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Grand Challenges Special Initiatives (closed)
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for innovative, cross-disciplinary activities that generate societal impact addressing the themes of Place, Intergenerational Dynamics, and the UN SDGs.
1 November 2021
Purpose of the scheme
Annually, UCL's Grand Challenges programme identifies major cross-cutting themes for strategic support resonating with the priorities of all six individual GC strands.
In 2021-22 the special initiatives will address the themes of Place: Equality & Prosperity; Intergenerational Dynamics; and UN SDGs: Pathways to Achievement.
Applicants can apply for a maximum of £10,000 to support projects/initiatives that are cross-boundary and generate societal impact. All funding must be spent and invoiced by 31 July 2022.
More information about each of the thematic calls and eligibility guidelines is available below:
We are also running a separate Climate Emergency call with UCL Environment Domain. Find out more.
2021-22 Call Outline
Funding cannot be used for staff or teaching buy out, however awards can be utilised for funding RA salary costs. Awards can be used to support cross-boundary projects and activities that generate societal impacts, this may include (but is not limited to):
- Research or policy workshops
- Symposia or conferences
- Reports
- Articles or comment pieces in peer publications or media channels
- Preparatory or exploratory research towards larger grant applications
- Public and community engagement activities
- Videos and reports focused on policy
- Research-led performance/public art-based outputs, including documentary films
Please Note: Applications must be made using an online system. Unfortunately, we will not accept emailed applications.
If you have questions regarding the initiatives or submission guidelines please contact Dr James Paskins.
UCL and the UK – Building UK research impact
UCL is a comprehensive global university. We have a global perspective and global networks, but we also have an identity as a UK university, and our own future success is inextricably linked to the wellbeing and prosperity of UK citizens and to the economy of the UK. UCL has established the role of Pro-Vice-Provost (PVP) for the UK, to help maximise the national impact of UCL, as London’s Global University.
To support UCL in delivering impact at the national level, the PVP UK office is offering additional awards of £3,000-5,000 for projects that seek to build collaborations with other UK institutions and generate impact at the local, regional, or national level.
If you would like your project to be considered for this supplementary funding award, please indicate this on the section of the application form and complete the necessary details.
If you have any questions about this supplementary funding please contact Katherine Welch.