New collaborative research initiative launched with University of Toronto

Call for proposals now open

The initiative will facilitate collaborative project development through a series of online meetings and pitches culminating in an in-person 2-day sandpit at the University of Edinburgh in June 2025. The ambition is to facilitate new conversations that spark ideas across disciplines and approaches and create a platform to support major collaborative projects that are well-positioned to attract external funding.

Key components of the initiative:

1. Initial proposal: Submit brief proposals aligned with the thematic focus, with potential for external funding applications. Selected applicants will pitch their ideas during the Online Workshop.
2. Online workshop (half-day): Qualified applicants from diverse fields will pitch their ideas, form teams based on shared interests, and explore collaborations within and between universities, potentially leading to an external funding application. Ideas will be collected for the in-person sandpit event.
3. In-person sandpit event (Edinburgh): Selected teams will refine their collaborative research proposals during a 2-day event in Edinburgh, focusing on proposal writing and project design to compete for funding, e.g. Horizon Europe.
4. Seed funding: Teams attending the Edinburgh event can apply for seed funding up to $20,000 (CAD)/£11,500 (GBP) to support proposal preparation for securing further funding.

Eligibility

Open to faculty and researchers at all career stages at both universities, with a focus on mid-career academics expanding their international and collaborative research.

Application timeline

How to apply

The application process is as follows:

1. Download and read the guidance document.
2. Applicants must submit an initial proposal to be considered for the online workshop by 24 March 2025 via the online form below.

Guide for applicants

Submit your proposal

Enquiries about the funding call

Get in touch with Scott McQuarrie, Regional Director North America at the University of Edinburgh.