Latest news

Applications are now being accepted for the LIDC Interdisciplinary SEED Fund 2017-18.

What is the LIDC Interdisciplinary SEED Fund?

In 2013 LIDC launched its annual Fellowship Scheme that aims to support new collaborative research projects in international development between academics from at least two different Bloomsbury Colleges – LIDC members (Birkbeck, Institute of Education, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, SOAS and Royal Veterinary College).

Grants of up to £6,000 per project are available to support innovative ideas for international development research that are inter-sectoral (e.g. between education and health) and/ or interdisciplinary (e.g. between political science and anthropology). The Fellowships are intended as seed funding to help collaborators across Colleges to develop new research areas.

Who can apply?

Applications must be submitted by at least two individuals representing at least two different LIDC Colleges. The funds will be transferred to one institution which will subsequently partition the money accordingly. Both applicants must be academic members of staff from one of the Bloomsbury Colleges (Birkbeck, Institute of Education, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, SOAS, Royal Veterinary College). Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

On what criteria will the applications be assessed? 

Applications will be considered on the basis of academic quality and potential impact on future inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary research in international development across LIDC Colleges.  Proposals may be on any area within the broader international development sphere. New ideas for cross-College collaboration are very welcome.

What previous projects were funded?

The 2016/17 awardees:

1) Identifying peri-domestic Ebola virus reservoirs and vectors in the post-epidemic environment of Sierra Leone

Sebastian Funk (LSHTM), Richard Kock (RVC)

2) Development of a rapid drug resistance diagnosis tool for Mycobacteria tuberculosis using whole genome sequencing

Susana Campino (LSHTM), Nigel Martin (BBK)

3) Migration, precarity and agency: Nepali women construction workers in India

Feyzi Ismail (SOAS), Kalpana Wilson (Birkbeck)

How do I apply?

The application form can be downloaded from the LIDC Interdisciplinary SEED Fund web page where you can also find further information including FAQS and terms and conditions for the application. 

What support is there for collaborating with other LIDC colleges?

LIDC members who plan to apply are encouraged to contact Gek Kwan-Lim, Programme Development, LIDC, for help with partnering within LIDC’s Colleges.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications will be open until midnight of 10th October 2017.