Projects are expected to benefit students and staff at both institutions. Applicants must clearly state the impact that the award will bring to both institutions.

This seed fund is intended to support a broad spectrum of projects, but all proposals are expected to incorporate an in-person/travel element. Examples of suitable activities include an Imperial staff member visiting an AIMS centre to participate in a workshop or hosting an AIMS PhD student in London to facilitate training in their research group.

If you are interested in this opportunity but do not have established connections at one of the Centres, please contact the International Relations Office for assistance.

This call has a total budget of £15,000 from Imperial, and we expect to award multiple grants between £3,000 and £5,000 each. Funds can only be spent on activities which fit the purpose of this call. 

The applicants also declare that the Imperial-AIMS Connect Fund award will not be used for any item(s) funded or pending funding from other sources. 

All funds will be paid to the Imperial PI to manage locally and in line with standard College guidance.   

Eligible costs 

At Imperial, the fund is open to permanent members of staff only.  

One proposal per principal applicant per call is permitted.  

Each application should have one principal applicant based at Imperial and one principal applicant at AIMS and should contain a written case for support to address the following questions:  

1. Alignment to call: A description of the project and collaboration proposed, and a brief description of the intended use and impact of the funding. 
2. Sustainability and strategic value: A description of the long-term impact and development of the project, and how it will add value to the strategic partnership between AIMS and Imperial.
3. AIMS-Imperial partnership: A description of how the project team will collaborate throughout the project and the benefits of involving of team members from each institution.

The panel will rank the proposals based on: 

• Excellence of the proposed project
• The difference the funding will make, including clear justification of why this funding scheme is appropriate
• AIMS-Imperial partnership: the project demonstrates collaboration between AIMS and Imperial team members and is likely to result in further links between the two institutions
• The project will have positive impact on both institutions