The AAUN Partnership & Research Development Fund (PRDF) offers catalytic grants of an average of AU$10,000 to foster partnership in the network, including new members, and support planning workshops and research collaborations, that address distinct mutual challenges.

The PRDF provides one year of catalytic seed funding with the firm expectation that funded projects will be excellent, build specialist teas, achieve impact and be sustainable through the early identification of additional external funding.

Guidelines 2016-17

AAUN has continued support from environmental and food research agencies and will consequently focus the 2016-17 call for applications on proposals in environment, food and nutrition security, or in related aspects higher education at a maximum of AU$10K per project. We expect to be able to fund 5-6 projects, subject to confirmation of some further funding.

There are 17 active projects in progress from the two earlier, annual calls. See the annual report for information.

At the AGM in Perth on 5 September 2016, AAUN agreed that PRDF proposals should be framed and provide evidence towards policy options. The two policy frameworks are:

• The UN Climate Change agreements and
• The UN Sustainability Goals with the AU Agenda 2063

AAUN can also consider research on trade and investment related to the above.

Applications are invited from:

• 1-2 existing programs where the progress reports show major advance and limited additional funds would strengthen bids for funds to major international agencies and governments. Only projects that have submitted reports are eligible to apply.
  Note: projects funded in 2016 do not need to report until a year after receiving funding, and so are not eligible to apply again in this round.
• 1-2 projects arising from the AAUN workshops in Cape Town in May and in Perth in September 2016.
• And other proposals within the mentioned focus areas. NOTE Potential applicants are encouraged to send a brief outline (1 page max) to aaun.events@sydney.edu.au by Thursday 10 November 2016, to ensure proposals are eligible to apply. This is optional.

Am I eligible to apply?

The PRDF is open only to academic staff (faculty members) at AAUN member universities. Applications must first be approved for submission through an internal review at the principal investigator’s university to ensure strategic alignment and support. Applications are submitted to AAUN through the AAUN Secretariat Australia via email.

What can PRDF funds be used for?

PRDF funds may cover the costs of exploratory research initiatives, targeted workshops, faculty exchanges and the formation of collaborative networks, among other activities.  Applications that incorporate a research mobility component for early career researchers and postgraduate students are encouraged.

The PRDF will not cover salaries or salary supplementation, equipment depreciation, scholarships, course fees and bench fees.

How do I apply?

Applications will need to be accompanied by:

• Letters of support from AAUN partner universities confirming official institutional support and specifying any cash or in-kind contributions.
• Letters of support from external partners, also identifying cash and in-kind contributions.
• Proposal budget outlining key areas of expenditure (1 page maximum).
• CVs of principal investigators (1 page maximum each).

Supporting Documents:

• 2016 PRDF Guidelines
• Letter of Support Template  (Word version)
• Application Form  (Word version)

Applications along with all accompanying documents must be submitted through the AAUN Secretariat Australia via email aaun.events@sydney.edu.au no later than 5pm AEST on Wednesday 7 December 2016. Applications that are incomplete or received after the closing date will not be considered.