Ulysseus Seed Funding Programme for Joint Research and Innovation Groups

Call 1 for Applications – 2025

Ulysseus European University invites researchers from its partner institutions, associated partners, and relevant stakeholders to apply for seed funding to establish or strengthen joint Research & Innovation (R&I) groups. The programme supports interdisciplinary and thematic research initiatives that align with Ulysseus’ strategic priorities, fostering scientific collaboration and innovation. The funding is designed to facilitate networking and collaborative efforts among researchers, allowing them to explore new research directions and strengthen institutional cooperation across the Ulysseus alliance.

This call aims to encourage new collaborations and reinforce existing research connections. Researchers from different institutions can work together to develop innovative solutions to common challenges, leveraging the diverse expertise within the Ulysseus network. The programme is committed to supporting both early-career and experienced researchers, promoting inclusivity and long-term sustainability of research networks.

• Applicants must be researchers with a legal contract at any Ulysseus partner university.
• A Ulysseus R&I group must include at least three researchers from at least two Ulysseus partner universities.
• For interdisciplinary groups linked to Ulysseus Innovation Hubs, at least one associated partner or stakeholder is mandatory.
• Researchers must be registered in the Ulysseus Experts Database and maintain an active profile.
• Applications that include young researchers (up to 35 years of age or within seven years of PhD completion) and gender-balanced teams are strongly encouraged.

• Funding supports travel, accommodation, meeting expenses, and networking activities to establish and develop R&I groups.
• As an orientation 3 000 EUR per applicant, subject to local selection committee decisions and availability of funds.
• Eligible costs include costs for organizing workshops, seminars, and other events that facilitate collaboration and networking.
• Ineligible costs include staff salaries, overhead, equipment, and conference fees.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the proposed activities align with Ulysseus’ research priorities and contribute to long-term research collaboration.

• Formation of sustainable R&I groups contributing to Ulysseus’ research strategy.
• Strengthened collaboration among Ulysseus partner universities, leading to enhanced research capacity.
• Collaborative research projects with potential follow-up funding opportunities (e.g., Horizon Europe, Erasmus+).
• Enhanced mobility and knowledge exchange among researchers across partner institutions.
• Annual reporting and participation in programme evaluation to ensure accountability and impact assessment.

• Call Opens: 1 April 2025
• Call Closes (Application Deadline): 18 May 2025
• Evaluation & Selection: June 2025
• Final Decision & Results Communication: 30 June 2025

All applications must be submitted before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

1. Technical & Formal Review – The Ulysseus Approval Committee ensures applications meet eligibility criteria and are complete.
2. Local Selection Committee Evaluation – Each partner university assesses applications based on relevance, interdisciplinarity, alignment with Ulysseus priorities, and potential impact. Applications are scored based on predefined criteria, including research quality, potential for future funding, and institutional collaboration. In some cases, groups with overlapping proposals may be requested to merge and resubmit a joint application.
3. Final Approval – Only applications approved by at least two Local Selection Committees proceed for funding.
4. Results Notification – Lead applicants receive the final decision and must confirm acceptance to proceed with funding allocation. Successful applicants will receive guidance on grant management and reporting requirements.

• 1. Define the Research Focus – Ensure your research topics align with Ulysseus mission.
• 2. Form a R&I Group – Identify potential members using the Ulysseus Experts Database or other networks.
• 3. Engage with Colleagues – Communicate, define roles and responsibilities, and agree on objectives, expected outcomes, and key stakeholders.
• 4. Register in the Ulysseus Experts Database – All members must create a public profile.
• 5. Appoint a Lead Applicant – This person will be responsible for submission and communication.
• 6. Study the Application Form – Download and carefully study the Seed Funding Application Form.
• 7. Complete and Submit the Application – Follow the provided instructions and ensure submission before the deadline. Read the programme document or FAQs for more information.
• 8. Undergo Review – Await technical and formal review. If requested, submit any necessary corrections.
• 9. Accept Funding Terms – After the local selection process, review and accept the approved funding and grant conditions.
• 10. Implement the Activities – Conduct R&I Group activities (meetings, travel, workshops) using the allocated funds.
• 11. Submit a Grant Report – Provide a final report at the end of the 12-month period.
• 12. Participate in the Evaluation – Take part in the programme’s evaluation survey

• Applications must be submitted in English
• Download the official Application Form (please use excel 2007 and above)
• Fill in the Application form and submit the final xlsx file here:
• For more information read the Programme document.
• For detailed information, visit the FAQ section.
• For communication or further questions please contact