Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Universidad de los Andes (UNIANDES) invite researchers from both institutions to submit joint proposals through the SU–UNIANDES Joint Seed Fund, an initiative designed to strengthen academic collaboration and research partnerships between the two universities.
The fund supports exploratory research, interdisciplinary initiatives, joint workshops, and pilot activities that foster new collaborations, promote academic mobility, and lay the foundations for larger joint projects and external funding opportunities.
🌎 Priority Research Areas
Proposals addressing areas of mutual interest are welcome, with particular encouragement for projects related to:
- Climate change, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and just energy transition.
- Global and public health.
- Democracy, social justice, equity, migration, and inclusive societies.
- Data science, artificial intelligence, and the digital society in and from the Global South.
💰 Funding Available
Up to five joint projects may be funded during the 2026–2027 cycle, subject to available resources. Each project may receive:
- Stellenbosch University: ZAR 85,000 for expenses incurred by SU.
- Universidad de los Andes: USD 6,000 for expenses incurred by UNIANDES.
📅 Project duration: 12 months.
👥 Eligibility
Each proposal must include two Principal Investigators (PIs): one affiliated with Stellenbosch University and one with Universidad de los Andes.
UNIANDES applicants must be permanent or fixed-term, full-time or part-time staff members, with employment contracts covering the entire project period. Early-career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.
📋 How to Apply
The joint proposal must be submitted once by the UNIANDES PI through the institutional platform Platypus, under the Internal and Joint Calls module.
Applications must include:
- A completed application form, including the project summary.
- Short CVs for both Principal Investigators.
- Institutional letters of support from both participating universities.
- Detailed project budgets using the official Seed Fund Budget Tables (Excel template).
⏳ Call opening date: 23 September 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as complete and eligible proposals are received. The call will remain open until the available funds have been fully committed or until otherwise communicated by SU and UNIANDES.
📩 Contact Information
Universidad de los Andes
Office of Strategic Initiatives, Vice Presidency for Research and Creation
odp-vice@uniandes.edu.co
Stellenbosch University
Keshia Arendse, Coordinator: Comprehensive Partnership Portfolio, SU International
keshiaa@sun.ac.za
comprehensive@sun.ac.za
📄 View the official call for applications and supporting documents
