The European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) is excited to announce a call for applications for the formation of research clusters. This initiative aims to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research across the ERUA network and beyond. It is an excellent opportunity for researchers to raise their profile and impact in the European research community and beyond.
Clusters will have access to dedicated ERUA research support and grant application assistance. Researchers will be able to participate in tailor-made training and ERUA dissemination events, as well as improved access to a wide range of funding sources, including EU grants, and access to shared facilities, laboratories and advanced research infrastructure.
Composition requirements: each research cluster must consist of at least 5 researchers; at least one member should be classified as an early-stage researcher (First Stage Researcher (R1) or Recognised Researcher (R2) under the European Research Career framework); At least one researcher must assume the role of Principal Investigator (PI); The cluster must facilitate interdisciplinary research; clusters can include external researchers from outside ERUA to foster broader collaboration and access to diverse expertise.
The composition of the cluster may evolve over time to meet research needs. However, these changes should not compromise compliance with the minimum requirements for the cluster’s establishment.
Members of the group should demonstrate prior collaboration experience through joint academic workshops, research projects, publications, or other research collaborations. While common activities in the field of study provide additional context, the emphasis should be on activities where researchers worked together towards shared research goals, producing tangible outcomes.
Research clusters should address a specific topic within one of the specified ERUA thematic areas, including but not limited to: migration, exile and refugees; democracy, human rights; inclusion and gender equality; interculturality and multilingualism; arts and edges. Clusters are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering interactions among researchers from various academic disciplines and fields of expertise. This approach enables comprehensive exploration of the chosen thematic area and the generation of innovative solutions.
The application must include a preliminary research agenda outlining the cluster’s collaboration goals and objectives for a specific 2-year period. This agenda should detail planned research activities, expected sustainable outcomes, and potential areas for external funding applications.
Applications can be submitted until 10 October 2024 by filling in this form.
The Council of the Vice-rectors of Research will make the final decision on recognition by the end of October.
You can find more information here.