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Expressions of Interest DO NOT include budgets, but you may find it helpful to know the scheme's general financial rules. You will receive detailed budget guidance if your application is shortlisted.

This budgeting policy for the Nahrein Network's Research Grants Scheme has been developed in consultation with key-stake holders in Iraq to strike the right balance between financial propriety and overwhelming applicantsÌýwith paperwork. It is reviewed and updated annually, by consultation with other funders and in the light of our own experience with running the scheme.

General rules

• Applications led exclusively by Iraqi teams (PI and Co-Is) may apply for up toÌý£50,000 over two years. Applications with additional international leaders (PI or Co-Is) may also request extra funds to cover their institutional and travel costs
• Eligible costs include: PI and Co-IÌýtime, staff salaries, travel and subsistence, small items of equipment, consumables, institutional overheads and international financial transfer fees
• If an Iraqi team member (PI or Co-I) is already in full time employment, they cannot work for more than 8 hours/week for the duration of the project
• Iraqi PIs and Co-Is are paid at standard rates, unless evidence is provided for a different rate.
• There should normally be no more than three Co-Is on the project
• If the PI's home institution requires payment of overheads, or indirect and estates costs, the budget shouldÌýclearly state what they will be used for
• Subsistence allowances, for periods working away from home, are budgeted at a fixed rate, unless evidence is provided for a different rate
• The total budget for equipment should normally be below £5000

Accountability and reporting

• All budget proposals must be approved in writing by the PI’s home institution during Phase 2 of shortlisting, and by the appropriate Ministry, during Phase 3, before the draft contract is issued
• Project teams must include a part-time accountant, or similar role, responsible for managing the project’s finances
• Funded projects mustÌýreport all expenditure, documenting costsÌýwith receipts, invoices, and timesheets
• If the home institution has budgeted for overheads, they must submit invoices for them, signed by a senior official in their finance department
• All major changes to the budget of funded projects must be agreed in advance, especially around redistributing funds, changes within the team, etc.

Further information

Please DOÌýNOT submit a budgetÌýwith your Expression of Interest. This information is for guidance only, to help you plan the size of your project. If your application is shortlisted, the Network will provide you with the full budgeting policy,Ìýa budget template, and lots of advice on how to draw up your budget.

Please send all general budgeting queries toÌýnahrein@ucl.ac.ukÌýat least TWO WEEKS before the deadline, and we will do our best to answer them.Ìý

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