Matariki Research Seed Fund
The 2025-2026 Seed Fund call is now live – closing date 15th December 2025!
Results of the call for the 2024-2025 Seed Fund are available here.
Results of the call for the 2023-2024 Seed Fund are available here.
Matariki Research Seed Fund
The Matariki Network of Universities (MNU) is a Research Seed Fund initiative to foster stronger collaboration in globally relevant fields of research among its partner institutions. Following two successful rounds, the fund continues to support bi-, tri-, and multilateral research projects through a competitive, jointly managed process.
Proposals are welcome across all thematic areas, with particular encouragement for projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All submissions must demonstrate alignment with MNU’s five guiding principles and values.
Early Career Researchers (ECRs) – defined as up to six years post-PhD – are especially encouraged to apply, though the fund remains open to researchers at all career stages.
Key Features
- Funding available: up to £25,000 per project
- Project duration: 12 to 24 months
- Minimum collaboration: at least two MNU institutions; proposals with more partners are strongly encouraged
- Principal Investigator eligibility: applicants must be eligible to serve as PI at their home institution
- Proven expertise: applicants must demonstrate relevant expertise in the proposed research area
- External collaborators: non-MNU partners may participate at their own expense
Application Timeline
Timeline of the Call (2025/26)
Call opens: 8th October 2025
Submission deadline: 15th December 2025
Selection panel: February 2026
Communication of results: Early March 2026
Earliest start date of projects: April 2026
Latest start date of projects: 1st May 2026
Contacts:
For Institution specific questions, please contact your local Matariki Coordinator and your respective research office in the first instance.
All general queries related to this call should be directed to:
Matariki Secretariat
Lucy Turzynski – [email protected]
Uppsala University – Unit for Strategic Research Support
Ellen Sjöholm- [email protected]
Guidelines on the application can be found at the following link: Matariki Research Seed Fund (2025-2026)