has launched a second call for seed funding to develop stronger relationships in globally relevant fields of research between its partners.
Through a competitive process, MNU is jointly advertising, selecting, and funding collaborative research projects between two (2) or more MNU institutions. Successful research projects are expected to result in outcomes such as third-party funding applications, larger-scale collaborations, significant joint publications, etc.
Please note: the MNU Research Seed Fund particularly welcomes applications from Early Career Researchers (ECRs) (up to 6 years from PhD, excluding periods of leave or other career breaks) though does not exclude submissions from other groups.
Proposals covering any thematic area will be considered, but applications in areas related to the United Nations’ SDGs are particularly welcome. Projects must also demonstrate alignment to MNU’s .
Summary of features:
- Proposals will be invited for a maximum of £25,000, for activity duration of 12-24 months;
- Projects must start no later than 1st May 2025;
- Proposals must include researchers from at least two (2) MNU institutions. Proposals including more than two partners are strongly encouraged. Bilateral project proposals should include plans for engagement of other Matariki members in the project;
- Applicants must be eligible to serve in the role of PI at their own institution;
- Applicants must have proven expertise in the project proposal being submitted;
- Non-Matariki external collaborators may be involved in the proposal, at their own expense.
Timeline of the Call
- Call opens: 2nd October 2024
- Submission deadline: 6th December 2024
- Selection panel: February 2025
- Communication of results: End of February 2025
- Earliest start date of projects: April 2025
- Latest start date of projects: 1st May 2025
Eligibility
- Proposals must include researchers from at least two (2) MNU institutions, with any bi-lateral projects having a strong element for multi-lateral collaboration. Proposals including more than two MNU partners are strongly encouraged. Bilateral project proposals should include plans for engagement of other Matariki members in the project.
- Lead applicants must be eligible to serve in the role of PI at their own institution.
- Applicants must have proven expertise in the project proposal being submitted.
- External collaborators cannot lead an application but can be involved in the proposal at their own expense, where the benefit of their involvement to the collaboration is justified.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Matariki Network is committed to encouraging applications from all currently underrepresented groups. Furthermore, MNU expects that equality, diversity and inclusion be embedded at all levels, and in all aspects of research practice throughout the project.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Academic quality of the proposal including ambition, value for money, impact and originality  (50%)
- Importance of funding for the likely success of any future, external grant applications  (25%)
- Clarity of intentions, including a tentative project timetable (25%)
Proposals will be jointly evaluated by a panel of senior academics with responsibility for research at each university. Where possible, the selection panel will award an equal number of awards to all eight (8) partner institutions.
Costs
Participation of applicants will be supported by their own institution and each institution will fund its own researcher(s) involved within each project. A clear breakdown of expected costs per partner must be provided in the budget.
Budgets should indicate spending over the full duration of the proposed projects.
Applicants should consider the 'value for money' of each of their costings.
Eligible costs:
- Research costs including consumables (up to a maximum of 1/3 of total grant amount)
- Travel, accommodation and subsistence
- Facilitation of a workshop with potential academic or non-academic partners, with the aim of refining the content and objectives of a research proposal, or developing strategies for external impact
- Catering and room hire
- Administrative costs of organising meetings or workshops
- Ad-hoc / short-term assistance from a research assistant (RA)
How to Apply
- Proposals are to be prepared jointly and submitted by the Lead Applicant.
- Note that you need approval from the relevant Head of Department/School at and other relevant stakeholders at and that you need to follow all internal guidelines at participating Institutions before submitting.
- It is strongly encouraged applicants should contact their research support office before submitting a proposal.
- Applications must be submitted through .
- The form allows you to save and continue at a later stage (select the option 'finish later' at the bottom of each page in the application form).
- After you have submitted your application, please download a PDF copy of your application, print and sign the signature page and send it in together with CVs for the Lead Applicant and the Co-applicants to matarikinetwork@durham.ac.uk