Guidelines for Internal
Research Grants

Faculty funding program administered by the Research Management Cell to promote and sustain a vibrant research culture at EEC.

1. Introduction

The primary purpose of the IRG Fund is to promote and support faculty at Everest Engineering College in initiating research projects. It supports members of the faculty in establishing new research projects and taking existing research in promising new directions. The long-term aim of the IRG is to build and sustain a vibrant research culture at EEC. There are two announcement dates for the IRG applications each year: Fall and Spring. The Research Management Cell (RMC) is responsible for executing the program under the guidance of the Research Committee.

Research Definition

Research is defined as purposeful inquiry that generates new insights, knowledge, and innovation through scholarly investigation, experimentation, and scientific practices. It typically results in quantifiable outcomes and knowledge mobilization activities where research knowledge is communicated to audiences both within and beyond academia.

Activities Not Funded

  • Faculty Development (training programs, thesis completion; but thesis-to-journal conversion is supported)
  • Institutional Research (studies limited to EEC operations)
  • Curriculum Development (preparation of curriculum materials and surveys not supported, unless empirical and generalizable)

2. Eligibility

The primary applicant must be an EEC faculty member. Non-faculty members and students may join as co-applicants. The Principal Investigator (PI) manages the funds and approvals. RMC and Research Committee members may apply, but not adjudicate proposals. Applicants must have completed and reported any previous IRG projects.

Faculty may submit multiple proposals per window, but cannot hold two grants simultaneously as PI, unless RMC makes exceptions.

3. Application Procedure

  • RMC calls for applications near the end of each semester.
  • Faculty submit a research proposal containing the required sections.
  • Applications are submitted by the PI.
  • Proposals are reviewed by RMC and Research Committee, with external experts if needed.
  • Proposals must meet a minimum score threshold for success.

4. Priority

  • Proposals likely to produce tangible results.
  • Proposals enhancing applicant's scholarly profile.
  • Feasible projects with student training and institutional benefit.
  • Collaborative proposals and first-time applicants given preference.
  • Low priority: applicants with incomplete previous projects.

5. Schemes

Grant Types

  • Small awards: 6 months, Rs. 30,000 – 75,000
  • Medium awards: 1 year, Rs. 75,000 – 1.5 lakhs
  • Large awards: Multi-year, above Rs. 1.5 lakhs
  • Manuscript preparation awards: For books/journal articles (amount varies)

General Guidelines

  • Proposals must follow IRG guidelines.
  • Duplicate submissions to other agencies not accepted.
  • Two review cycles per year (Fall, Spring).
  • Grant funds allocated to few large and many small proposals.
  • Research results must acknowledge IRG funding.

6. Selection Criteria

  • Originality & Impact: Novel research questions, broad significance.
  • Research Plan: Sound methods, feasibility, clear timeline.
  • Budget & Personnel: Appropriate, justified, with substantive team contributions.
  • Long-term Potential: Opens new avenues, builds strong research culture at EEC.

Scoring Rubric

Criteria Poor (0) Acceptable (1) Excellent (2)
Project Description & Quality Unclear, jargon-heavy, objectives missing Explains project but lacks originality Clear, concise, original, objectives aligned
Significance & Impact Impact minor or unclear Some connection to field but not well articulated Strong contribution, broad impact
Approach & Methodology Not feasible, no references Reasonable but unclear, over-ambitious Logical, feasible, grounded in current research
Deliverables & Goals Not stated or infeasible Minimal goals/outcomes Clear, feasible goals & deliverables
Timeline Not suitable Partial coverage of activities Meets all proposed activities
Budget Unreasonable, unjustified Detailed but may not support project Accurate, detailed, supports completion

7. Critical Dates

  • Proposal submission: Announced mid-semester
  • Announcement of awards: One month after submission

8. Post-award Requirements

  • Progress Report halfway through project.
  • Final Report within 30 days of project completion.
  • At least 2 internal presentations (preliminary + final findings).
  • First draft of research article within 3 months of completion.

9. Contact

Emails can be directed to RMC Chief: Prof. Dr. Hari Krishna Shrestha (hari@eemc.edu.np)