Rice Joint Funding for PSL Global Seed Fund

 

Rice University invites full time faculty to submit proposals for matching funding corresponding to the Université PSL Global Seed Fund (See current CFP here).


Background:

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 these four key areas:

  • Urban futures
  • Quantum technologies
  • Global health
  • Energy transition

PSL holds a call twice a year to provide seed funds for the funding and launch of projects in partnership with international institutions. Rice University will provide matching funds of up to $15,000 for selected Rice/PSL submissions to the PSL Global Seed Fund.

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 & Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Global 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? For example, the project aims 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:

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: October 7, 2025
Closing date: November 16, 2025
Results: January 2026
Eligibility of expenditure: from April 1st, 2026 to March 31, 2027

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.