Preamble

It is proposed that minor / short-term research projects would be supported by providing initial seed funding to budding researchers/teachers in the College. The focus of research projects should be on solving societal issues. New ideas leading to the development of new methodology or product or technique is need of the hour. The priority for seed money funding will also be given for developing &
transferring technology to organisation or industry. The findings of such research projects will help College teachers to apply for major/minor research projects to different funding agencies, government organizations and affiliating university etc. It will motivate teachers to take part enthusiastically in research competition such as “Innovation” in association with affiliating university (SPPU), which focuses on orienting undergraduate, post graduate students, and PhD research scholars to do innovative research. Following steps will be followed while granting projects through seed money:

1. Funding / Grants will be sanctioned after evaluation by external subject expert committee. The decision of Research & Development Cell (RDC) for approval / sanctioning of research projects will be final.
2. Teachers who are regular in service with or without PhD are eligible to apply for seed money projects. The funding will be available for teachers of grant-in-aid as well as self-finance programmes.
3. While submitting proposals, teachers need to ensure students participation in the project. The students may be from undergraduate or post graduate programmes or both. A maximum of five students (UG / PG) are permitted to participate in the research projects.
4. Proposals submitted by a group of teachers across the disciplines shall be considered on priority.
5. Proposal should clearly focus on local issues, practical relevance and academic increment of parent organization (Deccan Education Society) in terms of research and outreach. It should also state objectives, methods and deliverables and outcome of the project in terms of publications /patents etc.
6. The merits to be considered while sanctioning of research projects will depend on:
   (a) Application value of the project
   (b) Future scope and prospects of the research findings
   (c) Any prospective innovation through research findings
   (d) Scope of paper publication and patent filing
7. Funds obtained through seed money can be utilized for contingency, chemicals, books and journals etc. Small amount of grant can also be utilized for travel and field work / field surveys., Similarly, small amount of sanctioned amount can also be utilized for availing service charges for analysis/ characterisation by the external agencies.
8. Priority for the selection will be given only to the Projects where collaborative industry/R& D institutes/NGOs along with co-investigators are available.
9. At least one Scopus indexed journal publication is mandatory after completion of the project. The financial support provided by the parent organization (Deccan Education Society) and Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune, should be acknowledged.
10. Expenditure on membership/subscription of any services as well as expenses for filing patents/publication charges will not be permitted through seed money.
11. The sanctioned project and financial audit must be completed on or before 31 March of that year.
12. The grants provided under seed money for research projects should be utilized in accordance with the guidelines issued by RDC from time to time.
13. In case, if the teacher(s) / Investigator(s) fails to complete the project, he/she must refund the entire amount sanctioned with interest @ 10% per annum to the college
14. No teacher shall be eligible to avail the benefit of this scheme more than once in last three years. But those teachers who wish to apply in collaboration with industries, Institutes of National importance or wish to generate consultancy are welcome to apply.
15. The purchases for research projects under seed money will be implemented through College Purchase Committee Resolution (CPCR).
16. The SoP for purchases and further processing will be as stated in guidelines for purchases.
17. The bills of payments should be submitted in the stipulated time frame duly signed by the teacher / investigator and approved by the Coordinator, RDC.
18. The Chairman, Governing Body and Council, Deccan Education Society and Principal, Fergusson College, Pune in consultation with RDC may amend, the above procedure if needed.