The Governance of Migration and Diversity (GMD) program of Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities has recently launched a new Seed Fund for projects starting in 2026. The extended submission deadline is 1 Juli 2026. This Seed Fund stimulates interuniversity and interdisciplinary collaboration on migration and diversity-related research, education, and impact.
Why Apply?
With this fund, we aim to enable new research, foster collaborations across disciplines and universities, and promote team science. It supports activities such as conferences, student traineeships, writing retreats, masterclasses, research meetings, and the initial stages of interdisciplinary projects. The LDE GMD Seed Fund actively stimulates:
- Interuniversity research collaborations
- Interuniversity engagement, with particular attention to early-career researchers
- Interdisciplinary teamwork and innovative, impact-oriented initiatives
Please see the full information, detailed conditions, procedure and timeline on the GMD website: https://www.gmdcentre.nl/gmd-seed-fund-open-call
Funding Streams (2026–2027)
- LDE GMD Research Fund: For interdisciplinary research teams seeking support in the start-up phase of a research project. Maximum budget: €10,000 per application.
- LDE GMD Events Fund: For individuals or teams organising symposia, workshops, research meetings, or educational events. Funding can cover travel, accommodation, and materials — for example, to help bring in internationally recognised speakers. Maximum budget: €5,000 per application.
- LDE GMD Community Fund: To stimulate LDE GMD community-building, particularly among PhD candidates, MSc students and early-career researchers. This may include writing retreats, joint publication initiatives, skill development activities, or collaborations with NGOs and societal partners. Maximum budget: €5,000 per application.
General Conditions
Proposals should:
- Involve at least two academics affiliated with Leiden University, TU Delft or Erasmus University with a substantial role (mono-university initiatives are not eligible).
- Be embedded in interdisciplinary teams.
- Contribute to LDE-relevant outcomes.
- Relate thematically to governance of migration and/or (migration-related) diversity and social inequalities.
- Academics at any career stage can apply, but we especially encourage early- and mid-career researchers to submit proposals.
Procedure and Timeline
- The call is now open until June 1
- Applications must be submitted via the application form on the GMD website (https://www.gmdcentre.nl/gmd-seed-fund-open-call) or using the attached form, to gmdcentre@essb.eur.nl and y.c.huang@essb.eur.nl before 1 June 2026.
- Proposals will be assessed by the Seed Fund Board, with final decision-making by the GMD Steering Group.
- Successful applicants will receive funding during the 2026–2027 period, and their projects will be featured in LDE GMD communications.
If you have an innovative or creative idea and are looking to bring it to life within the LDE framework, we very much look forward to receiving your inspiring application.
For further information about the funding streams, conditions and application procedure, please consult the LDE GMD website or contact the LDE GMD team at gmdcentre@essb.eur.nl.
