Vietsch Foundation Open Call for Project Grants

The Vietsch Foundation is inviting research and development proposals aimed at advancing Internet technologies. Proposals should demonstrate their potential to significantly contribute to European and global research and education networking, with a direct impact on scientific research and higher education.

Project proposals can be submitted to the Vietsch Foundation throughout the year.

Project proposals can be submitted to the Vietsch Foundation throughout the year. Projects are expected to last no longer than seven months and should not exceed a maximum funding request of €30,000. For larger projects, applicants should seek other sources of (co-)funding before submitting a proposal.

Rationale:

The Internet serves as a dynamic environment where new ideas, technologies, and projects emerge and develop rapidly. Occasionally, urgent work of significant value to European research and education networking arises, which cannot be executed by volunteer efforts alone, while traditional project funding mechanisms may be too slow or bureaucratic.

Such work might involve developing a software package, compiling a survey, or drafting a study report. In these instances, the Vietsch Foundation can provide timely funding. Additionally, other organizations may collaborate and co-fund the same project.

Individual experts or organizations are eligible for funding, with the exception of GÉANT or its successors and affiliated organizations. However, co-funding is allowed for projects that receive funding from GÉANT.

Eligibility Criteria for Project Funding:

The Vietsch Foundation provides grants for:

1. Proposals that develop innovative technologies, services, or approaches to enhance the use of Internet technologies in research and higher education.
2. Original studies and reports that promote more effective use of Internet technologies in these fields.
3. Assistance in preparing bids to other funding bodies, where such preparation is not the applicant’s usual activity, in areas of interest to the Foundation.

Key Considerations:

• Project proposals should clearly articulate the benefits to scientific research and higher education, ensuring these benefits are tangible and add demonstrable value to end users.
• Projects must leverage Internet technologies and adhere to open standards.
• All project outcomes must be openly accessible, contributing to the openness and neutrality of the Internet.
• Projects should aim to maximize impact while minimizing costs.
• Project descriptions should not exceed 8 pages.
• Funding will only be provided for projects that offer a significant advancement, introduce a new possibility, or document a novel approach. Maintenance of ongoing activities will not be considered.
• Priority will be given to proposals from innovative individuals or practitioners affiliated with scientific, research, or educational institutions.
• Proposals for commodity services or applications from commercial players will not be considered.
• Proposals must show a clear link with the community and/or the business of European National Research and Education Networks (NREN). Proposals must either include some activities involving NRENs or obtain support from (an) NREN about the development/test/deployment of the proposed technology or service, or in the absence of any of these, provide evidence that the results of the project will be of impact and value for the NRENs and their business. Such relevance and impact will be judged at the discretion of the Board, possibly in consultation with a relevant NREN community member.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated on three main criteria::

1. Excellence – The overall quality and innovation of the project.
2. Structure and Management – The clarity and feasibility of the project’s organization.
3. Impact on Scientific Research and Higher Education – The potential benefits and influence of the project on these sectors.

The Vietsch Foundation’s Board of Trustees will be in charge of the evaluation process, ensuring no conflicts of interest. If necessary, the Board will seek independent expert advice for evaluations outside their expertise.The evaluation of proposals can take up to 2 months due to non-availability of reviewers, therefore decisions will be communicated within two months of the submission date. .

Proposals should be submitted via email to: trustees@vietsch-foundation.org

The Board’s decision is final, and no discussions will be entertained regarding the outcomes.