Apply for seed funding from SLU Global

What can you apply for?

With this call, SLU Global provides seed funding to initiatives that will result in applications to external funding bodies, and for initiatives communicating science. The initiatives should be transdisciplinary, take a systems approach, and contribute to one or several of the six priorities in the Policy for SLU’s global contribution to Agenda 2030. Applications should be within one or several of the following three areas:

1. Research and innovation. This area is for initiatives that will result in research proposals to external funding bodies (e.g. EU Horizon, Formas). Activities may include, for example, consortium meetings, feasibility studies, pilot studies or literature reviews. Only main applicants that have received a doctoral degree 2014 or later are eligible for this area.
2. Capacity development. This area is for initiatives that develop capacity development proposals to external funding bodies. Activities may include, for example, consortium meetings, feasibility studies, pilot studies or literature reviews.
3. Science communication. This area is for initiatives that facilitate policy makers’ and practitioners’ use of science-based knowledge. Activities may include, for example, development of synthesis reports, policy briefs, opinion papers, videos, web-based presentations, organization of courses, seminars, or workshops.

Who can apply?

• The main applicant should be employed at SLU and should not previously have received SLU Global seed funding. For research and innovation applications (area a), the main applicant should have received a doctoral degree 2014 or later.
• At least one co-applicant should be based in a “least developed country”, “low-income country” or “lower middle income country” as defined in the DAC list of ODA recipients 2024-2025.
• At least one co-applicant should be a practitioner or policy maker (e.g. be based within a farmers’ organisation, civil society organisation, business, government, or regional or international organisation). The role of the practitioner or policy maker should be clearly described in the application.
• A diverse team with regards to gender and career stage is encouraged.

How much can you apply for?

Up to SEK 250,000. The funds can be used for staff costs and operational costs during 2024-2025. Up to six grants may be awarded.

How do you apply?

Fill out the online application form and attach a completed SLU project calculation form and CVs (max 2 pages, or link to online CV) of all applicants by 30 May 2024, 14:00 CEST.

Assessment

Proposals will be assessed by an SLU Global assessment team that includes representatives from all faculties. Conflict of interest will be handled according to SLU guidelines.

Assessment criteria

• Relevance to the call
• Systems approach*
• Transdisciplinarity*
• Potential for impact
• Capacity of main applicant and partners to achieve the intended results
• Feasibility of the project plan including time plan and budget
• Gender balance and career stage diversity.

* See ‘Background information’ below

Conditions

• The funds will be transferred to, and managed by the main applicant’s department.
• Funded projects shall adhere to the Nagoya Protocol; see support available to SLU researchers.
• Awardees may be requested to join 1-2 events to present their on-going project work with SLU’s global network.

A final report should be sent to global@slu.se by December 1, 2025. The report should include

• A description of the achievements in relation to the planned results. For areas a and b, this shall include a description of the proposal submitted to an external funding body, and whether it was granted funding.   
• A financial report in relation to the approved budget.
• Published material, photographs and other relevant outputs.
• What the next steps will be.

SLU Global may use the reported material for communication purposes.

For questions regarding the call, please contact:

global@slu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!