Purpose

The Linkages and Partnerships Awards is designed to strengthen the University of Iowa’s international engagement by supporting the development of focused, collaborative initiatives with global partners. These awards help establish or deepen relationships that have clear, project‑driven goals that enhance the university’s international research, teaching, or programmatic capacities. Funding for these awards is provided by the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization (SUIFSO).

Projects supported through this program are generally narrower in scope than those funded through the Global Research Partnership Awards. Funding may be used to support activities such as preliminary data collection; virtual or in‑person meetings with partners; development of small-scale, joint projects; or planning activities that position collaborators for future opportunities. Awards may not be used to support student travel.

Awards range from $2,000–$5,000.

Application deadline: applications are reviewed weekly

Eligibility

University of Iowa tenured, tenure‑track, instructional‑track, clinical, and research faculty with a 50% or greater appointment. Professional and scientific staff are eligible to apply for International Travel Awards.

The following are ineligible: visiting faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate, undergraduate, professional students, and student organizations.

Requirements

Eligible and ineligible expenses, Travel to High-Risk destinations, Foreign Visitor and Export Control Requirements. Click here for more information.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals for the Linkages & Partnerships Award will be reviewed with attention to the following criteria:

  • Clear description of the purpose, significance, and expected impact of the proposed linkage or partnership
  • Feasibility of the proposed activities and a clear plan for carrying them out
  • Description of the international partner(s) and any existing engagement that supports the likelihood of success
  • Anticipated near‑term outcomes, such as a pilot project, co‑developed materials, or an event/workshop
  • Potential for longer‑term collaboration, including future research, programmatic development, or external funding opportunities
  • Identification of UI departments, programs, or units that will participate in or benefit from the partnership
  • Opportunities for student involvement, where appropriate (though not supported through travel funding)
  • Matching funds or in‑kind support from colleges or departments (helpful but not required)

Consideration will be given to proposals that reinforce or expand existing international relationships, or that create promising new partnerships that engage multiple campus constituencies. See our database of existing partnership agreements.

Application Process

Complete the online application form. You will need to have the following to complete the form:

  • an application form
  • curriculum vitae for the primary faculty applicant (2-page maximum)
  • a proposal addressing the criteria above (up to 5 pages in length)
    • A proposal template is available to download and use. We encourage you to use this template as it includes headers for the questions for which you will need to respond
  • a brief budget outline, including funds pending or committed (sources and amounts)

Contact Information

For questions regarding Global Research Partnership Awards, please contact:

Mary Paterson
Business Manager
319-335-1441
mary-paterson@uiowa.edu