“Arqus” Seed Funding

Vilnius University researchers from all research fields are invited to apply for “Arqus” alliance seed funding. The funding aims to develop collaborations of excellence, to bring out scientific poles of the international level, and to develop capacities of research and expertise.

The seed funding is made available to support the organization of consortium meetings and other activities required to keep the preparation of competitive joint projects and initiatives.

This call will finance joint research actions contributing to the establishment of medium or long-term cooperation. It is intended to support the emergence of new initiatives: thus, preliminary work activities intended to apply for another research funding programmes will be supported.

The grant awarded will support networking activities to discuss, structure, and write an application(s) to International funding programs (e.g. Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Internal Security Fund Programme, etc.)

Who is eligible to apply?

Researchers from all research fields are eligible, as long as they are affiliated with Vilnius University.

The research project(s) to be developed must involve participants of at least two Arqus universities (including the applicant’s institution). Still, it may also have participants from universities not belonging to Arqus or other research institutions or stakeholders.

The activities could consist of the organization of the meetings (self-organized) or meetings at the events organized by third parties. Travel, accommodation costs, and/or per diem for the applicants could be funded by this call.

During the proposal preparation process, the local Arqus team (in VU - Research and innovation department's Research projects office) will assist the successful applicants whenever needed.

The selection of applicants will be based on the following criteria:

• Quality of the proposal, aims, and objectives
• Joint research interest in the proposed topic

Funding

This grant aims to encourage the development of joint research action proposals. A maximum of 1000€/person, two persons/potential collaborative project, two times/person per project will be awarded.

Reporting

Successful applicants will be required to submit a brief financial and qualitative report at the end of the joint activity.
This report will contain information on the activities carried out, the researchers that attended the meeting, and the project idea/the call to which it is intended to respond [see the report template].

How to apply?

• Start of applications: June 30, 2022
• Deadline for applications: October 31, 2023

The activity must be carried out until 30 November 2023.

Please email your filled application to