Collaborative Gearing Scheme
Present arrangements for AFI require that all proposals for scientific work from organisations outside BAS, requiring access to the BAS operating area in Antarctica, must be proposed through AFI, as a standard research grant in the non-thematic mode. These arrangements will continue to be supplemented by a complementary, low-cost "Collaborative Gearing Scheme" (CGS). The aim is to facilitate additional collaborative opportunities between BAS and Higher Education Institutes in situations where no additional funding for salaries, grants or direct science costs are required, but where access to field activities already included in the BAS science programme can enhance the scientific outcome of the latter significantly.
The CGS operates in the following way:
- A proposal to the CGS will involve collaborative field work between an eligible external institution and BAS.
- Proposals submitted under the CGS will require financial support only for certain marginal costs, such as travel (RAF airbridge), training and field clothing. These costs will be chargeable to AFI. There is no provision to fund any costs for scientific equipment or materials. Requests for significant additional logistic costs above that already agreed for the BAS Core Programme will not be considered. Proposals that require additional funding must be submitted as a full bid to AFI.
- Each CGS proposal, consisting of the CGS Proposal Form and a maximum of two sides of A4 for the science case, will set out the scientific case for support and articulate how it matches BAS logistics and enhances the BAS Science Programme. The proposal must be accompanied by a letter of support from the Science Leader of the appropriate BAS science Programme.
- No fieldwork may be conducted on South Georgia, either through CGS or through the main AFI scheme.
- Submissions may be made (electronically) at any time throughout the year, directly via the AFI Coordinator. However, please note that:
- Unless there are exceptional mitigating circumstances, proposals must be submitted to the AFI Coordinator no later than 31st March in the same calendar year as the start of the intended field season.
- Contact details of all fieldwork participants must be supplied to the AFI Coordinator no later than 30th June preceding the intended Antarctic season.
These requirements ensure that the necessary logistic planning arrangements are considered to the same timetable as for other BAS Antarctic operations; also that fieldwork personnel may be scheduled to attend the annual BAS Antarctic Briefing Conference and undertake other training, as required. - Bids submitted under the CGS will be considered by the BAS Directorate, who will decide which can go forward. BAS will report annually to the AFI Moderating Panel, with a justification for the awards made and applications rejected.
