.compoundsemiconductor.org

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http://www.compoundsemiconductor.org/

For more information about EPSRC’s portfolio and strategies, see their website: https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/research/ourportfolio/

Scope of the callThe current announcement is a focused call for proposals to explore research topics, which support and complement existing Hub activities and promote further engagement with UK industry

Proposals must be novel and fundamental, addressing low TRL (1-4) problems, including the development of new manufacturing technologies, analytical studies to develop a fundamental understanding of state-of-the-art processes, or the development of process modelling and optimisation techniques.

Proposals should focus on overcoming manufacturing related challenges, rather than only on new material developments. Applications for supporting new material developments with significant manufacturing related challenges will be considered.

Funding availableFunding is available for up to eight feasibility studies with the potential for further follow on feasibility funding. This subsequent follow on funding round will be open to all funded feasibility studies, competition will be for four £120,000 follow-on awards. Information on these subsequent funding rounds will be made available to all successfully funded initial feasibility studies, and will also be available on the EPSRC and CSHub websites. Future funding rounds may include the distribution of funds from the CSHub in collaboration with other EPSRC Future Manufacturing Hubs. It is expected that the initial study, supported by a follow on study, should lead to a full grant proposal to EPSRC or Innovate UK. For proposals meeting a quality threshold as judged by independent assessors, precedence will be given in the following order:

1) universities not currently funded from the Hub with project partners (companies) not currently involved in the Hub;

2) universities not currently funded from the Hub with a project partner currently involved in the Hub.

3) academics not currently funded by the Hub, working for Cardiff, Manchester, UCL or Sheffield Universities, with a project partner not currently involved in the Hub.

4) academics currently funded from the Hub with a project partner not currently involved in the Hub.

5) academics not currently funded by the Hub, working for Cardiff, Manchester, UCL or Sheffield Universities, with a project partner currently involved in the Hub (very low priority).

Awards will be limited to £40,000 at 80% FEC for up to six months. Funding is intended to cover the costs of the PI and supporting researchers in undertaking research in preparation for a full grant proposal. Funding will therefore primarily cover staff time, with the remainder supporting consumables and travel. Funding for PhD students is not available.

EquipmentFunding for purchasing new equipment is not permitted. However, access will be available to existing equipment at Hub and Spoke institutions, and charged at cost. Please note that access to other EPSRC facilities such as UK National Ion Beam Centre of 16

for device fabrication and characterisation is available for every approved project (in some cases this is at no cost). Please contact the relevant EPSRC facility directly for more detailed information in advance of submission.

EligibilityThis call is open to all UK academic institutions (including existing Hub and Spoke institutions), where applicants must be eligible to hold an EPSRC grant. Cardiff University is the host organisation and will be administering the process.

How to applyFeasibility study applications should be submitted to Dr Sarah Taylor, Hub Manager ([email protected]). Applications should be no more than six sides of A4, using 2cm margins and a standard 11pt font and should be completed using the form available in Appendix 1. The completed form must be received by email at [email protected] by 16:00 on the 30th March 2018. Co-applicants including industry partners must be copied into the email submission. Proposals will be judged using the assessment form in Appendix 2 by independent assessors and should include, but need not be limited to, the following content:

1. Research title, institution name and Principal Investigator (PI)– note that PI must be eligible to hold an EPSRC grant https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/howtoapply/fundingguide/eligibility/investigators/

2. Start date and duration. (Projects should last for a maximum of six months except where a special case is made for a longer duration.)

3. A clear statement identifying the research topic and briefly explaining how the project addresses this area.

4. Context, aim and objectives of the research, including a description to explain how it aims to provide a quantifiable step-change in compound semiconductor manufacturing.

5. A description of the methodology to be used, including a timing and resource allocation plan. Clearly identify the key elements of your idea and the breakthrough principle(s) that need to be validated to achieve success. Include one or more milestones on the timing plan that will form the fastest route to validating these key breakthrough principle(s).

6. A description of the tangible deliverables from the feasibility study. Define suitable ‘success criteria’ that can be used to establish go/no go for follow-on funding and/or criterion needed for realistic large scale EPSRC or Innovate UK proposal.

7. A very brief track record of the applicants relevant to this proposal.

8. Justification of resources, summarising Directly Allocated (staff, estates costs, other), Directly Incurred (investigators, travel, consumables, infrastructure etc.), and Indirect Costs. A limit of 3.75hrs/week is imposed for investigators. This is in total for all investigators involved, including all institutions if a joint proposal is submitted.

9. A letter of support from the project partners detailing the financial support for the project and whether it is cash or in-kind (see https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/applicationprocess/preparing/writing/lettersofsupport/).

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10. A letter of support for any use of Hub and existing spoke facilities or any EPSRC central facilities.

Successful applicants, their staff, institutions and partners will be provided with the opportunity to engage fully with the CS Hub. The Hub Manager will be on hand to ensure that this is achieved. Engagement with the Hub will include, but is not limited to:

Working with a Study Mentor. The Mentor will be an individual from the Hub, who has experience in both the Hub and the research area of the application.

Participation in relevant Hub meetings as advised by the Hub Manager (fortnightly conference calls for active work packages, quarterly Management Board meetings, and bi-annual Strategic Advisory Board meetings, and/or any others that are relevant to the application).

Setting out project meetings in the Study Gantt chart, including timely review meetings with the Hub Director and Manager.

Joining the mailing list for Hub notifications.

Contributing to Hub’s Risk Register and Key Performance Indicator databases.

Taking an active role in timely review of objectives and deliverables and to report on these both for the project, and in the context of the Hub as a whole. For example, the applicant may need to provide a short piece for the Hub newsletter, or a page summary of the project for the glossy annual report. In addition, critical review points at study initiation, midpoint and endpoint will require status reports to the Hub Manager, and discussion meetings.

Participating in Hub training opportunities, identifying and alerting the Hub to opportunities, and where relevant, delivering training themselves.

Assessment processSubmissions will be considered by a panel of independent assessors. The evaluation

criteria (EC) for applications will be: EC1.1 Fit to the call scope. Does the proposal address a fundamental step-change in compound semiconductor manufacturing technology?

EC1.2 Does the proposal complement activity at the Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub?

EC1.3 Is there potential for developing a larger collaborative project, either at a similar fundamental level or at higher TRLs?

EC2.1 Is the proposal likely to result in high quality research? Is the hypothesis plausible, is the approach credible and will the team be able to deliver?

EC2.2 How well has the proposal been planned? Are the requested resources appropriate and have they been fully justified?

EC3.1 Does the proposal present suitable levels of challenge and ambition? High risk, high-return studies are encouraged.

EC3.2 Is the proposal relevant to the interests of and financially supported by industrial partners and other stakeholders?

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Submission and Assessment forms, the latter to be used by the independent assessors, are available in Appendix 1 and 2.

Key datesActivity Date

Call launched 01 January 2018

Closing date for applications 16:00 30 March 2018

Evaluation of applications by 30 April 2018

Grants announced and feedback given by 04 May 2018

Expected start date of projects (or within three months) 01 August 2018

ContactsFor more details, please contact the Hub Manager, Dr Sarah Taylor ([email protected] or 029 2068 8891). Applicants are asked to consult their university’s research office ahead of submitting a proposal to this call, in order to be clear of the requirements for meeting the deadlines set out above.

Change logName Date Version Change

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Appendix 1

Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Application Form

Help with Completing this Form (the completed form MUST NOT exceed 6 pages)Please check the Guidance before completing this form.

Please ensure your submission is complete and conforms to a minimum 11pt Calibri font

Project Title: Total Grant Requested (max £40,000 at 80% FEC):

Proposed Start date:

Project Duration (max 6 months):

Section A. OverviewPlease provide a short overview of the content and objectives of your project including what is innovative about it and how it aligns with the Hub’s objectives.

Describe the proposed project in simple terms in a way that could be publicised to a general audience [max 1200 characters including spaces]. Note that this summary will be published on the Hub website and promotional literature if the grant is awarded.

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Section B. Applicant DetailsPlease provide information on all university and company partners involved in your project.Application must have a minimum of one applicant and one project partner. For additional co-applicants and project partners, please copy and paste the appropriate table below.

Lead Organisation Name:

Lead Organisation Location:

Lead Person Contact Details(Email/Tel):

Co-Applicant 1 DetailsOrganisation Name:

Organisation Location:

Co-Applicant Contact Details (Email/Tel):

Project Partner 1 DetailsOrganisation Name:



Project Partner 2 DetailsOrganisation Name:



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Section C. Project DetailsThe aim of the feasibility study is to provide evidence that can be used to apply for responsive mode EPSRC funding under the Manufacturing Theme or Innovate UK funding. Where further Hub funding will be necessary to allow this to happen the application must make clear how the outcomes from the initial project will be used to judge whether further funding is appropriate.

1. In the space below please describe track record, scientific context, methodology and complementarity to the Hub. [Max 3,500 characters including spaces]

2. Describe potential impact of the activity with particular reference to the project partner and the

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Manufacturing Hub. [Max 1,500 characters including spaces]

3. Please list the project deliverables and include a simple project plan eg. a PERT or Gantt Chart

Include how deliverables will be used to support a large scale future application to EPSRC or Innovate UK or to judge a go / no go decision on further Hub feasibility funding [Max 2,000 characters including spaces]

4. Identify and provide a justification of resources requested in section D below.

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Include a description of the company contribution. [Max 2,400 characters including spaces]

5. IP arrangements. [Max 1,000 characters including spaces]

Section D. Finance TablePlease complete the following table breaking down your costs. Note: the Hub can only fund at 80% of FEC.Please add (name / position; start date; duration) rows as needed for additional posts.Please note that you may be asked to provide further detail in order to accurately assess and / or administer your proposal.Questions: [email protected]

ACADEMIC PARTNER AUNIVERSITY NAME:Directly Incurred (DI) Name / Position: Start date: Duration:FTE % 100% Request (max 80%) CommentsSub-total DI Post(s) Cost £ Travel & Subsistence £ DI Other Costs £Total DI Costs £Directly Allocated (DA)Name / Position:Start date: Duration:Sub-total DA Post(s) Cost £ Estates £Indirect Costs £ACADEMIC A Subtotal £

ACADEMIC PARTNER BUNIVERSITY NAME:Directly Incurred (DI)Name / Position:

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Start date: Duration:FTE % 100% Request (max 80%) CommentsSub-total DI Post(s) Cost £ Travel & Subsistence £ DI Other Costs £Total DI Costs £Directly Allocated (DA)Name / Position:Start date: Duration:Sub-total DA Post(s) Cost £ Estates £Indirect Costs £ACADEMIC B Subtotal £TOTAL ACADEMIC £

Project Partner A ContributionCOMPANY NAME:

ITEM AMOUNT

INDUSTRY A Contribution Subtotal £Project Partner B Contribution

COMPANY NAME: ITEM AMOUNT

INDUSTRY B Contribution Subtotal £Industry total in kind £Industry total in cash £TOTAL INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION £TOTAL PROJECT VALUE £(Calculated from Total Industry Contribution + Total Academic Costs requested )TOTAL REQUESTED FROM HUB £

Section E. If successful, are you ready to start your project within 3 months of project approval notification?

PI name: Date:

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Appendix 2

Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study Evaluation Form

Project Title:

Applicants:

Evaluator Name:

Internal Reference Number:

SUMMARY SCORE (to be completed after textual components)

1. Hub & Call AlignmentUse EC 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3

2. Scientific Quality and ClarityUse EC 2.1 & 2.2

3. Potential Impact / OpportunityUse EC 3.1 & 3.2

Total Score (sum of 1 to 3)

Scoring Guide0 The proposal fails to address the criterion or cannot be assessed due to missing or

incomplete information.1 Average. The proposal broadly addresses the criterion, but there are significant

weaknesses.2 Good. The proposal addresses the criterion well, but a number of shortcomings are present.3 Very Good. The proposal addresses the criterion very well, but a small number of minor

shortcomings are present.4 Excellent. The proposal successfully addresses all relevant aspects of the criterion

In order to be approved for funding a proposal must achieve a total score of at least 8 with a minimum of 2 in each category

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1. Scientific Quality and Clarity Evaluation

Please assess the application on its scientific quality and implementation including the following:EC2.1 Is the proposal likely to result in high quality research? Is the hypothesis plausible, is the approach credible and will the team be able to deliver?

EC2.1a. Are the intended outcomes clear?EC2.1b. Credibility of the proposed approach and feasibility of the research?

EC2.2 How well has the proposal been planned? Are the requested resources appropriate and have they been fully justified?

EC2.2a. Will the intended outcomes make a difference to the Compound Semiconductor scientific community and/or Industry?EC2.2b. Is the use of resources, including the choice of academic and industry partners, appropriate?

Reviewer Notes

Rating Please tick below

0 Fails 1 Average2 Good3 Very Good 4 Excellent

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3. Potential Impact/Opportunity Evaluation

Please assess the application on its potential impact/opportunity including the following:EC3.1 Does the proposal present suitable levels of challenge and ambition? High risk, high-return studies are encouraged. EC3.2 Is the proposal relevant to the interests of and financially supported by industrial partners and other stakeholders?

EC3.2a. Contribution of the participating company.EC3.2b. Identified user needs that will be addressed by the project. EC3.2c. Fit of the project objectives with the strategy of the participating company?EC3.2d. Lambert agreement or other IP management in place / agreed as appropriate to company contribution?

Reviewer Notes


0 Fails1 Average2 Good3 Very Good 4 Excellent

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1. Hub Alignment Evaluation

Please assess the application on its alignment with Hub objectives including the following:EC1.1 Fit to the call scope. Does the proposal address a fundamental step-change in compound semiconductor manufacturing technology? EC1.2 Does the proposal complement activity at the Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub?

EC1.2a. Is there alignment with the Hub strategy?EC1.2b. Is there complementarity with current Hub activity?

EC1.3 Is there potential for developing a larger collaborative project, either at a similar fundamental level or at higher TRLs?

EC1.3a. Will the immediate outcomes facilitate the application for further EPSRC or Innovate UK funding?EC1.3b. Will the outcomes justify further funding from the Hub (at £120k at 80% FEC) to bridge to a future large EPSRC or Innovate UK proposal?

Reviewer Notes


0 Fails1 Average2 Good3 Very Good 4 Excellent

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