Seed Fund Research Call for Proposals 2025-2026

Background and purpose

The transition to a circular economy is one of the main societal challenges confronting society, calling for innovative ways to provide mobility, housing, food, and clothing sustainably and equitably. Much like governments, industries, and the financial sector, educational institutions are increasingly called upon to address their role in advancing circular practices, particularly within the context of regional sustainability efforts.[1] Maastricht University (UM) recognizes the pressing need to accelerate the transition to a circular economy both within the university and across the Limburg region, aligning with its vision of being a circular campus in the coming years. 

While stepping up to this challenge, UM acknowledges the environmental challenges we face while figuring out how to transition from linear to circular systems. Suddenly stopping our current practices could cause problems for local economies and supply chains, so we need a careful, step-by-step plan that takes several years to complete. It would require approaches where interdisciplinary knowledge development and transdisciplinary collaboration is closely connected to societal initiatives. 

To drive this transition, UM has launched an Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE), a hub that brings together multi-level stakeholders from industry, government, and civil society to co-create practical solutions. ERCE connects UM’s expertise from all academic fields to regional initiatives, building a knowledge base that tackles the unique challenges and opportunities of circular transitions in Limburg.[2] By linking local efforts to national and international dynamics, ERCE enhances the impact of circular economy innovations.