RGC GRF and ECS 2023/24 are now open for applications. Applicants should read the RGC’s Eligibility Requirements ( GRF / ECS ), and the RGC’s Scheme Overview and Guidance Notes ( GRF2 / ECS2 ) carefully before preparing the applications.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted via the RGC’s Electronic System (ES) http://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/ to respective Research Panels. Before submission, applicants should scan the core content of their applications by VeriGuide. After endorsement by Panels, applications will be forwarded to the ORKTS for follow-up and arrangement of university’s endorsement for onward submission to the RGC.

Relevant reference materials and required forms are provided in a List of Useful Links ( GRF / ECS ).

ES Login Account for New Eligible Staff

New eligible staff will require an ES login account for application submission. For account setup, please contact Grants Team, ORKTS by email at orkts_grants@cuhk.edu.hk.

Review Arrangement - Regular Track / Fast Track

Regular Track

Applications under Regular Track must be submitted to respective Research Panels for vetting by the Panels’ Deadlines. Review by ORKTS will also be conducted.

Fast Track

To allow more time for applicants’ preparation of their proposals, Fast Track is offered to GRF applicants who have TWO or more funded GRF/ECS projects in the past THREE exercises (i.e. these applications could be exempted from regular review by respective Panels and ORKTS). A different internal deadline will be set for Fast Track.

Applicants who are eligible for Fast Track will be invited to indicate their preference on the review track. The invitation email will be sent by 9 September 2022.

Special Points to Note

1. Starting from 2022/23 exercise, Principal Investigators / Project Coordinators are required to declare time commitments for all on-going research projects in RGC grant applications. Details could be found here.

2. Applicants are reminded not to include in their applications the links to external websites which may contain extra information about their proposed projects. Please refer to Section 1(7) of the Guidance Notes for this requirement.

3. The budget cap for GRF and ECS proposals in the fields of Biology and Medicine; and Engineering would increase from $1.2 million to $1.6 million starting from the 2023/24 exercise.

4. Applicants are requested to indicate whether the proposals involve the study of artefacts as well as whether relevant approval has been sought and granted.

5. If an applicant does not wish to have his / her project information released to Chief Secretary for Administration's Office (CSO), he / she should inform the RGC separately when submitting research proposal.

Grant Writing Workshop

ORKTS is organizing an online Grant Writing Workshop on 14 September 2022 (11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) to share with potential applicants tips on successful bidding for the GRF/ECS. Details of the Workshop will be available in due course. To register for the Workshop, please go to https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13654484.