UCL-AIIMS
Research Seed Fund
With the objective of enhancing interdisciplinary and collaborative research interest between UCL and AIIMS, New Delhi, a joint research seed fund has been established to invite joint project proposals from faculty members from both institutions. This scheme provides joint research seed funds for research projects to galvanize research groups from both sides to work on proof-of-concept ideas, generate initial data and apply for big grants to international funding agencies. It is expected that these interdisciplinary research groups will:
The joint research seed fund is a one-off grant, and the success of these project will be determined by a number of parameters, including how the project has contributed to joint research activity between the two institutions, and how this work will lead to a submission for further funding.
Grant summary:
Amount: INR 1,000,000/-
Disbursement: INR 10 Lakhs
Frequency: Yearly
Duration: One years
Announcement: July-August
Result: September-October
Who can apply:
Two principal investigators (PIs) – one from each institution. The PI can include co-PIs from the same or other departments provided that there is no financial implications to the concerned department/faculty.
Selection Criteria:
Both internal review committees will assess each proposal according to the following criteria:
- Scientific Merit, Project design and rationale – how clearly presented, and justified is the design and basis for the collaboration
- Project impact – how clearly linked are the outcomes to the planned activities and performance indicators, such as joint papers, external funding applications, joint search with industry and proposal for policy recommendations; does the project have a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals? If so which ones and why?
- Impact of collaboration – is there a distinct advantage provided by this collaboration that is not possible by the two institutions working individually?
- Capacity for future collaboration – what is the extent to which future collaborations are possible as a result of the proposed exchange activities.
Application Details:
How to apply? Collaboration activities may be based on joint projects set up by faculty/staff members of both institutions, including:
- Joint research projects.
- Any other form of partnerships, to be promoted and implemented jointly when both UCL and AIIMS, New Delhi find it mutually beneficial.
Proposals are to be prepared and submitted jointly. One principal investigator should submit only one joint proposal using the form. Compilation of the proposal will be handled by AIIMS, New Delhi. It is therefore crucial that UCL academics, in particular the lead Principal Investigator, liaise closely with their AIIMS, New Delhi, counterparts who will be responsible for filling the application form available at the AIIMS research submission portal under AIIMS UCL Intramural Projects
The AIIMS, New Delhi, counterpart must ensure that the UK counterpart is in full agreement on all aspects of the proposal.
The full joint project proposal should be submitted by the PI of AIIMS, New Delhi to both the offices of Dean (Research) at AIIMS, New Delhi and Dr Amit Khandelwal, UCL’s Global Engagement Office
Financial support: Up to four successful proposals will receive up to £10,000 i.e. each successful proposal will receive up to £5,000 per year for UCL faculty and up to Rs. 5 lakh per year for AIIMS, New Delhi faculty for one year. Funding will be jointly provided by UCL and AIIMS, New Delhi, with 50% going to the academic at each respective institution.
Clearances and initiation of the project:
Proposals received by AIIMS, New Delhi and UCL’s Global Engagement Office will be evaluated by a separate review at each institution.