Summary
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a globally-connected university that maintains over 300 formal partnerships with institutions around the world. These partnerships are fundamental to fulfilling the university’s purpose of pursing excellence in research, learning and engagement to foster global citizenship and advance a sustainable and just society.
Despite the diversity and number of UBC’s international partners, partnerships with the Global South are notably underrepresented. Seed Funding for Cooperation with the Global South, funded by UBC Academic Excellence Funds, aims to support UBC researchers in initiating or strengthening new and/or existing partnerships, projects or collaborations with partners in the Global South*.
The scheme will provide seed funding for partnership development activities to support the development of joint initiatives, including academic collaborations, capacity development initiatives, impactful research, and knowledge exchange activities that address global challenges and promote sustainable development in partnership with institution(s) in the Global South. The scheme encourages interdisciplinary approaches, promotes equitable partnerships, and emphasizes long-term sustainability and mutual benefit for all stakeholders.
Applicants can submit their project ideas and apply for funding to initiate or deepen collaboration with a partner, or partners, in the Global South. Proposals should include a plan for how the seed funds will support building a sustainable engagement and partnership.
*It must be noted that the term “Global South” is imperfect, contested, and in many ways inaccurate; however, there is a lack of alternative terminology that does not face similar, if not greater, difficulties. Successful project proposals will demonstrate an understanding of these complex dynamics. This call will reference the DAC List of ODA Recipients as a definition for eligible countries, with priority given to partnerships with institutions in LDCs and LMICs.
Evaluation criteria
| Weighting | Scoring | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 25% | /5 | Strength of the overall project plan; quality of the outlined activities, clarity of the expected outcomes; demonstrated potential for impact on global challenges (e.g. SDGs) |
| 25% | /5 | Evidence that the plan has been co-developed and designed with the partners; demonstrates strong partnership principles and effective practices (ex. equity, accountability, mutuality/mutual benefit, positive impact) |
| 25% | /5 | Well-considered plan for how the funds will support a sustainable engagement and a strong foundation for ongoing partnership; evidence for the likelihood of a sustained partnership supported by the proposed activities |
| 25% | /5 | Demonstrated overall feasibility; evidence that the planned activities will be carried out as outlined, both in terms of the applicant’s relevant experience and the feasibility of the proposed timeline and budget |
Total = 20 points
Applications will be examined and selected by a committee, with faculty and staff representation, convened by the Office of Global Engagement.
Timeline
- Monday, October 28, 2024 – Call for Proposals launched
- Friday, November 29, 2024 (11:59pm) – Call for Proposals deadline
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – Applicants notified of results
- January 2025 - December 2025 – Projects underway
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Project completion date
- Friday, January 30, 2026 (or 30 days post-completion of activities, whichever is sooner) – Deadline for final report
Eligibility
- Lead applicant must be a full-time faculty in either the Research or Educational Leadership streams at UBC Vancouver.
- Partnership development activities can include, and are not limited to: knowledge-sharing and exchange workshops, networking events, roundtables,
initial meetings for planning of joint projects, relationship-building activities, etc. - Partnership(s) with one or several institutions in the Global South (reference: DAC List of ODA Recipients). Partnerships with institutions in LDCs and LMICs will be prioritized.
- Partners can be Higher Education Institutions, research centers, NGOs or public institutions. Companies can be included as associate partners, however, travel expenses from company staff are not eligible for funding.
- Applicants must agree to submit a final report to the Office of Global Engagement no later than one month after the completed activities.
Eligible costs
- Per applicant, a maximum of $10,000 will be funded. The total pool of funding available under this call is $50,000.
- The budget should be in accordance with UBC’s Business Expense Rules, including those for travel expenditures.
- Budgets can include, for example: short research visits/exploratory trips to partners, short research visits/exploratory trips to UBC, and preparatory workshops for the development of project ideas/the elaboration of the project proposal (formats: in person, hybrid, or online).
Required application documents
- Application form
- Budget form
- Letter of support from partner or partners in the Global South
photo: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay