Research Fund Development

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Research Fund Development

The Research Development Fund (RDF) is an annual competitive grant scheme designed to foster innovative, high quality research among member universities. The RDF provides seed grants to support research projects in the University for Sustainability themes. This funding may cover the costs of exploratory research initiatives, targeted workshops, faculty exchanges and the formation of collaborative networks, among other activities.

The University for Sustainability (US) is committed to producing innovative research that influences policy and improves lives. The RDF facilitates world-class teams through the Open Sustainability Research Cloud and their development, combining their resources and building on complementarity to address priority areas for 2018.

To qualify for a grant, these collaborations must include at least three US member institutes and span at least two geographical regions. Proposals are particularly encouraged that address one or more of the Global Challenges, as well as one of US’ developing cross-cutting themes. Applications that incorporate a research mobility component for early career researchers and postgraduate students are also encouraged.

Applications for US funding close on 30 October 2018. For more information, contact your local institutional US Coordinator or the US Programme Office.

US Member Funding Plans
A number of US member institutes offer seed funding to support the development of US research programs. These programmes are open to researchers at the member institute and are available at times determined by the member institute. Contact your institutional US Coordinator for further information.

Independently of US researchers are encouraged to explore opportunities with US partners and collaborators including the International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research and the Belmont Forum

The International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research (IGFA) is a forum for national scientific funding agencies to collaborate in addressing the challenges and opportunities of global environmental change.

The Belmont Forum, a group of high-level representatives from major funding agencies across the globe, is the Council of Principals for IGFA. In order to meet the goals of the Belmont Challenge, the Belmont Forum coordinates funding for collaborative research actions. These high-priority research activities improve the way funding agencies collaborate with each other and develop opportunities for research.

Downloads:
US Guidelines
US Application Form

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“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." These simple but powerful words are the first line of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1949. The declaration’s power has always depended on our collective will to uphold its noble aspirations.
The University for Sustainability does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability in any of its policies, procedures, or practices, in compliance with Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This non-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, the University's programs and activities. The University recognizes its obligation to provide overall program accessibility for disabled persons.
Nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or the University's mission. Prohibitions against discrimination and discriminatory harassment do not extend to actions, statements or written materials that are relevant and appropriately related to course subject matter or academic debate.
This policy governs the conduct of all University for Sustainability students, faculty, staff and visitors that occurs on the University’s facilities or in connection with University-sponsored programs. This policy also governs conduct by University students, faculty, staff and visitors that creates, contributes to, or continues a hostile work, educational, or living environment for a member or members of the University community.
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* Approved by the Board of Directors on 10 November 2019.