The University of Cologne will be awarding five project grants (€ 15,000 each) annually for project-related innovative tandem collaborations between University of Cologne-based academics and international junior researchers, who will take on a leading role in the collaboration.
In the past, Future Rural Africa Researchers Hauke-Peter Vehrs and Richard Kiaka received funding throurgh the Innovative Tandem Collaborations for their ‘Mtu ni Watu – Disclosing Hidden Stories of Fieldwork project that consists of a scientific toolbox as well as a documentary film. Mtu ni Watu explores the often unacknowledged role of research assistants in anthropological fieldwork. Located at the intersection of local knowledge and academic enquiry, these collaborators play a vital role in shaping the research process.
This year’s project grants will be awarded on an individual basis, but linked to a project. Academic tandems with one University of Cologne-based academic and one international junior academic (postdoc) can apply. The application is to be made jointly, but the funds are put at the disposal of the international partner, who also decides on their use. Deadline for application is 31 March 2026.
Selection Criteria:
- Contribution to sustainable international relationships (e.g. development of international relationships; likelihood of follow-on projects or continued cooperation; establishment of joint teaching offers; institutional expansion)
- Academic quality and significance of the project (e.g. academic relevance, innovation and originality; where applicable special interdisciplinary orientation)
- Innovative character of the collaboration and the cooperative measures (e.g. originality of content; special formats of cooperation) and/or constructive inclusion of teaching and professional development of junior academics
- The project is concluded with a clearly defined result, which is recognizable as the collective product of the tandem partners. (e.g. joint publication, OERs, video/film, workshop/conference, web-based application/presentation, database/web archive, exhibition)
Click here for more information and access to the submission portal.
