Based on a grant from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs targeting the Habitat Partner University Initiative network, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and UN-HABITAT are announcing a Call for Applications for seed funds to promote the preparation of Africa-rooted research proposals on urban challenges in Eastern Africa.
Deadline for applications is 3 October 2011 at 0800 hrs GMT.
Information and the Application Procedure
Call for Applications
Preparation of Research Proposals rooted at universities in Eastern Africa
Universities are to offer research based education and training at Masters level on urban planning and development in the Global North and the Global South. The research base and methodology, however, are to a large extent the results of research in the tradition of the "developed countries". Hence, there is a need to develop research activities rooted at the universities in the Global South. Collaboration between universities, whether regional, African, and/or a Habitat Partner University in the North, is encouraged.
Through a grant from the Government of Norway, and on behalf of the Habitat Partner University Initiative, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, and UN-HABITAT offer seed funds to successful applicants for the preparation of research proposals targeting national and international research funds.
Allocations will be subject to an upper limit of USD 15,000 per application. Half of the approved amount will be paid up front, the rest when the research proposal is ready to be submitted to the funding agency in question.
Eligible costs to be covered by the allocation are expenses related to meetings with key partners, research assistance or other coordinating costs related to pilot studies. Salaries to applying researchers are not eligible.
A committee of three academic peers, will advise on the selection and allocation, as well commenting on possible improvements of the indicated research plans.
Selection criteria include:
- Geographic: Research should focus on urban issues in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda.
- Relevance: Research should preferably be designed and carried out in close contact with urban policy authorities and/or relevant agencies.
- Impact on education: The research should aim to impact content and design of university education.
- Funding: The application should specify which research funds are targeted and the approximate amount sought (beyond the allocation provided by this activity).
A maximum of three applications is expected to be awarded in 2011.
Timetable
The application should contain the framework for the planned research proposal as well as a financial plan for preparation of the proposal. The application should be submitted by e-mail to the administrator: Knut Stenberg knut.stenberg@ntnu.no not later than 3 October 2011 at 0800 hrs. GMT.
The selection of successful applicants will be announced by 17 October 2011. Transfer of half of the approved budget will be effected immediately thereafter.
The targeted research proposal should be finished and submitted to the potential funding agencies, by 31 December 2011. A copy of the proposal should also be submitted to the administrator by that date, together with documented accounts. The second half of the allocated amount will be transferred immediately thereafter. |
