Announcement of Research and Development (R&D) Guidelines
Adjustment of R&D Evaluation Schedule and Allowance for Covering Miscellaneous Expenses with Research Funds
Encouragement of Remote Evaluations and Consideration of Introducing a Peer Review System
On the 27th, disinfection company personnel are conducting internal disinfection work at Asan Engineering Hall, Ewha Womans University in Seoul. On the 25th, a family member of a student who visited Asan Engineering Hall at Ewha Womans University tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the closure of the building and restriction of access inside the building. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The government has issued guidelines that include adjustments to the schedule of government research and development (R&D) projects to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and to protect researchers. It allows institutions to adjust the evaluation schedules of R&D projects and permits covering related expenses from research funds. Additionally, the government is considering introducing exceptions to the conflict of interest rule if it becomes difficult to recruit evaluators. On the 27th, the Ministry of Science and ICT prepared these 'Research and Development Project (R&D) Guidelines' and informed each institution.
Postponing R&D Evaluations Concentrated in the First Quarter
On the 27th, citizens lined up to purchase masks at the emergency no-margin mask sale event held at Happy Department Store in Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@
First, the government instructed that R&D evaluation schedules be postponed or replaced with non-face-to-face methods until the 'serious' crisis alert is lifted. This measure considers that many evaluations such as selection, stage, and final evaluations involving face-to-face contact are concentrated in the first quarter of the government R&D project schedule. For example, evaluations whose schedules can be postponed, such as annual reviews or stage and final evaluations, should be delayed, while selection evaluations requiring prompt project initiation should be conducted via video conferencing or written meetings.
The government also stated it would consider exceptions to the conflict of interest rule if it is difficult to recruit evaluators. The conflict of interest rule prevents experts affiliated with the same institution, department, undergraduate program, or lowest-level research unit as the evaluated party from participating as evaluators.
Furthermore, the government will allow unavoidable research plan changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support additional costs incurred accordingly. It has been arranged so that penalties and cancellation fees arising from refraining from visiting domestic and overseas high-risk areas and holding group events, as well as expenses for infection prevention for participants during research-related meetings and events, can be paid from research funds.
Support for Researchers Confirmed with COVID-19
If a researcher is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, causing research institution closures or quarantine of key research personnel, measures have been put in place to ensure stable return to research after the risk situation ends. Additional expenses for research suspension and resumption due to institution closures, as well as preemptive measures for research suspension, will be allowed to be covered by research funds. Exceptions for submission deadlines of research fund usage reports and extensions of project research periods will also be recognized.
Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "The government is operating a full-scale response system to cope with the crisis caused by COVID-19," and added, "We will support researchers to conduct their research safely and stably even amid the crisis."
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