Seed Grant
Make an impact
The GENUS Seed Grant application offers a transformative opportunity to researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and postgraduate students from our university and museum partners, fostering scientific engagement and innovation across various fronts. With a focus on science engagement, recipients can develop outreach programs, digital resources, and interactive exhibits to educate the public about the wonders of palaeoscience. By leveraging these funds, researchers can bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, fostering a deeper appreciation for the field and its discoveries.
Moreover, the grant supports initiatives like hosting conferences, workshops, and upskilling courses, which are pivotal for advancing research and professional development within the palaeoscience community. These events provide platforms for researchers and students to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and acquire new skills essential for tackling emerging challenges in the field. By facilitating knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities, the grant empowers researchers to push the boundaries of palaeoscience and drive meaningful progress.
In addition, the GENUS Seed Grant allocates resources to support postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students’ participation in international conferences, workshops, and upskilling courses, as well as covering museum and lab research costs. This invaluable support not only enables students to broaden their academic horizons and gain exposure to cutting-edge research but also fosters a new generation of palaeoscientists equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex scientific questions. Furthermore, the grant facilitates access to small equipment, technical support, and internships, empowering researchers to pursue innovative initiatives and push the boundaries of research and discovery.
Eligibility
Researchers, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Postgraduate Students currently granted by GENUS are eligible to apply for this grant.
What GENUS Supports
The GENUS Seed Grant sustains numerous initiatives within this funding framework. The distribution of our funding aligns with the following percentages:
- Science Engagement (50%)
- Hosting a Conference, Workshop, or Upskill Course (20%)
- Innovative Initiatives (10%)
- Postdoctoral Fellows and Postgraduate Students participating in international conferences (podium presentation only), workshops, and upskilling courses to cover museum and lab research costs (10%)
- Small equipment (5%)
- Technical Support and Internships (5%)
How is it Supported
GENUS supports the Seed Grant through several funding streams: the DSI-NRF Centres of Excellence in Palaeosciences funding platform, the University of the Witwatersrand Research Council, NGO partners and donations. The amount of support is dependent on the feasibility of the budget request and the availability of funding.
Timelines
The Genus Seed Grant is open throughout the year. Please note that it will take six (6) months to process the application from submission to accessing funds if your grant application is successful. We recommend you apply well in advance.
Contact
Download the Funding Application
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