FAQs about the Agri-SME Evidence Fund

General questions

Do you fund researchers who are not engaged at top universities or who are not local (where applicable) to the country of research focus?

Yes, the Agri-SME Evidence Fund gives equal opportunity to researchers from all over the world, and proposals are assessed on thematic alignment to the evidence fund’s research priorities, methodological rigour, geographical focus, and policy merit. However, we particularly encourage researchers based in low- and middle-income countries, PhD students, and young untenured faculty to apply.

Do I need a PhD to apply?

The Lead PI of a proposal must hold or be currently pursuing a PhD. Co-PIs generally should have the same qualifications, but exceptional candidates with a master’s degree can be considered.

Do you accept proposals directly from individuals?

Yes, but with individually managed projects, expenses are only reimbursed in arrears, with original receipts. This means that some expenses—such as flights, hotels, survey costs, etc.—will need to be fronted by researchers. Wherever feasible, the IGC strongly recommends contracting through institutions. In particular, individual contracts with significant data collection expenses n are strongly discouraged.

Can a single institution submit multiple proposals?

Yes

Can a single researcher be included in multiple proposals?

Yes

We are applying for other sources of funding or have already received other funds. Is it still possible to apply?

Yes, we encourage the co-funding of Agri-SME Evidence Fund proposals.

Budgetary questions

In which currency is the award made?

The award is made in Great British Pound sterling (GBP).

Can the costs of inflation and/or depreciation be taken into account for billing purposes?

No, inflation and depreciation risks must be borne by the applicants whose projects are approved.

What proportion of the budget can cover institutional overheads (indirect costs)?

Please note that only institutions can apply for overhead, which is capped at a maximum of 15% of the total direct costs specific to the project. We define an institution as an organization occupying a physical space where it is located, and that actively incurs costs (such as rent and services) which are consistent with overhead costs. Overheads typically cover the institution’s IT infrastructure, insurance costs, electricity, etc.

Do you allow remuneration for Principal Investigators and Co-investigators?

If the PI is a full-time academic on a salaried position based in a developed country (US/UK/EU, etc.) they are not allowed to claim any fees. Only under extreme circumstances will we consider exceptions to this policy. 

If the PI is a full-time academic based in a low- and middle-income country, they can claim fees up to 22 days, but usually fewer under Value for Money considerations. 

If the PI is a PhD student or a post-doc, regardless of location, there is no limit for fee days that can be claimed. However, these are subject to review under the Value for Money evaluation criterion. 

All fee rates must comply with the guidance and figures set out in IGC Pay Matrix.

Can a research assistant be hired?

It is typical for researchers to hire their own research assistants (RAs) for these projects. For institutionally managed projects, these RAs are contracted by the managing institution. For individually managed projects, these RAs are contracted by the IGC. Please refer to the IGC Pay Matrix to determine fee rates. 

Do you fund business class travel?

No, the Agri-SME Evidence Fund is not able to fund business-class travel.

Do you pay per diems?

No, the Agri-SME Evidence Fund is unable to pay per diems. It does, however, fund expenses if they have been budgeted for in the proposal and only if original receipts are presented. Please refer to the Travel Policy for further details.