Sandpit 3: ICT Tools for Governance and Policy Modelling
Q&As
Q1. What will the split be between European and New Zealand scientists in the Sandpit?
This will depend on the applicants, but we expect there to be approximately 6 researchers from New Zealand and up to 9 European researchers in the Sandpit.
Q2. What expertise are you looking for - just ICT researchers?
The nature of Sandpits is trans-disciplinary and we are looking for a broad cross-section of expertise. Above all, we seek to engage researchers who can demonstrate that they have something relevant to offer to the research questions set by the Sandpit.
Q3. How are participants selected and how can you be sure the right people are in the room?
A multi-party panel (FRENZ, MSI, and the Sandpit facilitator and mentors) will assess prospective participants. The process by which participants are selected is outlined on page 5 of the Sandpit Call Text PDF.
Q4. Who will the Sandpit director and mentors be?
The mentors have yet to be confirmed, but this information will be made available as soon as possible on the FRENZ website.
Q5. Can the deadlines for the Expressions of Interest be extended?
No, as this would delay the whole Sandpit process. The Expressions of Interest (Application) form is relatively short; we require a maximum of three pages, plus your CV.
Q6. How does the CV information requested relate to the Sandpit application?
The suggested CV template is the New Zealand RS&T Curriculum Vitae Template. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider how information relating to their skills and expertise, as captured in their CV, can be tailored to address the specific Expression of Interest questions.
Q7. Who is running this activity?
This Sandpit is a FRENZ activity and is the third of three that we are delivering through our agreement with FRENZ co-funders the European Commission and New Zealand Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI).
Q8. How broadly should the research theme (ICT tools for governance and policy modelling) be interpreted?
A broad interpretation is correct. The Sandpit delegates will have the flexibility to refine proposed research in partnership with end-users. This will also ensure the delivery of a broad, integrated trans-disciplinary outcome. Please see the Call Text for more information.
Q9. What does FRENZ expect to achieve by running the Sandpit process?
FRENZ's aim is to enhance the engagement of the New Zealand research, science and technology community with the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7).
Q10. Do all Sandpit participants get something out of this?
The Sandpit is an innovative process to develop novel research ideas. It is then up to participants to self-determine their involvement in research collaborations and subsequent research funding applications.
A key feature of the FRENZ Sandpit process is to support the development of collaborative New Zealand-Europe research relationships. These relationships may result in participation in the research teams and projects emerging from the Sandpit; or may mature later through other schemes such as fellowships or the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES).
It is expected that all participants will benefit professionally from the Sandpit experience and the networks created in this intensive environment.
Q11. How are research ideas developed?
The Sandpit process enables participants to develop innovative research approaches and then refines them. An experienced European facilitator will lead participants through defined stages of the Sandpit process, culminating with the development of research project ideas that are suitable for submission to available funding mechanisms in New Zealand and Europe.
These stages involve end-users at some points, and include:
- defining the scope of the issue
- agreeing a common language and terminology amongst people from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines
- sharing understanding of the research problem, and the expertise brought by the participants to the Sandpit
- using creative and innovative thinking techniques to scope research to resolve the research problems; and
- capturing the outputs in the form of research project ideas.
Q12. How many researchers from each organisation will participate?
There is no quota on participation of researchers from any organisation. The aim of the Sandpit is to start with a clean slate and bring together the best group of participants to think outside of the box, defining solutions from first principles, without being constrained by conventional thinking.
Researchers are invited into the Sandpit on the basis of their individual merit, rather than which agency they represent. The expectation is that all participants in the Sandpit are able to operate in the best interests of the research, rather than acting to protect the interests of their agencies.
Q13. What are the main roles in the Sandpit process?
The key roles are summarised below:
Participants
Participants in the Sandpit are selected on the basis of the skills and expertise they can offer. The range of participants can be extremely diverse and are expected to come from different science disciplines. It is their responsibility to contribute fully and constructively and this includes making hard decisions about prioritisation of ideas and funding allocations.
Stakeholders
People with real experience of the issue provide invaluable insight and a unique perspective. Their input and knowledge helps participants explore the issue and shape potential ideas.
Director
The director is fundamental to success. A director, from the end user, academic or business community, is appointed to each sandpit and it is their vision and leadership that shapes the process. During the sandpit, the director, with support from mentors and facilitators, needs to maintain the group's focus on the key aim and ensure the intensive environment remains constructive.
Mentors
A team of mentors work alongside the director in selecting the participants and providing objective advice, feedback and input at the sandpit. Selected for their knowledge and experience, their overall aim is to ensure the sandpit leads to high-quality innovative research. Like the director, mentors need the intellectual standing and impartiality to lead the group through this challenging experience.