EDGE calls for project proposals! Extended Deadline: 15 May 2020

This call for projects aims to stimulate and support collective research endeavors that are connected with the EDGE Programme. In order to be eligible for funding, projects have to produce a research outcome (publications, public events, research applications, etc.). Once funded, each project has to be executed within approximately 1 year (for publications, this could refer to the submission to a journal). 

Projects can include one or more activities such as the following (non-exclusive and in no particular order):  

• workshops to enable exchanges between VUB and other researchers;  
• writing retreats to collectively work on publications or research grant proposals;  
• data-gathering; 
• small-scale pilot studies;  
• training for early career (PhD, postdoc) researchers;  
• hosting visiting researchers to interact with researchers in Brussels; 
• developing collaborations between VUB researchers and relevant research centers abroad.

Project focus  

All kinds of projects and initiatives can be funded. Important is that the project is of relevance to EDGE and engages with one or more of its three overarching research streams. Possible topics include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Time & Sustainability: The challenge of sustainability across time raises important questions in relation to how the democratic quality and legitimacy of decision-making can foster long-term problems, such as sustainable development and climate change. In this context, attention is paid to how this challenge intersects with democratic governance in Europe and beyond. 
• Gender & Diversity: The central question for this area of research refers to the challenge to democracy that comes from an increasing diversity of society. The focus is on how the intersection of categories such as gender, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion but also categories based on age, class, sexual orientation and physical ability play out in politics and policy. 
• Contestation: Populism, radicalism on the left and right, Euroscepticism, or anti-establishment discourses are generally seen as indicators of discontent with democratic governance. There is, however, a need for a more suitable understanding of the many demands, attitudes, beliefs, evaluations, emotions and identities that are being voiced.  

Project budget  

The maximum amount one can apply for is 5.000€. If you are unsure about the eligibility of certain cost categories for funding, please contact us in advance of the application submission.  

Application process  

Applications can only be submitted by VUB researchers. Non-VUB researchers and/or non-academic actors/organizations (NGOs, public administrations, companies, civil society networks, cultural sector) can naturally be part of a collaborative project proposal, but the main applicant needs to be a VUB researcher. 

Applications must include:

• applicant profile (name(s), surname(s), affiliation(s), contact details);
• description of the project/activit(y)(ies) - including the estimated timeline;
• approximate budget.

Please submit your application via e-mail to edge@vub.be (subject: 'CallForProjects2020_Surname_Name'). We are also happy to provide further clarification or advice in case you are uncertain whether your project idea could fit!

Deadline for applications is 15 May 2020. The EDGE board will review all received applications and communicate the selection results within one month following this date.