Richtlinien zur Förderinitiative „Nationales Netzwerk Computational Neuroscience - Bernstein Zentren“

Announcement of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) [June 25, 2008 - deadline: December 31, 2008]

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1. Funding purpose and legal basis

1.1 Funding purpose

The neurosciences have great potential to develop innovations aimed at solving important and pressing social challenges. Modern neuroscience can make a significant contribution to meeting challenges such as ageing societies, the rise of neurodegenerative diseases, and the increasing demand for innovative solutions and approaches for technological applications in an internationally competitive environment. They can help identify basic processes and principles relating to brain function and use the insights gained to develop medical and technological applications. In order to make far-reaching progress in our understanding of advanced brain function, the most modern research approaches need to be applied.

The highly dynamic discipline of computational neuroscience can be expected to produce major insights. It combines experiments with data analysis and computer simulation on the basis of well-defined theoretical concepts, and it makes available a scientific language which can be used across different disciplines and levels in the fields of neurobiology, cognitive research, systems biology and information technology. Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, computational neuroscience can also significantly accelerate neuroscientific research and extend its methodology.

That is why the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) started addressing and strengthening this field of research at an early stage. With its funding priority “National Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience”, which is part of the “Health Research” innovation strategy of the Federal Government’s High-Tech Strategy, the BMBF has created the basic structural conditions necessary for establishing Computational Neuroscience in Germany as a research field with high international visibility, strengthening the training of young scientists in this discipline, and ensuring that research results are developed into applications.
The Bernstein Network was founded in 2004 with the establishment of four “Bernstein Centres for Computational Neuroscience”. In 2006, the BMBF introduced the “Bernstein Award” to provide targeted support to outstanding young scientists. It is conferred at an international level and gives highly talented young scientists an opportunity to realize their own research concepts and become qualified for leading positions in science. At the beginning of 2007, the National Bernstein Network was supplemented by the “Bernstein Partner” initiative: five “Bernstein Groups” and eleven “Bernstein Collaborations” were established in order to open up new experimental and theoretical capacities and integrate them into the network. The BMBF developed the format “Bernstein Focus” to help bridge the gap between neuroscientific research and technological application. The funding measure “Bernstein Focus: Neurotechnology“, which was published in 2007, addresses a wide range of topics. The “Bernstein Focus: Neural Basics of Learning“, initiated in 2008, bridges the gap to technological areas of application that can be developed on the basis of knowledge about the neural mechanisms of learning.
These measures build on and complement each other, giving the National Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience a unique structural quality that has already produced recognized R&D results and given new impetus to biomedical research and the promising international market of neurotechnology.

The BMBF now intends to fund measures aimed at strengthening, intensifying and sustaining the structures created under the National Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience with the aim of consolidating and sustaining computational neuroscience, which has become established as a research approach thanks to the previous measures.

The BMBF support, in cooperation with the Länder and institutions of higher education, has the aim of taking better advantage of the concepts and approaches of the young discipline of neuroscience, particularly in relation to the phenomenon of ageing, nervous system disorders, information and communication technologies, neurotechnologies and, in future, education.

To this end, the “Bernstein Centres for Computational Neuroscience“ format is to be further developed. In these efforts, the sustainable continuation of existing structures is as important as the development and consolidation of new structures in regions in which no Bernstein Centre has yet been established. All research funding organizations are expected to support a sustainability concept for the long-term institutional integration of the planned or existing Bernstein Centre and make it a fundamental part of the overall concept. The quality of the overall concept and the effective implementation of the idea behind the Centre will be decisive in the selection procedure. This will enable regions which do not yet have a Bernstein Centre as well as new concepts for smaller Centres to participate in the funding measure successfully.

The successful Bernstein Centres for Computational Neuroscience will become central elements of the National Bernstein Network for Computational Neuroscience.

1.2. Legal basis

Project grants will be awarded in accordance with the present funding regulations, the BMBF's standard terms and conditions for grants on an expenditure or cost basis and the administrative regulations under section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO). There is no legal entitlement to funding. The BMBF will decide on the award of funding after due assessment of the circumstances and within the confines of the budget funds available.

2. Object of funding

Funding will be provided for up to five regionally organized Bernstein Centres for Computational Neuroscience that facilitate intensive and effective interdisciplinary cooperation between theoretical and experimental working groups in order to solve complex scientific problems. These problems should be of major relevance to application-oriented areas, particularly the phenomenon of ageing, biomedical research, and information technology. Funding will mainly be provided for innovative research concepts of high scientific quality, particularly those involving cooperation between universities and non-university research establishments, hospitals or industry partners. The Centres should be designed as interdepartmental structures with a critical mass of research groups to ensure that synergy effects can be achieved. They are expected to become integrated into the National Bernstein Network and exchange ideas with its members and external partners.

The scientific aim of the Bernstein Centres is to conduct systematic research into the neural basis of cognitive processes, with special emphasis on decoding the interactions between neural dynamics and information processing. Each Centre is expected to focus on a mutual problem, which can include aspects at molecular, cellular and systemic level as well as at behavioural level. The scientific quality and innovativeness of the research concept are very important for the project evaluation. A strong concept for implementing the idea behind the Centre and for ensuring continuity is equally important in the selection process. Each Centre is responsible for selecting the topics on which it will focus.

Relevant topics could include the following:

- Principles and mechanisms behind the neural integration of multimodal information
- Neural coding and representation of the temporal structures of sensory stimuli and/or motor programmes
- Fundamental neural processes involved in spatial perception and spatial memory
- Modularity, hierarchy and cooperation in the nervous system
- Dynamics of neural systems: mechanisms and function
- Acoustic communication and speech: from sub-symbolic information to cognition
- Fundamental neural processes involved in attention and conscious perception

The research approach of the Bernstein Centres mainly consists of the following activities, which are, to a certain extent, parallel and interdependent:

- Analysis of complex neural data
- Modelling of the dynamics of neural systems
- Modelling of neural information processing (from coding of sensory stimuli, storage, learning and memory to planning and motion control)
- Formulation of theories concerning the function of neural systems
- Modelling of behavioural context and neural adaptation

This work should be interdisciplinary and involve experimental and theoretical research groups. The integration of young researchers (mainly post-docs) who do theoretical work in the experimental research groups seems particularly promising. In addition, the projects should be innovative and their results should tie in with application-oriented disciplines. An efficient exchange of experimental data, analytical methods, computer models and theoretical approaches must be ensured in order to facilitate the integration of the Centres into the National Bernstein Network for Computational Neuroscience. In this context, coordinated software development and data management activities will be of special importance.
 
The Centres will be expected to apply the neuroinformatics standards established by the OECD. The Munich-based National Neuroinformatics Node is responsible for providing support in the exchange of data and methods. It was established in 2008 as part of Germany’s participation in the “International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility”, which was established on the initiative of the OECD.

In addition to significant experimental and theoretical expertise in the region, the development of a sustainability concept is particularly important for the establishment of a Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience.  The sustainability concept should be an integral element of the overall strategy and should include continuity measures, which should be financed by the research organization in the form of an own contribution. Examples of continuity measures can include:

-  Extending positions beyond the end of BMBF funding (for example positions for professors, young scientists, administrative coordinators and teaching coordinators)
-  Providing premises (buildings, rooms) as the physical location of the Bernstein Centre and for hosting scientific conferences and teaching events
-  Providing central financial resources after the end of BMBF funding that can be used flexibly to cover the costs of visiting researchers, travel, public relations work, specialist events and ongoing expenses and operating costs

Funding will only be provided if the participating establishments make a binding commitment to implement the sustainability concept after the BMBF funding ends (binding promise from the principal or governing board of the institution).

The recipients of funding will exchange views about the ongoing research activities and their results at the annual Bernstein Symposium, at workshops and at status seminars, the aim being to ensure close links and intensive communication between the Bernstein Centres. External partners (the German research community, international guests) should be included in these events. Additional contributions to networking will be made by guest researchers, above all at the doctoral student and post-doc levels, as well as through the exchange of data and methods. Project-related collaborations with groups outside the Centres will encourage the transfer of knowledge beyond the network.

Taking into account the research capacities at the site concerned, funding will be provided over an initial period of five years for the establishment or continuation of a Bernstein Centre. During the funding period, the financial resources can be used to cover posts for young scientists (student assistants, doctoral students and post-docs), but also for professorships advertised in the field of computational neuroscience; appointments to such chairs should be made by a commission with the participation of external experts. The focus of these professorships should be directly related to the local research priorities and may include experimental approaches.

3. Recipients of funding

Research proposals may be submitted by institutions of higher education, non-university research institutions and commercial companies which have R&D capacities in Germany. Large companies and companies of which more than 50% is owned by large companies can be funded under certain conditions only. Whether or not the applicant has already received funding under the National Bernstein Network is irrelevant for the application process.

Research institutions that receive joint basic funding from the Federal Government and the Länder can be granted project funds to cover additional expenditure under certain conditions only.

4. Prerequisites for funding

Funding for the establishment of a Bernstein Centre will be provided for a period of five years. The size of the collaborative projects is determined by the number of working groups involved.
Non-commercial applicants will be reimbursed for the additional expenditure needed for the projects, such as staff, equipment and travel expenses as well as (in well-founded exceptions) project-related investments for items which do not form part of the applicant’s basic equipment.  Collaborations with ongoing, thematically related R&D projects in other countries that make a substantial contribution to solving the specific problem addressed can receive limited funding. This applies to additional funding for scientific communication, for example the organization of workshops and working meetings, visits from young scientists from the collaboration to external research institutions, and hosting visiting researchers.
The partners in the Bernstein Centres are expected to show a willingness to work together across different disciplines. Interested parties must submit a joint application for funding. Partners in a collaborative project should formalize their cooperation by concluding a cooperation agreement. Before a funding decision can be taken, the partners must prove that they have reached a basic agreement on certain criteria stipulated by the BMBF. Details can be found in the BMBF’s leaflet 0110 (http://www.foerderportal.bund.de/). A coordinator should be nominated for each Bernstein Centre to act as the BMBF/PT’s contact.

Applicants should, in their own interest, familiarize themselves with the EU's Research Framework Programme in the context of the planned national project. They should check whether the intended project includes specific European components which make it eligible for exclusive EU funding.  Furthermore, they should determine whether an additional application for supplementary funding can be submitted to the EU for the proposed national project. The results of these enquiries should be described briefly in the national project application.

5. Type, scope and rates of funding

Funding will be provided in the form of non-repayable project grants. 
Grants for commercial companies will be calculated on the basis of the eligible project-related costs, up to 50 percent of which can usually be covered by government grants, depending on the project's nearness to application. The BMBF’s policy requires an appropriate own contribution towards the eligible costs incurred – as a rule at least 50%.
The basis for calculating the grants for universities, research establishments and similar institutions is the eligible project-related expenditure (or, in the case of the Helmholtz centres and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (FhG) the eligible project-related costs), which can as a rule be funded up to a maximum of 100 percent.
The European Commission's Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development will be taken into account when determining the rates of funding. The Community Framework allows differentiated bonus arrangements for collaborative projects proposed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may result in a higher rate of funding.

6. Other terms and conditions for awarding grants

The Nebenbestimmungen für Zuwendungen auf Kostenbasis des BMBF an Unternehmen der gewerblichen Wirtschaft für Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvorhaben (Auxiliary Terms and Conditions for Funds Provided by the BMBF to Commercial Companies for Research and Development Projects on a Cost Basis – NKBF 98) will be part of the notification of award for grants on a cost basis.
The Allgemeine Nebenbestimmungen für Zuwendungen zur Projektförderung (General Auxiliary Conditions for Grants Provided for Projects on an Expenditure Basis – ANBest-P) and the Besondere Nebenbestimmungen für Zuwendungen des BMBF zur Projektförderung auf Ausgabenbasis (Special Auxiliary Terms and Conditions for Funds Provided by the BMBF for the Promotion of Projects on an Expenditure Basis – BNBest-BMBF 98) will form part of the notification of award of grants on an expenditure basis.

7.  Procedure

7.1 Involvement of a project management organization and request for documents

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research has entrusted the following project management organization with the implementation of the funding activity:
Projektträger im DLR für das BMBF 
 - Gesundheitsforschung -   
 Heinrich-Konen-Straße 1   
 53227 Bonn
 Tel.: 0228 3821-210
 Fax. 0228 3821-257
 Internet: http://www.pt-dlr.de/
   
 The contact person is:
 Dr. Olaf Krüger
 Tel: 0228-3921-296
 E-mail: olaf.krueger.1@dlr.de

Applicants are urged to contact the project management organization for advice on applications. The organization will provide further information and details. Forms for funding applications, guidelines, leaflets, information and auxiliary terms and conditions are available here or can be obtained from the project management organization. Applicants are strongly advised to use the electronic application system "easy" to draft (project outlines and) formal applications.

7.2 Two-tiered funding procedure

The funding procedure is two-tiered.

7.2.1. Submission and selection of project outlines

In the first phase, project outlines are to be sent by post to the project management organization in written and electronic form

by 31 December 2008 at the latest.

If possible, the project outlines should be drafted using the “easy” system. After consulting the project partners, the designated project coordinator should submit the project outlines.

In view of the international evaluation procedure, it is recommended that the project outlines be submitted in English. 
The submission deadline is not a cut-off deadline. However, it may prove impossible to consider project outlines received after this date.

The guidelines for applications within the framework of the funding initiative “(working title) Bernstein Centres II” are part of the present funding regulations.
Project outlines must describe the organizational structure as well as the research programme of the collaborative project. Project outlines must follow the defined structure set out in the guidelines for applications, which can also be obtained from the project management organization (see section 7.1.). The project outlines (including an organizational plan of the overall project and a financing plan) must be submitted by the designated project coordinator in the form of ten hard copies, an unbound master copy (A4 format, 1.5-spaced, double sided, 11 point, Roman font) and a PDF version on a CD-ROM. The length of the overall concept should not exceed 15 pages.
No legal claims can be derived from the submission of a project outline.
The evaluation of the project outlines received will include external experts and will be based on the following criteria:
- Scientific and technological quality of the research project and scientific qualifications of the project leader
- Quality of the interdisciplinary cooperation between the involved working groups and implementation of the idea behind the Centre
- Concept for and commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the measure
- Quality of the links to the National Bernstein Network

Suitable project ideas will be selected for funding on the basis of the evaluation. The applicants will be informed in writing of the result of the selection procedure.

7.2.2 Submission of formal applications and decision-making procedure

In the second phase of the procedure, applicants whose applications have received a positive evaluation will be invited to present a formal application for funding in coordination with the proposed project coordinator. A decision will be made after a final evaluation.  The formal application for funding must be submitted via the Land Ministry.

Questions relating to the approval and payment of and accounting for funds as well as proof and examination of proper use and, if necessary, revocation of the award and reclaiming of the funds awarded are governed by the administrative regulations pertaining to section 44 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO) and sections 48 to 49a of the Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG) unless deviation is permitted under the present funding regulations.

8. Entry into force

These funding regulations will enter into force on the day of their publication in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger).
Berlin, 16 June 08

Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Dr. Christiane Buchholz