WUN Research Development Fund
The WUN RDF 2024 Call is now open!
What is the WUN Research Development Fund?
The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) is a world-leading research university network, that tackles global challenges through international collaboration.
The Research Development Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to foster research collaborations among academic staff members at WUN partner universities.
The RDF supports research projects directed at problems that lie within the network’s principal research theme of sustainable development, and on which a diverse team of collaborating partners confers a distinct advantage. These will often be problems where comparative analysis is important.
WUN RDF 2024 Focus
In line with the WUN Strategic Plan 2023-2026, the WUN encourages proposals that address problems in one or more of the following areas within the context of sustainable development:
- Social justice and human rights; inequality
- Sustainable world: cities and urbanization; energy transitions; water, and food security
- Mental health; child and maternal health; ageing
- Responsible and ethical applications of Artificial Intelligence
What else is particularly encouraged?
Your project should engage at least three member universities, in at least two regions.
Grants are intended to help stimulate larger collaborative projects that will strengthen WUN and establish productive partnerships that can compete for major funding awards.
While proposals from researchers of all stages are welcome, applications led by Early Career Researchers are particularly encouraged (see guidelines for ECR definition)
Further guidance on eligibility, assessment criteria and permitted use of funds can be found in theWUN RDF 2024 Guidelines (PDF 
, 905kb).
How can I apply?
Please view the WUN RDF 2024 Guidelines (PDF , 905kb) carefully before you apply. Applications should be submitted via the online application portal. Please contact your local WUN Coordinator, Elisha Witcomb, for advice on eligibility, preparing the application, identifying collaborators in the network, internal deadlines, and the internal review process.
Timeline
There is a two-stage application process for WUN applications, as the University of York is limited to two lead-RDF applications per call.
|
Date |
Stage |
|
ASAP |
Register your interest with Elisha Witcomb as soon as possible who will share with you an initial application form. This is a lighter version of the final application form intended to give the University of York review panel a good idea of the project, without being too burdensome. |
|
Friday 20 September 2024 COP |
Internal deadline to submit initial proposals. |
|
23-27 September |
Applications to be reviewed and prioritised by an internal panel, chaired by the PVC-Research. The outcome of the internal application will be announced on 30 September 2024. |
|
30 September-18 October |
Time for the two shortlisted proposals to be finalised and uploaded to the online portal. |
|
Friday 18 October |
Deadline for the submission of the final two York-led projects to the WUN online portal. |
|
October-December |
Proposals reviewed by the WUN Central Selection Committee (made up of the WUN Secretariat and Pro-Vice Chancellors for Research at WUN member universities) |
|
13 December 2024 |
Results announced |
What if I am invited to collaborate on a WUN RDF Project?
Please contact Elisha Witcomb to make her aware of your involvement in the WUN RDF project. The requirement of match funding is not compulsory for the 2024 call.
The primary investigator will be required to go through an internal prioritisation process at their respective WUN member university university, and their deadlines may be different.