International Research Connections Fund (IRCF)

UPDATE: Selection process for the 2022/23 round of the IRCF program has been completed. All applicants have been notified of the outcome of their applications. This webpage will be updated (and this note removed) when applications for 2024 round of IRCF are open.

Purpose

Support development of researcher – to – researcher connections by funding academic staff mobility to and from targeted countries and regions to build and strengthen strategic international research and educational collaborations.

Strategic country focus for IRCF 2022/23:

INDIA

Applications can propose engagement with any Indian institution/s of high quality. However, preference will be given to applications that consider developing connections with researchers based at:

ANU College of Science has established Joint and Dual PhD programs with IISc and IITM, including dedicated scholarships to support and fund outstanding international candidates enrolling in these programs - more information can be found here.

Funding, Scope & Eligibility

Each year, IRCF will award up to $50,000 total, with one-off funding of up to $10,000 available per proposal.

Proposals should be developed in consultation with researcher/s at one or more universities or research institutions in India but can only be submitted by ANU CoS academic staff.

Proposals may enable mobility in one or both directions i.e., one or more ANU academic staff to travel to one or more Indian universities / research institutions, and / or, host one or more Indian university / research institution staff at ANU. Period of each mobility (in each direction) must be at least one week (can be cumulative if visiting more than one Indian university / research institution). 

Activities and engagements conducted under an IRCF-funded visit may include jointly developed research workshops, seminars, symposiums, lab visits / experiments, etc. that are likely to facilitate identification and development of research collaboration.

Funds from IRCF can be used towards:

  • international and domestic travel costs of ANU academic staff (only); and,
  • accommodation, meals, and other living costs for academic staff from Indian university / research institution when visiting ANU.

Note regarding travel costs: IRCF funds cannot be used to cover travel costs (including international and / or domestic flights) of foreign university staff visiting ANU. 

It is expected that accommodation, meals, and local hospitality for ANU staff when overseas will be provided by the host institution but where this is not possible, IRCF funds can be used to cover these costs.

Successful recipients will be expected to utilise the funding within 12 months of it being awarded and at conclusion of both mobility visits, will be required to submit a report indicating outcomes from activities / engagements funded, and how proposed collaborations have developed and progressed.

Assessment

Proposals will be assessed on the merit of the research activities / collaborations proposed and how well they meet the following criteria.

  • Complementarity of expertise of researchers from both sides
  • Value of proposed collaboration to ANU and the partner institute, and to the broader ANU – India scientific relationship
  • Involvement of, and benefits to, Early and Mid-Career Researchers from both sides
  • Plans to strengthen and sustain the partnership beyond initial engagement

Key Dates, Links & Contacts

Proposals should be submitted through an online application form available at the link below.

Online Application / Proposal Form: Applications for IRCF 2022/23 have now closed.

Last date to submit proposals is 31 October 2022.

Outcomes will be announced by 15 November 2022.

Questions: please contact international.science@anu.edu.au

IRCF 2022 Application Form

Applications for IRCF 2022 have closed.

IRCF 2022 Application deadline

31 October 2022

Enquiries

CoS International Relations & Partnerships

international.science@anu.edu.au