Global Outreach Fund

The Global Outreach Fund focuses on enhancing institutional visibility and positioning UZH’s research excellence in solving global challenges in relevant international contexts. 

Specifically, the Global Outreach Fund may support projects that advance the objectives of the following key areas of the Global Strategy 2030 through collaboration with the defined Network and Priority Partners and/or a reputable policy organization, policy research institute, or boundary organization:

The World @ UZH
A diverse and culturally rich environment is actively fostered to generate creative and innovative outputs, interesting debates, and an inspiring learning, research and working environment on campus in Zurich.

Societal Responsibility
By increasing its engagement as a stakeholder in national and international policy making and diplomacy, the scientific community can bring its values of rationality, transparency and universality and help underpin a better global governance and build trust between nations and societies.

On Stage
Our excellence in research, innovation and teaching all contribute to the global reputation of UZH. The development of our global reputation is supported by proactive dialogues, events and outreach activities with relevant stakeholders from the ERI (Education, Research, and Innovation) sector and wider society.

The Global Outreach Fund is a funding line of the Global Funding Scheme.

Examples of initiatives: The Global Outreach Fund supports new and ongoing joint activities, for instance (non-exhaustive list):

• Joint public events, such as lecture (series), panel discussions, thematic workshops, or conference sessions, engaging academic, policy, diplomatic, industry, or public audiences and strengthening the visibility and impact of joint initiatives
• Targeted stakeholder or expert dialogues (“closed door”), including relevant public authorities, international organizations, industry representatives, or community actors
• Science communication and knowledge dissemination formats, including the production of policy briefs, multimedia content, or digital outreach materials
• Participation in international forums or networks that enhance external positioning among relevant partners and/or stakeholders (conference fee cost excluded)

Eligibility Project Lead: Applicants must be UZH researchers of any discipline or professional staff with UZH employment contracts covering the entire period of the project. 

Eligibility Project Co-Lead: All proposals need to include one Project Co-Lead from either:

• A university listed on the Network and Priority Partner list and/or
• A reputable policy organization, policy research institute, or boundary organization with demonstrated experience in science-policy interfacing and international cooperation.
• Partner institutions must be legally established entities with a demonstrated track record in research, policy advisory, international cooperation, or related science and knowledge diplomacy activities.
• By submitting the application, the applicant confirms that the partner institution is formally established and has the administrative capacity to participate in the proposed activities.

Reputable policy organizations, research institutes, or boundary organizations with demonstrated experience in science-policy interfacing and international cooperation include, but are not limited to: 

• Swiss science and innovation network actors (e.g., Swissnex, Swiss Science & Technology Offices, Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE), Swiss Permanent Mission to UN bodies)
• Multilateral and intergovernmental organizations active in science, innovation, and global governance (e.g. WHO, UNESCO, OECD, Council of Europe, IPCC, etc.)
• National science academies and publicly recognized policy research institutes in (e.g., Chatham House, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, National Institute for Research Advancement Japan, etc.)
• Boundary organizations, including public or private think tanks and policy research institutes, facilitating science-policy and international knowledge exchange in countries with a proven track record of reciprocal and rule-based research collaborations (e.g. AAAS, International Network for Governmental Science Advice, Global Young Academy, InterAcademy Partnership, GESDA, etc.)

Selection criteria: The proposals will be evaluated along the following criteria:

• Impact of the project idea to achieve institutionally sustainable progress in an area of the Global Strategy 2030 with eligible partners
• Novel and unique idea in terms of internationalization in education, research, innovation, societal out-reach, or professional services delivery
• Clear and well-structured budget plan
• Level of matching fund and commitment from the partner university, or other stakeholders where applicable

Co-funding: Applications that demonstrate co-funding by partner institutions will be given priority.

Proposal Submission: The Project Lead must submit the documents through the Good Grants Tool. Submission via email will not be accepted. The submission link will be available once the call has opened (see Call Timeline).

• Completed application through the Grant Tool
• Completed budget template
• Complete CVs of project leaders (max. 2 pages)
• If applicable: Evidence of co-funding through the partner institution in form of a letter, signed by a person with financial authority

Evaluation: The evaluation committee consists of representatives of UZH Global Affairs. Please use non-expert language.

Project duration: In case funding is granted, the proposed activities should be conducted within one year from the grant confirmation date.