Concept notes
Only concept notes submitted on the current HDC Concept Note application form will be presented to the HDC sector Panels. If successful, the Panel will request a full proposal. Please note that dialogue with the relevant HDC Technical Manager is strongly encouraged prior to preparation of a concept form.
The concept notes are treated as confidential documents and remain so irrespective of the Panels’ decisions.
The completed form should not normally exceed two A4 sides.
Deadlines for Submission
Forms must be received by HDC Technical Administrator at least four weeks before the Panel meeting at which they are intended for submission. Please see Key Dates section for more information.
Notification of Outcome
The nominated Project Leader will be notified in writing as the outcome of the Panel’s deliberations no later than four weeks after a Panel meeting.
If further information is required in connection with completing a concept note, please contact the HDC office on tel: 01732 848 383, fax: 01732 848 498, or email: techadmin@hdc.org.uk.
Guidance Notes for Completing Concept Note Forms
1. Title of Proposed Project
The title should not exceed twenty words and give a clear indication of the objectives of the project.
2. Project leader
The project leader is the designated representative of the organisation contracted to undertake research for HDC and the individual who will be responsible for the management of the project.
3. Proposed start date
State when you wish the project to commence. Consideration should be given to seasonality and time scale for the commissioning process. Many HDC contracts aim to start on the 1st of April.
4. Proposed duration of project
Give a figure in years and months.
5. Estimate of funding requested from the HDC
Give an estimate of the total sum requested from the HDC excluding contributions from other organisations.
6. Key Words
Please insert crop names, trade names and active ingredients, pests, diseases weeds (both Latin and common names) and other important search words.
7. Estimated total cost of the project
State the entire cost of the project, including cash and ‘in-kind’ contributions from other sources.
8. Collaborators
Name any other organisations or individuals, who may be carrying out work within the project.
9. Are the results of this project likely to be suitable for organic production?
Please complete this question answering either yes or no.
10. Priority research target and or initiative addressed from HDC R&D Strategy
Give the research objective, target or initiative your project addresses from the HDC R&D Strategies document. Current HDC R&D Strategies are available on the HDC website.
11. Background and potential benefits to the industry
Briefly describe the history, significance and the overall aim of the project in the context of past and current knowledge in the proposed field of study. Indicate how the horticultural industry and/or consumer would benefit from the successful outcome of this research. In particular, identify potential impact upon labour utilisation; projects which will lead to increased labour efficiency in addition to the direct benefits are likely to be favoured. If possible, give a general estimate of the expected economic return.
12. Scientific and technical objectives (bullet point format)
Give the overall objective e.g. to identify improved control of ‘x’ by ‘y’ Outline the main objectives in order of priority.
13. Approaches to programme
Briefly describe the proposed work programme and how it will be designed to meet the objectives.
14. Outline information dissemination plans
Outline ideas for presentations, publications or other means of disseminating information about the project and communicating results to growers.
15. Outline exploitation
Summarise the likely deliverables (with estimated timescales) from the project and how growers are likely to use the results. Point out what additional resources may be necessary for growers to use the results
Extra capital costs
Extra management or labour inputs
Regulatory hurdles, e.g. SOLA application required
Computer hardware and software necessary
Additional research or development
Click here for a copy of HDC's Concept note form |
