Worldwide Universities Network (WUN)
Funding opportunities: Research Mobility Program: FAQ for applicants
What form of mobility does the RMP cover?
Two forms of mobility can be covered by the RMP modality award:
- Research/ academic visits to a WUN member institution (i) for purposes of establishing a collaborative research and/or academic project or (ii) to visit a WUN member institution within the context of existing research and/or academic collaboration.
- Conference attendance ONLY (i) when the conference is directly linked to existing research/academic collaboration with WUN member institution(s) and (ii) when the conference is hosted by a WUN partner institution.
- Academic permanent staff, T3 contract staff, Honorary Research Associates, Senior Research Scholars may apply. Emeritus and Associate Emeritus Professors as well as Honorary and Associate Honorary Professors who have published in accredited, subsidy-earning publications in the past year are eligible.
- Joint PGWC/UCT staff are eligible, excluding registrars.
- The maximum amount available per visit is R25 000
- A WUN mobility award could not be used for any running costs. RMP awards provide funding for travel to and from the partner institution, subsistence costs as per UCT financial regulations and limited research expenses
- In the case on postgraduate students: Fees to the host institution are waived as a result of the reciprocal agreement between WUN partners. However, any fees normally paid to UCT still apply.
- All successful applicants are required to provide a full breakdown of their expenses upon their return
- An applicant may not be awarded a URC conference travel grant and WUN mobility award for the same conference
- Approximately ten WUN research mobility awards will be made per annum
The following core criteria will apply when assessing an application:
- Level of collaboration with the concerned WUN member institution
- Anticipated benefits for the participating WUN institutions
- UCT research priorities
What supporting documentation do I need?
The following supporting documentation need to accompany your application:
- Airfare (x2)
- Curriculum vitae of applicant (one page only)
- Supporting statement by Head of Department/School (one page only)
- In case of a research/academic visit, a statement by the applicant (maximum 1000 words)
- In case of a research/academic visit, a statement by the host researcher/academic (one page only)
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In the case of conference attendance:
- The abstract/ summary of paper(s)/poster(s) to be presented
- Conference programme
- Proof of conference registration fees
What is the application process?
- Download the application form. For additional information about the application form please contact wun@uct.ac.za
- Application forms, together with the required documents need to be submitted electronically to wun@uct.ac.za and in hard copy to the International Office; see contacts for details.
- No incomplete, retrospective or late applications will be considered
What will happen after I submit my application?
Receipt of your application will be confirmed. The UCT WUN Steering Group will then meet within a few weeks of your submission to review all applications. After the panel has met, applicants will be notified of the status of the application via email. Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to accept the award after which further information will be provided.
All successful awards must be utilised within six months of being approved.
Please note: The WUN Coordinating group will assist successful applicants as far as possible however, the responsibility lies with them to ensure that all the necessary arrangements have been made ie. from visas to accommodation.
How do I go about finding a prospective supervisor or collaborator?
It will be your responsibility to find a suitable contact at your partner institution; approach them and negotiate the terms of your visit. Your supervisor, department or faculty may already have contacts which you can use. Alternatively, you can consult the WUN website for the list of partner institutions and further information on the academic lead of each research groups.
Please note: If you are a student, any initial contact with a prospective supervisor should be made through your supervisor or another academic member of staff.
What is the duration of the visit?
The maximum length of the RMP visits is 6 months. However, most visits are between 2-to-8-weeks in duration.
Which WUN partner institution can I visit?
USA:
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Washington, Seattle
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- University of Rochester
Canada:
China:
Europe:
United Kingdom:
- University of Bristol
- University of Leeds
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University of York
Australia:
New Zealand:
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