About

Researchers from ECIU member institutions can now submit proposals until the deadline, on 31 October 2025. The Seed Programme consists of two action lines:

• SP 1: Blended Mobility to Create New Networks
• SP 2: Seed Projects for Existing Consortia

Researchers from the following six ECIU universities are eligible for funding:

• Dublin City University
• Institut National des Sciences Appliquées
• Kaunas University of Technology
• Łódź University of Technology
• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
• Universidade de Aveiro

The call welcomes diverse expertise from both early-career and established researchers. Additionally, external stakeholders are encouraged to participate and can receive in some cases funding through the Seed Programme.

To apply, the team must include researchers from at least three ECIU member institutions. The Principal Investigator should be affiliated with the coordinating institution and hold a doctoral degree. If researchers have a research idea and are seeking collaborators, they should consider connecting with colleagues through the ECIU R&I Hub to keep informed about funding opportunities. Researchers can sign up to the ECIU R&I Hub here.

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Application process

Applications can be submitted through an online form

• ‍Apply for SP1
• Apply for SP2

The application deadline is 31 October 2025.

Those whose proposals were rejected in the first Seed Programme 2024 may reapply for SP 2. Consortia, who were awarded funding in the 2024 programme, are ineligible for the 2025 edition.

Evaluation results will be communicated by the end of January 2026, with projects potentially starting on 15 March 2026. Each project can run for up to 24 months and should conclude with a roadmap for attracting external funding.

Be sure to review the funding rules and available resources for each ECIU member while applying. For inquiries regarding institutional financing, please get in touch with your local representative, whose contact information is available at the bottom of the Seed Programme page.
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In 2024, a total of 26 proposals were submitted (9 for SP 1 and 17 for SP 2), resulting in 14 approved projects, with details forthcoming.

Moreover, ECIU members offer travel grants of up to 5,000 EUR per stay at an ECIU partner institution as another method to promote research collaboration. To apply for the ECIU Researcher Mobility Fund, follow the guidelines on the website.

For general inquiries about the Seed Programme and Research & Innovation at ECIU, please contact the designated email address: research.innovation@eciu.eu