WUN Research Development Funding

The next round of RDF funding will be autumn 2012.

The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) Research Development Fund (RDF) offers grants for selected international research collaborations which demonstrate potential in the longer term to become self-sustaining by securing external funding.

A request for applications issues once a year. The RDF provides grants worth up £15,000 (average £10,000) to develop research collaborations which must fit within the remit of one of the four WUN Global Challenges. These are:

Adapting to Climate Change
Global Public Health: non-communicable disease control
Globalisation of Higher Education and Research
Understanding Cultures

Collaborations must involve at least 3 WUN partners, from at least 2 geographical regions. The project can also involve non-WUN partners (including from industry). The WUN website has a list of WUN partners.

Projects are assessed on the basis of research and leadership quality, and a clear ability to become self-sustaining. Examples of activities include faculty exchanges, formation of collaborative networks or jointly sponsored workshops which contribute to the development of a wider WUN partnership.

When considering whether to submit a bid, you might find it useful to look at details of the WUN central RDF awards made in 2010. It is also worth discussing your bid with York's WUN Coordinator (contact details below).

York Research Development Fund

WUN RDF applicants must show that they have received match funding of equal or greater value, using the sum total investment of the project partners. Applications for match funding may be made to the York Research Development Fund. These awards are worth up to £5000. You will also be expected to secure other funding - e.g. from your department.

Local RDF awards are usually conditional on the success of the central WUN RDF bid. There is an option to bid only for local funding if a project is not yet well enough developed to fulfil the criteria for a central WUN RDF application.

Application Process

There is a 2-stage assessment process for the WUN RDF applications. They are assessed and prioritised initially by a York panel chaired by the PVC for Research, as each WUN partner may only put forward 3 RDF bids. The applications submitted by York are then assessed by a central WUN selection committee.

For guidelines and application form for York RDF awards see: York development funding pro forma (MS Word , 28kb)

For more detailed information on the central WUN RDF see: WUN RDF guidelines 2011-2012 (MS Word , 53kb)

To apply for the central WUN RDF award download the WUN RDF application form 2011-2012 (MS Word , 85kb)

Applications for both local and central WUN RDF awards must be emailed to Harriet Cross, York's WUN Coordinator, International Relations Office. Please note that the central WUN RDF application form and accompanying information must be submitted in a single pdf document.