From concept to collaboration
Verification for collaboration (VFS in Swedish) is a funding opportunity to initiate new collaboration projects between researchers at Uppsala University and private, public or non-profit organisations.
Examples of funded projects in the three disciplinary domains
Humanities and Social Sciences
VFS is a program funded by Uppsala University in order to promote collaboration on research and development with external organisations for the benefit of society.
VFS offers an opportunity for the university's researchers and organisations from different sectors in society to develop collaboration around a challenge of common interest. The funding is intended to test - verify - whether the partners have enough in common to build on, for example, to seek additional funding for continued collaboration.
The projects that receive funding within the VFS program can vary in scope and focus, but must always be of mutual benefit to the parties. Research collaborations between different universities are not funded within the framework of this program.
Within the framework of VFS, a project can receive funding by up to 300 000 SEK.
What can be funded through VFS?
The following can be funded through VFS:
- Salary for the academic party’s tasks in the project
- Planning/meetings/trips
- Third party services that are crucial to the project
- Purchase of supplies from third parties
- Hiring of infrastructure and equipment for the project
The following, on the other hand, are not funded:
- Contract research and commissioned education
- Collaboration with researchers' own companies
- Purchase of services or supplies from party within the collaborative project
Since Uppsala University only pays for the academic party's part, the external party needs to provide resources in the form of, for example, working hours, cash, materials or data.
This is how the application process works
Start with contacting the innovation partnership office (UU Samverkan)
Applications for VFS funding are always made in consultation with the University's innovation partnership office. Therefore, if you are interested in applying, start by contacting a collaboration manager and do so in good time!
The collaboration managers at the innovation partnership office are there all year round to provide advice and support on for example:
- suitable external partners to collaborate with and how to reach them
- feedback on your application to ensure that it meets basic requirements and criteria
- other funding opportunities that may suits your needs even better
Application periods and deadlines
Each year, there are two application periods for VFS funding. Each round has two deadlines. The first deadline refers to when you need to submit a draft of your application. The second, and final, deadline refers to when you must submit a complete application.
Make sure to book a meeting with a collaboration manager well in advance of the first deadline. See contact details below.
Autumn 2023:
- 20 November 2023: Deadline for draft application
- 9 December 2023: Deadline for complete application
- Middle of February: Decision on funding
- 1 March 2024: Granted projects can start
The next application period opens in the spring of 2024.
Application form:
The VFS application form is provided by the innovation partnership office.
What happens once you have submitted your application
Applications for VFS funding are assessed by reviewers appointed by the University's three disciplinary domains. Thereafter, funding recommendations are made by the University's Advisory Board for External Collaboration. The Vice-Chancellor makes the formal decision on VFS-funding. The decision is announced by the innovation partnership office.
Cooperation agreement and payment
Before the project can start, a cooperation agreement governing intellectual property rights is required. A standard agreement is provided to facilitate the process. The financial support is paid to the project's academic part. Payment is made after the project has been completed and a final report has been submitted.
Assessment of application
VFS applications are assessed based on the following criteria:
- Idea and objective
a. The application contains a clear formulation of the problem which project expects to solve.
b. The anticipated results are clear and realistically described.
- Feasibility
a. Planned activities planned should be possible to perform within the project timelines.
b. Budget and activities are reasonable for reaching the project objectives
c. There is clear access to the competence and network needed to carry out the project.
- Potential and benefit for all participating partners
a. The value for the external organisation is well described
b. The value for the academic scientist is well described.
c. Credible reasoning around the societal benefit of the project
- Potential for continued collaboration after finished project.
a. The possibilities to continue a collaboration after the end of the project is described well and realistic.
b. There is potential for the collaboration to attract further funding from funding agencies or from the external organisations to enable continued collaboration after end of this project.
Contact
Please contact us for advice if you are considering to apply for funding from VFS, or if you simply want more information.
Harris Stamatopoulos, collaboration manager
Email: harris.stamatopoulos@uu.se
Phone: 070-1679784