UoStA Joint Seed Funding

Charles University and the University of St Andrews have established a joint seed funding scheme with the goal of facilitating cooperation in the framework of our strategic partnership. This represents the fifth call for proposals for joint initiatives between CU and UStA following its launch in 2022. The funding shall enable academic staff from all disciplines to identify complementary strengths, explore areas of synergy, and develop outstanding future projects in research, academic innovation, educational enhancement, and pedagogical development. The joint seed funding aims to support the first steps of cooperation and is not meant as complete project funding.

Possible formats for cooperation may include but are not strictly limited to:

1. Intensive research seminars or workshops

2. Pedagogical workshops (e.g. exploring digital or other course collaboration)

3. Short-term research or pedagogic research stays

4. Graduate summer/ winter programmes

5. Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects

Project timelines may not exceed 12 months from the project start date. It is expected that projects will start no later than 1 September 2026. Projects must be concluded, and funding must be spent within 12 months.

Each application will receive up to £5,000 (approx. €6,000) in total or £2,500 (approx. €3,000) from each institution. Up to 4 projects will be awarded in the 2026 call of the scheme.

The supported activities should have a clearly defined focus and serve as a catalyst for the development of new joint projects. The activities can take place in Prague or in St Andrews. The motivation for holding the activity should be clearly explained, including how the involved CU and UStA faculties and schools can benefit long term from this cooperation.

• A project must be carried out by at least two applicants, one from each institution, who will work together to build a joint proposal. Applicants should be full-time or part-time academic staff with a contract of employment until at least the end of the project. It is strongly recommended that each institution include co-applicants (one or more); participation of early-stage researchers is also encouraged.

• All academic fields covered jointly by CU and UStA are included in the present call, and interdisciplinary projects are encouraged as long as the resulting project is beneficial for both universities.

• Projects aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are particularly welcomed.

• Recipients of a grant under previous calls for proposals are eligible to apply. However, proposed projects must be entirely new and not a continuation, or further edition, of pre-existing initiatives. Moreover, applicants not having benefitted from funding under previous calls will be given priority in the selection process.

• Projects may also include the participation of self-funded external investigators or partner institutions where relevant.

One joint application must be submitted by Monday, 18 May 2026 (5pm CET/4pm BST) using the ONLINE SUBMISSION LINK 2026.

The following documents must be submitted as part of the application:

1. 2026 CU-UStA application form (.doc)

2. Curriculum vitae of CU PI

3. Curriculum vitae of UStA PI

4. Endorsement letter of CU head of faculty

5. Endorsement letter of UStA head of school

Charles University:

Barbora Bednaříková:

University of St Andrews:

Harriet Sheridan: