Worldwide Universities Network (WUN)
Since 2012, the University of Rochester has been a member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN). As a member, the University contributes to the WUN research development fund, promoting research mobility and global collaboration.
Vice Provost Jane Gatewood serves the WUN Academic Advisory Group, which provides oversight of the policies of the network’s academic portfolio.
Megan Bennett-Spears, WUN Coordinator, liaises with coordinators at each of the WUN member universities and with University of Rochester researchers to facilitate collaboration.
The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) was established in 2000 with a mission to be one of the leading international higher education networks, collaborating to accelerate the dispersal of knowledge; and develop leaders prepared to address the significant challenges and opportunities in our rapidly changing world. The network combines the resources and intellectual power of its 23 members through the following initiatives:
- Research Development Fund (RDF), is an annual competitive fund that has invested more than £3 million into fostering international, interdisciplinary research collaboration.
- More than 88 active Interdisciplinary Research Groups.
- Events such as conferences and workshops.
Each Global Challenge has networks of researchers working on a number of topics and sub-themes. WUN members can also bring in a topic themselves and create a network of WUN researchers to address it. For more information on its existing research projects, please visit the WUN website.
WUN Research Development Fund
The Research Development Fund (RDF) is an annual competitive fund aimed at bringing researchers together to undertake innovative, high-quality, sustainable research that addresses the four WUN global challenges. The RDF provides grants of up to £10,000 for one year to foster research collaborations among academic staff members at WUN partner universities. A successful RDF project can help establish productive partnerships and networks that could form the basis of a proposal for a larger funding opportunity.
- Applications for the 2024 award year are now OPEN!
- Award amount: £10,000
- STEP 1: Internal Application | Deadline: August 5th, 2024
This is an early-stage project proposal. Partners do not yet need to be identified. - STEP 2: Final Submission | Deadline: October 18, 2024
RDF 2024 Focus
In line with the WUN Strategic Plan 2023-2026, we encourage proposals that address problems in one or more of the following areas within the context of sustainable development:
- Social justice and human rights; inequality
- Sustainable world: cities and urbanization; energy transitions; water, and food security
- Mental health; child and maternal health; aging
- Responsible and ethical applications of Artificial Intelligence
If you are interested in leading a proposal effort, the first step is to complete an internal application. This will be submitted to the Office for Global Engagement for review. For more information, view the fact sheet and timeline or contact the Rochester WUN Coordinator, Megan Bennett-Spears.