International Central Networks Fund (ICNF)

The International Central Networks Fund (ICNF) provides central funding to support University of Auckland staff access to the networking and collaboration opportunities presented by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), Universitas 21 (U21) and the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN).

The University’s engagement with U21 includes collaboration in teaching and learning, and university administration best practice. The University works, as a member of APRU, to address identified research themes and institutional challenges that relate to the Pacific Rim.

WUN creates new, multilateral opportunities for transcontinental collaboration in research. It has structures in place to help seed new multilateral projects and a number of active WUN multilateral projects in this ‘start-up’ phase. In receiving WUN support and recognition there is an expectation that the projects will become fully sustainable through successful joint applications to international agencies.

Academic and Professional staff may apply to ICNF for support to undertake activities related to all three networks, as outlined below.

1. Network-sponsored workshops and conferences
   Research-active academic staff are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to attend workshops and conferences to:

• Deliver papers; chair or join discussions; build and maintain relationships with fellow scholars in the field; and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• Develop and strengthen links between The University of Auckland and partner universities.

Specific, current opportunities will be listed in any given call for applications.

2. Research collaboration opportunity investigation
   Research-active academic staff are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to:

• Meet face-to-face with potential collaborative partners to explore research synergies and opportunities for collaboration.
• Develop and strengthen links between The University of Auckland and other network member universities.
  
  Priority will be given to applications in this category for collaboration under the WUN framework.

3. Visiting Fellowships
   Academic and Professional staff are eligible to apply for up to $8,000 to:

• Share relevant knowledge with two-to-four other network members, to encourage the sharing of best practice in teaching, research and administration.
• Develop and strengthen links between The University of Auckland and other network member universities.

This category will also support applications to the Solander Research Exchange Programme between U21 universities in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden. Information on this programme is available at http://www.solander.lu.se/Images/Application_Procedure_2012.pdf.

Applicants for a Solander grant can apply to visit one participating institution only, though applications to more than one university are also eligible. Applicants to this Programme will have to fill out the Solander Application Form, available at http://www.solander.lu.se/Images/Application_Form_2012.pdf, in addition to their ICNF application and budget forms.

Note: As the fund supports outbound staff mobility, proposals to bring collaborators  to the University will not be funded .

Calls for applications will be made in February 2012 (Round 1) and August 2012 (Round 2). Applicants must submit a 2012 ICNF Application Form, a 2012 ICNF Budget Form, and a short CV to Matthew O’Meagher before 5pm on the closing date listed at the top of this page.

Applications that are incomplete or received after the closing date will not be considered.

Notes:

1. It is possible for applicants to submit more than one application per round; however, this will require a fully documented application for each activity concerned.
2. Applications must be signed off by the relevant Head of Department, Dean or Director.
3. Application to ICNF does not prevent staff from accessing additional funds for the same purpose through Faculty/Institute processes.
4. Funding must be spent within one year of the award.

Applications will be considered by a selection committee comprising:

• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement), Chair;
• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research);
• Two senior researchers (including at least one member of Senate);
• One member of professional staff;
• The International Researcher Developer/WUN Coordinator;
• The Senior Adviser (International Relations).
  

Applications will be judged by the following criteria:

1. quality of the application;
2. strategic importance and likely benefit to the University and academic unit, requiring a clear synergy beyond individual capacities;
3. sustainability – ability to build and maintain long-term international relationships, and where relevant to generate significant external funding;
4. the applicant’s ability to act as an effective ambassador for the University; and communicate new knowledge back to The University of Auckland;
5. level of support – from Department/School/Faculty; and, where relevant, from the partner institution(s).

Note: Researchers who are part of centrally funded research programmes, such as Thematic Research Institutes and International Research Team Development Awards, should look to related funds to cover mobility expenses in the first instance. Only when the other avenues have been explored and exhausted should these researchers submit applications to ICNF and, in this case, all previous efforts to gain funding elsewhere should be documented and explained in the application.

ICNF can be used to cover expenses associated with:

• economy travel
• accommodation
• meals
• conference/workshop fees ONLY.

It can only be used to cover the direct costs of the awardee, and only in the context of the award.

ICNF cannot be used to seed or fund research projects. Faculty Research Development Funds can be applied to for such expenses.

• Only travel up to the value of economy class will be considered.
• Any fees/charges imposed by partner institutions will not be considered. In some cases, extraordinary material fees may be considered.
• Requests for funding of per diems will not be considered.
• All travel must comply with The University of Auckland travel policy.
• All financial transactions must comply with The University of Auckland finance policy.

Financial Processes
Funds must be spent with one year of the award. Any unspent funds cannot be rolled forward. Awardees will be reimbursed for relevant claims up to the level of the award on receipt of a completed ICNF Reimbursement form and original GST receipts. Awardees will not be reimbursed for expenses where no receipt is supplied.

Reporting Processes
Recipients are required to submit a short, email report (200 words), due by the date indicated at the start of this document, outlining:

• Key outcomes of the activity in terms of the specific goals of the fellowship or award*.
• Any benefits to the University.
• Any next steps.

* Note – faculties, institutes and service decisions may require more extensive, additional reports.

Fellowship recipients are also required to present the report to the University’s International Committee within 3 months of the end of the fellowship.

Recipients who fail to submit a final report will not receive funding in subsequent rounds.

Submission of applications
Applications once completed and signed by the relevant Heads should be scanned and then emailed to Matthew O’Meagher.

Complete applications must be received by the deadline. No extensions will be granted.

Submission of reports
Reports should be emailed to Matthew O’Meagher.

Reports must be received by the deadline.

Matthew O'Meagher
Senior Adviser - International Relations
Email: m.omeagher@auckland.ac.nz

For further information on APRU or U21, please contact:

Matthew O’Meagher
Senior Adviser - International Relations
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement)
Ext: 86671
Email: m.omeagher@auckland.ac.nz

For further information on WUN, please contact:

Robyn Hill
Research Office
Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Ext: 83812
Email: robyn.hill@auckland.ac.nz

• APRU
• Universitas 21
• Worldwide Universities Network