EPFL Seed Money Program
Through the Seed Money Programme, CODEV seeks to enhance linkages between science and society by promoting partnerships between researchers from EPFL and researchers and non-academic actors in countries of the Global South to jointly address main development challenges.
This is in conformity with the Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by the United Nations, which recognizes the crucial role of science and technology as driving forces behind sustainable development and confirms the need to work together to advance poverty reduction.
The Programme provides grants up to CHF 20'000 under a competitive basis through an annual call for projects.
Objectives
The Seed Money grant aims at:
- Reinforcing interest in scientific corporation for advancing the SDGs.
- Supporting the establishment of partnerships between researchers and non-economic actors to expand science and society interfaces when addressing main world challenges.
- Supporting EPFL researchers in the preparatory phase of a new project with a view to obtaining third-party funding.
Funding and budgeting
The maximum granted amount for one project is CHF 20,000. This funding may be used to cover research activities, field visits, travel expenses, equipment and to organise workshops or meetings. Salary costs for EPFL staff (professors, collaborators or PhDs) cannot be covered. Partial salary costs of researchers in the partner country(ies) may be covered. A detailed budget must be provided (see application form). Foreseen expenses must be justified and coherent with the proposed research activities. Financial and in-kind contributions from each partner are expected and must be clearly indicated in the budget. The budget has to be divided fairly among partners.
Resources are allocated for a calendar year. In October, granted researchers will have to confirm that the entire amount has been or will be spent. Should it not be the case, CODEV has to be informed and any leftover has to be handed back before 15 December 2017.
Eligibility
To be eligible, the applications must meet the following criteria:
• The project leader is based at an EPFL unit (institute, laboratory, college or center).
• The project is related to the activities of that unit.
• The project addresses development challenges in the local context of the partner country(ies).
• The project takes place in one or more countries of the global South.
• The partner(s) from EPFL is/are actively involved in the project.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://cooperation.epfl.ch/SeedMoneyEN