Universitas 21 is offering up to US$ 40,000 (around £30,500) in funding to support initiatives that will have a positive impact on staff and/or students within its network.

Proposals are welcomed for projects, initiatives and events that would be held in 2018, to align with the 21st anniversary of Universitas 21 — the leading global network of research-intensive universities from 16 different countries, working together to promote global citizenship and innovation through research-inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting staff and students and wider advocacy for internationalisation.

Proposals are welcomed from both staff and students. All academics, professional services staff and students within U21 institutions will be able to bid for a share of the fund, with U21 looking to support as broad a range of projects as possible.

As a general guide, it is anticipated that the maximum funding allocated for any individual bid will be $5,000 (around £3,800) however larger amounts will be considered — particularly if the proposal demonstrated wide institutional cooperation and impacts on staff/students from more than one U21 member.

To be considered for funding, a project must demonstrate that it:

• promotes the value and benefits of Internationalisation
• offers a unique opportunity to enrich the staff and student experience within the University of Nottingham
• will positively raise the profile of U21 — projects that have an impact on individuals from more than one member will be preferred
• can be badged in some way to recognise and celebrate U21@21
• would not otherwise happen (this fund is not intended to provide substitute funding)

Please note: Student projects require a member of staff to act as an advocate who can oversee the projects funding and expenditure. Students must also provide proof that a member of staff has authorised the proposal by submitting a cover note from their advocate with their proposal.

This is a great opportunity to celebrate U21’s 21^st anniversary by demonstrating the value that U21 offers staff and students by making a difference to their day-to-day experience.

U21 will also use the opportunity to celebrate the success of the network and increase its profile within member institutions and the wider international Higher Education community as a whole. All applicants will be asked to deliver a short report on their project, if possible a short video, which will be included in communications surrounding U21@21 and may be shared online via the website and social media.

If you would like to apply for funding, please download a Funding Application Form from the Universitas 21 website. Ideas should be submitted to Gail Armistead in the Office of Global Engagement by Tuesday 31 October for consideration to be included in the Nottingham-nominated projects.

All projects which are successful at this first stage will then be submitted to Universitas 21 by the UoN Office of Global Engagement with senior leader support. Overall successful applicatants will be informed by the end of November.