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Funding databases

If the answer to these questions is YES, then SPIN/SMARTS/GENIUS database services are for you!

 

About the databases

In the current economic climate, researchers have no alternative other than to look for industry and non government sources for research dollars to support their work. Universities now have the benefit of three inter-related database services: SPIN, SMARTS and GENIUS. Each database not only assists with searching for alternative funding sources but also helps to foster networking.

SPIN (Sponsored Program Information Network)

SPIN is an extensive database of potential funding sources both within Australia and overseas updated on a daily basis.

SMARTS (Spin Matching and Research Transmittal System)

SMARTS is an electronic matching and funding opportunity notification engine which provides investigators with direct and targeted information about relevant funding opportunities.

GENIUS (Global Expertise Network for Industry, Universities and Scholars)

GENIUS is a global database containing the expertise of researchers and scholars from universities and research organisations throughout the world. Profiles detailing expertise are created and maintained by researchers and scholars themselves. An increasing number of funding bodies and organisations are targeting individual researchers via the GENIUS database.


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How to set up a researcher profile

 Go to InfoEd eRA Portal and select Get Profile from the left menu:

  1. Select 'Create New Profile' (here you have the option of downloading instructions to help you). Fill out the necessary details remembering your user name and password (both are case sensitive) for future access to your profile. Note, you do not need to remember the nine digit number asked for, however it is required that you complete this field.
  2. Go Back to the previous page and select 'Updating Existing Profile'. This directs you to the Profile Summary page. To enable SMARTS to match your details with SPIN you are required to complete information in the 'General', 'Keywords' and 'Awards' sections.
  3. Select 'General' and enter details as required. You will need to scroll down to the bottom of this page and answer the series of questions about how you would like to receive the information. Initially it is recommended you choose the following:
    1. yes
    2. single email
    3. no (you want to receive schemes from funding bodies within Australia and abroad)
    4. summary format.
  4. Click Save, return to the Profile Summary page by clicking on the 'back' button, and selecting 'Keywords'.
  5. Search using the categories provided, and select between 10-15 keywords most relevant to your area of expertise. It is recommended that you choose a mixture of specific and general words. If you begin to receive too many emails or irrelevant information your selection of keywords may be too large and/or too general. Alternatively, if you find you are not receiving enough information your keywords may be too few or too specific. You may edit any of the details in your profile at any time by entering the system outlined in these instructions. Click Save and return to the Profile Summary page.
  6. You have now completed the fields required for the SMARTS and GENIUS matching process.

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How to search the GENIUS database

  1. Go to InfoEd eRA Portal and select GENIUS from the left menu.
  2. You may then choose to conduct your search using identifiers such as: keywords, research interests and country.
  3. In the Advanced Search screen, you may also perform a Full Profile Search. You will always need to return to this main page to 'Run' the search using the blue icons displayed at the bottom of page.

Further information

If you have any queries about SPIN, SMARTS and GENIUS please contact:
Craig Hill, Research Capacity and Compliance Officer - ext 25229 or email Craig.Hill@unisa.edu.au
Kate Greenfield, Research Capacity and Compliance Officer - ext 25681 or email Kate.Greenfield@unisa.edu.au

 

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