Seed-funding for research – CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance [Skip to content](#main) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-11-Bta7Grvo.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-08-Bbt_UM7-.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-02-Dh7f4uYd.svg) [ ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg)](https://civis.eu/en) - [ Discover ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance) - [ What is CIVIS? ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis) - [ Our work ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work) - [ Mission, Vision & Values ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/mission-vision-values) - [ Governance & Management ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/governance-andamp-management) - [ Who's Who ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) - [ CIVIS Association ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/civis-association) [Open Labs & Civic engagement ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Learn ](https://civis.eu/en/learn) - [ Blended Intensive Programmes ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/blended-intensive-programmes) - [ Flexible Learning ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/build-your-learning-path-flexible-offer) - [ Master’s Programmes ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/find-your-master-s-programme) - [ Staff weeks & Job Shadowing ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/keep-on-learning-with-staff-weeks-andamp-job-shadowing) - [ Study abroad ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/study-abroad-and-connect-with-civis-universities) [Discover the projects led by our students in 2025-2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026) [CIVIS Museum University Forum ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/CIVIS-Museum-University-Forum) - [ Teach ](https://civis.eu/en/teach) - [ Calls for Projects ](https://civis.eu/en/teach/civis-calls) - [ Innovate your Teaching ](https://civis.eu/en/teach/innovate-your-teaching) - [ Resources for Educators ](https://civis.eu/en/teach/resources-for-educators) [CIVIS BIPs: strong impact and high satisfaction, new report finds ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/civis-bips-strong-impact-and-high-satisfaction-new-report-finds) [CIVIS Students Bring Music to Patients with Dementia and their Caregivers ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/musicians-from-all-over-civis-come-together-in-madrid-to-promote-inclusiveness) - [ Research ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research) - [ Research Collaboration ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/research-collaboration) - [ Careers, Networks & Mobilities ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/research-careers-networks-and-projects) - [ Resources for Researchers ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/resources-for-researchers) [CIVIS launches new job space for early-stage researchers across Europe and Africa ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/connecting-talent-with-opportunities-civis-launches-new-job-space-to-connect-early-stage-researchers-across-europe-and-africa) [Facing Common Challenges, Shaping Joint Solutions for Africa and Europe ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/facing-common-challenges-shaping-joint-solutions-for-africa-and-europe) - [ Connect ](https://civis.eu/en/connect) - [ Newsletters ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/newsletters) - [ CIVIS Days ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/civis-days) - [ Civil Society ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Contact us ](https://civis.eu/en/contact) - [ Press Corner & Branding ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) [Make Some Waves: CIVIS Launches New Podcast Series ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/make-some-waves-civis-launches-new-podcast-series) [Fake It Till You News It: Challenges and Solutions in Modern Media Student Innovation Forum ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026/civis-creathon-contest) [ Our stories ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) en - [ de ](https://civis.eu/de/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ fr ](https://civis.eu/fr/Recherche/Collaboration-en-recherche/Financement-initial-pour-la-recherche) - [ el ](https://civis.eu/el/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ it ](https://civis.eu/it/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ es ](https://civis.eu/es/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ sv ](https://civis.eu/sv/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ ro ](https://civis.eu/ro/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) Menu - [Discover](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-29) - [ What is CIVIS? ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis) - [ Our work ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work) - [ Mission, Vision & Values ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/mission-vision-values) - [ Governance & Management ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/governance-andamp-management) - [ Who's Who ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) - [ CIVIS Association ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/civis-association) - [Learn](https://civis.eu/en/learn) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-30) - [ Blended Intensive Programmes ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/blended-intensive-programmes) - [ Flexible Learning ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/build-your-learning-path-flexible-offer) - [ Master’s Programmes ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/find-your-master-s-programme) - [ Staff weeks & Job Shadowing ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/keep-on-learning-with-staff-weeks-andamp-job-shadowing) - [ Study abroad ](https://civis.eu/en/learn/study-abroad-and-connect-with-civis-universities) - [Teach](https://civis.eu/en/teach) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-31) - [ Calls for Projects ](https://civis.eu/en/teach/civis-calls) - [ Innovate your Teaching ](https://civis.eu/en/teach/innovate-your-teaching) - [ Resources for Educators ](https://civis.eu/en/teach/resources-for-educators) - [Research](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-32) - [ Research Collaboration ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/research-collaboration) - [ Careers, Networks & Mobilities ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/research-careers-networks-and-projects) - [ Resources for Researchers ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/resources-for-researchers) - [Connect](https://civis.eu/en/connect) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-33) - [ Newsletters ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/newsletters) - [ CIVIS Days ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/civis-days) - [ Civil Society ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Contact us ](https://civis.eu/en/contact) - [ Press Corner & Branding ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) [ Our stories ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) en - [ de ](https://civis.eu/de/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ fr ](https://civis.eu/fr/Recherche/Collaboration-en-recherche/Financement-initial-pour-la-recherche) - [ el ](https://civis.eu/el/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ it ](https://civis.eu/it/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ es ](https://civis.eu/es/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ sv ](https://civis.eu/sv/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) - [ ro ](https://civis.eu/ro/research/research-collaboration/seed-funding-research) 1. [Providing the Tools for Innovative Research ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research) 2. [Research Collaboration ](https://civis.eu/en/providing-the-tools-for-innovative-research/research-collaboration) 3. Seed-funding for research Seed-funding for research =========================== **Empowering Collaborative Research and Innovation** ---------------------------------------------------- CIVIS Seed Funding is a strategic initiative designed to foster collaboration among academics and researchers across the CIVIS Alliance. By providing financial support for joint projects, this programme aims to stimulate innovative ideas, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships, and pave the way for long-term research cooperation within Europe and beyond. **Impact of this initiative** ----------------------------- The first two calls calls have funded over 50 projects in areas such as health, sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusion. These collaborations have led to innovative research endeavours and laid the groundwork for impactful partnerships. One good example is [spaXio (spatial crosstalk in immuno-oncology)](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/tackling-cancer-together-five-civis-universities-receive-prestigious-eu-funding-for-innovative-research-network), a research project that has successfully secured funding through the highly competitive European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme. The project aims to uncover the complexities of metastasis —why certain cancer cells settle in specific organs and form deadly tumours. And it was born out of a CIVIS seed-funding project! [Read about some of the funded projects](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/civis-encourages-innovative-research-and-longer-term-collaborations-between-civis-member-institutions-in-europe-and-strategic-partner-universities-in-africa-with-the-implementation-of-17-new-programmes) **Some background** ------------------- Thanks to the [RIS4CIVIS project](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/civis-alliance-projects/recent-projects/ris4civis) \[Horizon Europe/SwafS, 2021-2023\], the Research and Innovation dimension of the CIVIS Alliance has enriched the Education component already in place. The implementation of structural actions to develop networking between researchers, promote a better understanding of our partners' research and innovation potential, and support the submission of joint projects (particularly within the framework of Horizon Europe) has strengthened exchanges and collaboration between our research teams at the Alliance level. **Looking Ahead** ----------------- CIVIS remains committed to supporting academic excellence and societal impact through seed funding. Future calls will continue to encourage creativity, diversity, and cooperation among researchers within the Alliance. - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/coms-unit-staff-week-collaborative-pedagogies-12-25-3-618x_.jpg?token=e232aad9f27ef5611a98a75f7d8a55f2) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/coms-unit-staff-week-collaborative-pedagogies-12-25-3-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=1f390c490befe61186494cfc6713e81b) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/coms-unit-staff-4-618x_.jpg?token=03443b316039b5ae2564b24d21170347) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/coms-unit-staff-4-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=7f8b2e451eee7d83c08bcbd105ea981b) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/sensing-our-environment-together-3-618x_.jpg?token=4276cb0300d6fc34292ea0f3f0f816fd) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/sensing-our-environment-together-3-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=557bb11a7229a2c77e762846b5a1547f) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-uam-5-618x_.jpg?token=d61c37671191efbbeb5bef1e3e1f3640) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-uam-5-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=37d16148ef97024373436ade093aaf91) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/sensing-our-environment-together-1-618x_.jpg?token=6c8c9c9880b2ceda11d6d0e8b6006868) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/sensing-our-environment-together-1-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=699ece48502d31b108e7dae69008b8c8) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/sensing-our-environment-together-2-618x_.jpg?token=bee83adb6a0d878ca7793f1aaf11a494) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/sensing-our-environment-together-2-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=033e6eabff6a47dbabfe832cff7aead7) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-open-labs-november-2024-618x_.jpg?token=494862071a9c983172a447ba7dd07cd4) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-open-labs-november-2024-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=0f1d2fa84d76bfb765099367f0eba9eb) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/polycivis-bruxelles-31-01-2024-07-1-618x_.jpg?token=afb47aa0d5a917a79f665d64a884ba1e) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/polycivis-bruxelles-31-01-2024-07-1-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=fbc918783261ad84713c03538a3031b4) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-orchestra-gallery_1-618x_.jpg?token=a1c73439e6f9ee6ec0a53ab070494e03) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-orchestra-gallery_1-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=81a3097facec7bf8d94ba392afd9cbb0) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/20250917-civis-open-lab-veris-voices-of-palmyra-618x_.jpg?token=9d318da64fccf58b343fbff95a34b9e2) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/20250917-civis-open-lab-veris-voices-of-palmyra-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=2c0b8f97c816260e33883c5359fda338) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/20250916-conferinta-villa-noel-communautes-et-patrimoine-culturel-618x_.jpg?token=62ffa7ceff214d31f699f06717318ec3) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/20250916-conferinta-villa-noel-communautes-et-patrimoine-culturel-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=04928a1a5d85495e60bff0b76f84ba19) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-nkua-14-618x_.jpg?token=b0a82cf2ea8f7ccec219363155e93d2d) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-nkua-14-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=1712cc847225ba9d72a8d8bacd53d355) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-civis-days-2025-5_1-618x_.jpg?token=a834e11e0f43b0a9d52cfa44f9b6d756) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civis-coms-unit-civis-days-2025-5_1-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=bd880f1d316d56d72632e263dc402bbc) Testimonials ------------- ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-09-B3BMjMVU.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-05-Dj7Wr3Es.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/dirk-schmidt-arras-testimonial-research-644x696.jpg?token=05bb3e150d5b265609b24a767e7c8b10) > The idea was to create a CIVIS-based network between laboratories interested in using spatial omics technologies. It was the seed funding from CIVIS-UNIL that brought us together, which ultimately led to this successful grant application Dirk Schmidt-Arras, Assoc. Prof. at the University of Salzburg What you need to know about CIVIS Seed Funding ----------------------------------------------- Why Does Seed Funding Matter? ------------------------------- Seed funding acts as a catalyst for new research ventures beyond disciplinary boundaries. It enables academic teams teams to explore emerging topics, prepare competitive proposals for larger grants and test ideas. Through this mechanism, CIVIS supports the creation of sustainable networks that address global challenges in line with our mission. Who Can Apply for CIVIS Seed Funding? --------------------------------------- When calls are open, the programme welcomes applications from faculty from CIVIS member universities. Projects must involve partners from east three CIVIS Universities from Europe or Africa (with a minimum of two European universities), ensuring a truly collaborative and international approach. Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to participate. Which Activities are Supported by CIVIS Seed Funding? ------------------------------------------------------- - **Joint Research Projects**: Initiatives that combine expertise across disciplines and institutions. - **Proposal Development**: Activities aimed at securing external funding for future large-scale projects. - **Networking and Capacity Building**: Opportunities to strengthen academic ties and share knowledge. Seed funding for research info session ---------------------------------------- Learn how CIVIS supporting research collaboration through seed funding Play the video ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither can be held responsible for them. ### People - [ Students ](https://civis.eu/en/i-am-a-student) - [ Academics & researchers ](https://civis.eu/en/i-am-an-academic-researcher) - [ Administrators ](https://civis.eu/en/i-am-an-administrator) - [ Civil society ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Press corner & Branding ](https://civis.eu/en/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) ### Useful links - [ Resources ](https://civis.eu/en/resources) - [ CIVIS Agora ](https://civis.eu/en/civis-agora-the-operational-hub-of-the-civis-digital-campus) - [ European Universities initiative ](https://civis.eu/en/european-universities-initiative) - [ Past Events ](https://civis.eu/en/past-events) - [ Contact ](https://civis.eu/en/contact) [Newsletters](https://civis.eu/en/connect/newsletters) ### Social networks - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/instagram.svg) Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/civis.eu/) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/linkedin.svg) LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/civis-eu) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/facebook.svg) Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/CIVISEuropeanUniversity/) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/youtube.svg) YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCm0FfreX81BuNH-znlRGQ) © 2026 – CIVIS – All rights reserved - [ Cookie Policy ](https://civis.eu/en/cookie-policy) - [ Privacy policy ](https://civis.eu/en/privacy-policy) Website by [Typi Design](https://typi.be) • Design by [Atelier Milky](https://ateliermilky.com) [ ](#top) Search