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 previous 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 relevant Université PSL researchers should contact global@rice.edu.

Eligible activities include:

  • Organization of conferences, research seminars, workshops, artistic events, seasonal schools (organization and travel costs)
  • Research trips for PhD or postdoctoral students (*if the trip cannot be covered by specific ERASMUS+ funding/ other Rice sources)
  • Transfer of knowledge or expertise aiming to strengthen scientific skills
  • Hosting of an intern at a laboratory (internship wages)

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
Call launch: May 2024
Deadline: 13 September
Results by: 4 October

PI teams can then apply to the PSL Global Seed Fund with confirmed contingent Rice funding:

PSL Timeline
Call launch: Early October
Closing date: Mid November
Results by early December
Eligibility of expenditure from mid February

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.