Seed funding for initiatives to identify possible areas of collaboration between Aarhus University and key Chinese universities

The Senior University Management of Aarhus University has decided to set up a seed funding facility in order to broaden collaboration within education, research and talent development with leading Chinese universities.

Purpose

The aim of the seed funding is to facilitate the establishing of joint cooperation projects between Aarhus University and leading Chinese universities within scientific areas, where cooperation has not yet been established. With the seed funding, applicants are expected to identify areas of common interest within research, education and talent development or to prepare joint applications for external funding.

The aim of the seed funding is to nurture a deep partnership between Aarhus University and a limited number of leading Chinese universities in order to allow a strategic, coherent and interdisciplinary approach within a broad spectrum of cooperation areas.

Partners

The seed funding facility is applicable to projects between Aarhus University and one or more of the following Chinese universities:

• Peking University
• ŸTsinghua University
• ŸFudan University
• Harbin Institute of Technology

Other Chinese universities with a strategic importance for Aarhus University may to a limited extend be accepted as key partners in projects. In 2013 only the four partner universities will be accepted as key partners.

Seed funding

To initiate new joint initiatives, Aarhus University has provided a maximum of 2 million DKK for the period 2013-2014.

Each project can receive a maximum grant of DKK 110,000.

Partnerships are urged to provide Chinese co-funding.

Guiding principles

The seed funding is granted using the following guiding principles:

• ŸFunding will be provided for preparatory measures/transaction costs. Eligible costs are expenses related to match-making activities such costs related to bilateral meetings, symposiums and workshops. Eligible costs are costs for accommodation, catering, transport, materials as well as to student assistance that is directly related to preparing the matchmaking activities. Participants and guest speakers from outside the partners can only to a limited extent be included in the activities if relevant, but their participation costs cannot be covered by this funding scheme.
• ŸCosts that are directly related to research activities cannot be covered by this funding scheme.
• ŸResearchers from Aarhus University will submit a proposal including a short project description, time table and budget using a designated template.
• ŸActivities are eligible when in the application the relevant pro-dean responsible for internationalisation has signed his/her support to the activity.
• ŸAt the end of each activity the applicant will provide a short summary describing the activity on a number of indicators using a designated template and including a financial statement. The grant will be transferred to the applicant when the summary report has been approved.
• ŸUse of the funding must follow the existing accounting policies of Aarhus University.
• ŸApplications should have a potential for attracting external con-funding.

Evaluation criteria

Applications for seed funding will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• ŸPreference will be given to projects that nurture new collaboration activities in existing Chinese partner universities
• ŸPreference will be given to projects that seem to foster long-term collaboration and commitment

Approval and administration of the seed funding facility

Signed applications must be forwarded to:

Aarhus University

International Centre,

Head of Strategy & Partnerships, Knud Warming
(kw@adm.au.dk)

Applications can be sent at any time. They are treated on a first-come-first served basis.

All activities in the initiative need to be completed and reported by the end of December 2014. No refunds are available after January 1, 2015.