Department of Transport

#1 million boost for new transport research

date 13 June 1996   source Department of Transport   type Press release

Around twenty researchers across the country could soon get a
#50,000 boost each for their innovative work on transport policy.

The Department of Transport is calling for people to step
forward and apply for funding for small research projects. Areas
of particular interest are:

* transport awareness, which could result in reducing
environmental impacts;

* use of telematics to reduce road accident casualties;

* behavioural responses to transport telematics innovations;

* innovative transport modelling methodologies and techniques
for improved data collection.

Good proposals in other areas are also encouraged.

Commenting on the move, Transport Secretary Sir George Young,
said:

This #1 million programme is an opportunity for researchers
to put forward original and innovative ideas for research
and to develop them to the point where their success and
relevance to the Departments needs can be demonstrated .

Projects should normally be completed within twelve months and
not exceed #50,000. Any established research organisation is
eligible to apply and the involvement of small and medium sized
enterprises is encouraged. Proposals involving collaborative
effort will be considered on their merits, as long as one
organisation acts as lead partner.

The Seedcorn programme is intended to explore innovative or
speculative ideas in areas relevant to the policy and operational
interests of the Departments Central Transport Group. An initial
sum of #1 million is available for the three year programme.

The programme is now open to applications which will be
considered four times a year. The first closing date for
proposals is 31 July 1996.

Selection of projects will be based on the scientific quality of
the proposed research, relevance to Departmental objectives, and
the scale of the innovation balanced against the likelihood of
achieving a successful outcome.

Advertisements inviting applications will also be appearing in
a selection of scientific and research journals later this month.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Further information about the Seedcorn programme and an
Information for Applicants guide can be obtained from:

Mr Guy Lovett
Chief Scientists Unit
Department of Transport
Great Minster House
Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR.

Fax: 0171 271 5601
e-mail: csu2@dot-csu.demon.co.uk

2. The programme will support promising work, including that of
a longer term or strategic character, which is relevant to the
Departments policy objectives. The programme is not normally intended
to support research which is primarily to develop new technologies or
techniques relevant to DOT Agencies, nor technical research on
railways ( heavy rail ).

3. The new Seedcorn programme is responsive, so that
researchers are free to offer ideas to match broad-brush
requirements; and competitive, so that research organisations
compete for the available funds. The Department will not specify
the approach or content of a Seedcorn research project; rather,
the initiative will lie with the applicant.

# = pounds sterling

Railnews Archive ::: 1996-06-13 DoT-001

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