SEI’s 2025 collaborative grant applications are now open
The Sydney Environment Institute (SEI) offers University of Sydney academic staff the opportunity to apply for internal grants to develop new collaborative, multidisciplinary research projects. Projects must be aligned with SEI ’s research foci and have an objective to undertake excellent research that tackles the greatest challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises and contributes to the common good.
The Collaborative Grants Scheme has two components:
- Collaborative Fellowships: funds for the equivalent of an 0.2 FTE buy-out (teaching relief) to the School/Faculty of the successful applicants, plus $7,500 project seed funding
- Collaborative Funding only: up to $25,000 in grant funding for a multidisciplinary project.
These are two distinct funding opportunities. Applicants may apply for both, but will only receive one award.
Grants will be offered for cross-faculty partnerships to encourage multidisciplinary research engagement and collaboration. As SEI is increasingly focusing on biodiversity research, applications in this area will be prioritised.
Background and conditions
SEI will provide funds to the School/Faculty of the successful applicants. Head(s) of School approval for the fellowship must be provided in writing at the time of application. These funds must be fully directed to teaching relief, up to 0.2FTE during 2025.
Each Collaborative Fellowship project will be provided with $7,500 of seed funding in addition to their fellowship.
SEI will provide grants up to a total of $25,000 as funding for a multidisciplinary project to develop new ideas and methods or link existing individual projects with collaborators across campus.
SEI Collaborative Projects (both Fellowships and Funding) will work together with the SEI team to:
- Develop and initiate projects that aim to evolve into large, externally funded collaborations, for example ARC Linkage Projects, state or federal grants, commissioned research, or work amenable to philanthropic support.
- Design plans for projects and impact to continue after the end of the fellowship. During the fellowship, SEI will support Fellows in the development of longer-term plans to sustain and build their projects towards producing societal impact based on national/international priorities.
- Contribute to the Institute’s mission and impact by engaging locally, domestically, and/or internationally.
The allocation for funding is limited and applications will be assessed based on a considered and realistic project plan and budget, alignment of the project focus and outcomes to SEI research themes and mission, and project’s potential impact. Applicants are encouraged to seriously consider the funding required for a project, and not simply apply for the maximum amount.
How to apply
Applications are now open for projects to commence in either semester of 2024. Applications closed on Sunday, 28 July 2024.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of August 2024.
View selection criteria here (SEI Collaborative Grant Scheme Selection Criteria 2025, pdf, 242.6KB)
Please direct any questions about the fellowship and/or application process to sei.info@sydney.edu.au
Header image by Nico Smit on Unsplash.