Rice Joint Funding (Match)
for PSL Global Seed Fund

 

Rice Global invites full time faculty to submit proposals for matching funding corresponding to the Université PSL Global Seed Fund.

CLICK HERE for PSL's current Global Seed Fund call for proposals
PSL Global Seed Fund

PSL's Global Seed Fund for International Projects

PSL holds a call twice a year to provide seed funds for the funding and launch of projects in partnership with international institutions. Open to all disciplines, this scheme supports researchers and faculty members in the early stages of their projects: initiating new partnerships, exploring research opportunities, or preparing applications for more ambitious funding. READ MORE HERE

The program is open to faculty members, researchers, and equivalent staff from PSL's international partners, which includes Rice University.

Rice University's Collaborative Partnership with Université PSL

In May 2024, Rice University and Université PSL signed an MOU and collaboration agreement, marking the beginning of a research partnership and commitment to furthering scientific discovery in four key areas: urban futures, quantum technologies, global health, and energy transition.

Rice University Funding Match

Rice Global will provide matching funds of up to $15,000 for selected Rice/PSL submissions to the PSL Global Seed Fund.

 

This call is for matching funding for the PSL Global Seed Fund, and the disbursement of Rice University funds depends upon a successful application to the PSL Global Seed Fund. Availability of funds will be on the same timeline as the PSL Global Seed funding, unless otherwise requested and approved by the Vice President for Global Strategy.

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Eligibility

Full time Rice faculty are encouraged to apply. Faculty seeking connections to component Université PSL institution researchers should contact global@rice.edu.

Eligible activities include:

  • Exploratory or consolidation missions with an international partner.
  • Organization of conferences, research seminars, workshops, artistic events, etc.
  • Research stays for doctoral candidates or postdoctoral researchers.
  • Knowledge transfer or expertise-sharing activities to strengthen scientific skills.
  • Hosting an intern in a PSL laboratory.

 

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Global Strategy and an interdisciplinary panel of faculty. The evaluation process, aligned with PSL, will consider:

  • The project’s scientific quality and originality
  • The project's ambition and expected short-term results; what is the project's potential in terms of kick-starting a long term project? The project may, for example, aim to prepare the submission of an application to a national or international call for proposals.
  • The involvement of several Rice schools/departments in the project whenever appropriate

 

Timeline – Spring 2026

Rice Timeline
Deadline: 2 weeks prior to PSL Global Seed Fund closing date. Rice faculty should contact global@rice.edu for application instructions.

PI teams can then apply to the PSL Global Seed Fund with confirmed contingent Rice funding. Applications must be submitted by the PSL PI.

PSL Timeline
Call launch: April 8, 2026
Closing date: June 2, 2026
Eligibility of expenditure: from October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027