Strategic International Partner Collaborative Research Fund

The Strategic International Partner Collaborative Research Fund was created to further build on long-standing relationships between KU and its principal partners. The fund is administered by International Affairs and seeks to is to encourage international collaborative research projects that advance knowledge across the disciplines. It facilitates the development of excellent research proposals that further the research priorities of both institutions. The fund also supports the creation of international collaborative research teams that will compete for external funding.  

KU’s current strategic partners:

• University of Costa Rica
• University of Regensburg (Germany)
• Zhejiang Normal University (China)

Application process

Proposals from all areas of research can be submitted to International Affairs. Interdisciplinary projects are especially encouraged. When possible, proposals should include researchers from strategic partner institutions who will be considered "external collaborators." (Funding can be used for both outbound and inbound travel.) Dissertations, thesis papers and publications will not be supported.

Pre-submission consultations are strongly encouraged. Please reach out directly to Joe Potts as proposals are being developed to be sure that eligibility criteria are met.

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and will be evaluated periodically by a review committee.  Faculty members should expect written feedback concerning their proposals. Priority will be given to affiliations that create new opportunities for both KU and partner faculty members and enhance teaching and research at both institutions.

Funding will be made available immediately upon notification of award. Funds need to be spent in accordance with the fiscal year cycle. 

Please email proposals to Whitney Denning at whitneydenning@ku.edu.

Submission criteria

The following criteria and requisites should be included in the proposal:

• Title of proposal
• Timeline for execution
• Researcher names
• Shared areas of research
• Brief summary of any previous collaborations
• KU Applicant(s) full curriculum vitae
• Proposal objective(s) and outcome(s)
• Brief summary of current research in the proposed topic area
• Implementation plan (methodology, activities, chronology)
• Detailed budget

Applications should be no longer than ten single pages in 12-point font. Brief (two-page max) curriculum vitae for each external researcher should be attached. Finally, attach letters of support for the proposed project from the KU department chair or dean, and a letter of support from the relevant chair or dean at the external partner.

Additional considerations

Researchers should know foreign regulations pertinent to their research proposal, such as bioethics or human subjects requirements in the partner country. Awarded funds may not be used for faculty salaries and infrastructure. A clear description of the expected outcomes of the collaborative research is essential.

Please note: Grants are awarded based on the quality of proposals as evaluated against the review criteria. This program neither collects nor considers information about applicants' legally protected identities, and grants are awarded without regard for race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information.