Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about eligibility of project lead / partner:

I am employed at one of the Network or Priority Partners. Can I submit an application? No, the application has to be submitted by a researcher or staff employed at the University of Zurich, mentioning you as the project partner.

I am employed at the University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) or Children's Hospital Zurich (Kispi). Can I submit an application? The financial administration of the project grant requires an active employment at the University of Zurich (UZH). Therefore, only staff members with a current employment at UZH are eligible to apply.

Can I apply if the initiative already receives funding from an external source? Yes, you are eligible to apply. Please indicate on the application that you are a recipient of third party funding.

Questions about the application:

Where can I apply? Once the application re-opens,  each subpage on the individual funding lines (Global Seed Fund, Global Outreach Fund, Global Champion Fund)will contain a section Apply with a link Submit your proposal here. By clicking on that link, you will be redirected to the application submission platform (Good Grants) containing the online application form. A short eligibility check must be completed and passed first before the full applicationbecomes visible.

Can I submit more than one application per call? You may submit up to one application per funding line and per call (i.e. each one for the Global Champion Fund, Global Seed Fund, Global Outreach Fund). It is recommended to focus on one application. Submitting several applications does not increase the probability of funding.

May I submit specific documents (i.e. co-funding commitment) after the deadline? To ensure consistency and fairness for all applicants, we are unable to accept submissions after the deadline or via email (see Section 3.3 of the Call Regulations). If a required signatory is unavailable and unable to provide their signature before the deadline, we recommend arranging for a designated deputy to sign on their behalf.

Questions about co-funding, eligible costs & project grant administration:

Is funding available for projects involving three or more partners (multilateral collaborations)? Yes, multilateral collaborations are possible. However, one Project Co-Lead has to be defined. Other partners can be listed under "project participants".

What costs may be covered by the funding? Travel and accommodation expenses, organization of workshops, symposia etc. Salaries of student assistants (BA/MA), PhD students, and research assistants that are project-based.

Are there any activities that are excluded from funding?

• Salaries of project leaders or regular faculty members
• Conference or event registration fees unless specifically for presenting the findings of the project
• Purchase of office equipment (computers, printers) or laboratory inventory
• Indirect Research Costs (IRC), i.e. costs that are not connected with the specific project

The above list is non-exhaustive. Please contact UZH Global Affairs if you would like clarification.

Is co-funding required? It depends on the funding line, see details below:

• Global Seed Fund and Global Outreach Fund: Co-funding is not required; applications that demonstrate co-funding by partner institutions will be given priority.
• Global Champion Fund: Some level of UZH internal co-funding as well as co-funding from the partner institution is required; the closer to matching funds, the better.

What happens to unspent funding? Funds must be spent within the projected timeline. After that, any remaining funds are to be returned to UZH Global Affairs.

How will the funds be administered to the successful projects? The grant funds shall be administered via a K-element account specifically opened for the project. As of call 2026 the K-element is to be opened by the Project Lead, in accordance with the instructions from UZH Global Affairs. All changes to the K-element account / project require prior authorization by UZH Global Affairs and may not be initiated decentrally. The Project Lead will be able to pull funds from the K-element up to the maximum grant amount. The Project Lead is responsible for ensuring that the K-element does not exceed the agreed maximum grant. If it does, the Project Lead shall be responsible to cover the excess. UZH Global Affairs is responsible for closing the K-element after receiving the final report from the Project Lead. More information can be found here ("Financial Administration").

Other questions:

I still have a question. Who should I contact? For questions, please contact UZH Global Affairs (fundingscheme@global.uzh.ch).