Call for Research or Action Funding Proposals Promoting Research Fairness and Equity with Research Integrity

Introduction

The recent Cape Town Statement (CTS) on Research Integrity advocates for fair practice from conception to implementation of research and provides 20 recommendations aimed at all involved stakeholders in research. These recommendations are grouped under values that were identified as important at the 7th World Conferences on Research Integrity. These values include diversity, inclusivity, mutual respect, shared accountability, indigenous knowledge recognition and epistemic justice (ensuring that the value of knowledge is not based on biases related to gender, race, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status etcetera).

The CTS specifically links the issue of research fairness and equity with research integrity with the intention that this statement will strengthen the call to recognize fairness and equity as essential components of research.

Objective

This funding initiative aims to offer support to innovative research or action projects that contribute to the implementation of any of the recommendations outlined in the Cape Town Statement at the micro or meso level within the University of Maastricht (UM). We encourage proposals that address at least two values as highlighted across the CTS recommendations.

Eligibility Criteria

This funding opportunity is open to all UM staff, whether individuals or teams, engaged in scientific research across any faculty or discipline within UM. We particularly encourage multidisciplinary teams, as we believe that diverse perspectives and approaches are essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with research fairness, equity, and integrity.

Funding Details

The proposal should not exceed 1000 words and must be submitted by December 31, 2023. The selected project will receive financial support, with a maximum funding limit of 10,000 euros. The specific funding amount will be determined based on the scope and scale of the proposed research. The project should be designed to be completed within 12 months from the date of the award.

Application Process

If you're interested in this funding opportunity, please submit a short research proposal outlining your project's objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budgetary requirements. Your proposal should explicitly demonstrate how your project aligns with at least two of the core values and related recommendations presented in the Cape Town Statement on Research Integrity. The submission deadline for proposals is December 31, 2023. The announcement of the awardees will be made by February 1, 2024, with the project duration set from March 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025. A progress update will be expected around September 2025, with project presentations scheduled for May 2025.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  1. Alignment with Research Integrity Principles: Clarity in explaining how the project aligns with the principles outlined in the Cape Town Statement on Research Integrity.
  2. Innovation and Creativity: The proposal's novelty and creativity in approach.
  3. Applicability: The ease with which the proposed project can be translated or adopted in the UM context.
  4. Potential Impact: The potential to drive positive change in research practices and enhance integrity within the scientific community.
  5. 5. Feasibility: Clarity and realism of the methodology, timeline, and budget, demonstrating the project's feasibility.

To submit your proposals and learn more about the application process, please visit our Webform.

Back to UM Platform for Research Ethics and Integrity.