Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce the call for proposals for the AY2025-2026 BRIDGE Seed Fund in collaboration with the University of Birmingham. I invite you to submit applications for funding and share this announcement widely with colleagues in your respective units.
We particularly encourage proposals in the Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as those that have identified funding to sustain the collaboration beyond BRIDGE funding, while welcoming submissions from all disciplines. In alignment with the university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy, special consideration will be given to proposals demonstrating the intention to leverage collaborations with partners in the Global South while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
About BRIDGE
The BiRmingham-llinois Partnership for Discovery, EnGagement and Education (BRIDGE) was formed by the University of Birmingham and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in March 2014, creating an enduring framework for mutual collaboration and investment between the two institutions. Over the past decade, BRIDGE has evolved into a profound transatlantic alliance with 115 faculty-to-faculty collaborations across various disciplines from both institutions.
Together, the institutions invest in the BRIDGE Seed Fund which supports the development of faculty networks, builds cognate research areas, expands educational exchange opportunities, and strengthens strategic aspirations for institutional engagement. Permanent faculty and research staff members at each institution are eligible and encouraged to apply for funding.
Application Information
Detailed guidelines and the online application can be found on the BRIDGE Partnership website. The application deadline is March 3, 2025.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Illinois International’s Director for Global Relations, Dr. Sammer Jones, at salehjo1@illinois.edu.
Sincerely,
Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, Ph.D.
Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs & Strategies
Professor of Higher Education