Renewal International Thematic Networks 2025 - 2029 Call 2024

The international thematic networks are cooperative networks consisting of Ghent University staff members and international partners concerning a specific topic of excellence in education and research. The network of international partners offers an added value through synergy by strengthening the existing capacity and expertise within Ghent University, and/or strengthening the capacity of partners in the South. It supports the development of new initiatives in mobility, research, education and service to society. Further, the network promotes the excellence of the institution in this field, thus contributing to the position as an important partner in education, research and service to society and to the international Ghent University brand in general.

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Duration and starting date

  • Period: 5 years
  • Start project: 1 January 2025
  • End project: 31 December 2029

Funding

  • Renewal ITN: € 30.000 / year
  • Cofunding: The network is required to contribute and demonstrate co-funding in addition to the Ghent University allowance, so that the total turnover of the ITN amounts to min. 120.000 € per year. The sort of co-funding is undefined, but the amount of co-funding must be real and verifiable.

Specifications

An international thematic network is a body for support, cooperation and advice consisting of Ghent University staff members and international partners concerning a specific topic of excellence in research and education at Ghent University with societal relevance and impact and with a significant focus on research. Special emphasis is put on collaborations that:

  • Focus on networking with high level and/or high potential partners;
  • Focus on networking with regard to research;
  • Focus on networking with countries, regions or around themes of strategic importance for Ghent University;
  • Focus on strengthening the collaboration with partners in the Global South;
  • Align themselves with the overall strategic goals of Ghent University and ethical framework for sustainable development and internationalization.

Each international thematic network is composed of an interdisciplinary group of at least 3 Ghent University professorial (ZAP) and/or post-doc staff members, preferably from different faculties, and professorial/post-doc staff members of minimum 3 different non-Flemish higher education partner organizations.

Who can apply?

Ghent University staff members are, at the moment of the deadline of this call, associated with Ghent University either as:

  • a member of the tenured academic staff (Zelfstandig Academisch Personeel; ZAP);
  • a visiting professor with at least a research assignment;
  • a senior assistant, senior lector, assistant professor, associate professor, full professor or senior full professor within the integration framework at Ghent University who holds a PhD degree;
  • or they have an appointment at Ghent University (including “FWO postdoctorale onderzoekers” and “IWT onderzoeksmandaten”), the University Hospital, VIB Ghent, IMEC Ghent, iMinds Ghent and/or Vlerick Gent Management School or at one of the Universities of Applied Sciences (“hogescholen”) from the Ghent University Association and hold a PhD degree.

Evaluation

The assessment of submitted proposals for the extension of International Thematic Networks is based on a detailed proposal that includes elements of self-evaluation over the first five years, as well as a vision for the next five years.

Evaluation is carried out by a selection committee with an equal number of representatives from both the Internationalization Council and the Research Council.

Evaluation criteria

The selection will be based on specific criteria (as mentioned in the call), along with the overall objectives of Ghent University’s strategic international collaboration.

Deadline

Deadline: 29 augustus 2024, 23:59 (Belgian time)

Announcing results

After validation by the Research Council of October 2024

Contact

International Relations Office

Marieke Merckx – Marieke.merckx@ugent.be - tel. 09/331.01.16

Documents

Applications have to be submitted via e-mail on the correct forms to Marieke.merckx@ugent.be .

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