Horizons Platform
Learn more about Horizons Platform, our Gray and Fine Interdisciplinary Research Development Programme.
The programme is designed to promote challenge-led interdisciplinary research and foster collaboration between the University of Leeds and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Focussing on the broad areas of global inequalities, climate and sustainability, this programme will create opportunities for an exchange of ideas.
Please note: Horizons Platform is currently closed for new applications. When applications reopen, this will be announced through University of Witwatersrand and University of Leeds internal communications and our LinkedIn and BlueSky accounts.
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to established researchers of all disciplines from Wits and the University of Leeds.
The aim is to create global and interdisciplinary research collaborations between established researchers at Leeds and Wits, who have experience in delivering interdisciplinary research projects and a track record of mentoring and developing others.
What support is provided through the programme?
Support will involve funding and the facilitation of exchanges between academics from the two universities. We will also work with research teams during and after funding rounds to support them in developing their research.
Funding opportunities
There are two principal funding opportunities available:
Horizons Platform Exploratory Funding
- In October 2024 there will be an invitation for participants to apply for Horizons Platform Exploratory Funding.
- There will be up to £10,000 available to each successful applicant or groups of applicants.
- This funding will be available from November 2024 for 12 months.
This flexible funding is designed to support interdisciplinary project development and will encourage exchange, including travel between Wits and Leeds, for participants and associated early and mid-career researchers who may be included as collaborators on projects.
Find out more about Horizons Platform Exploratory Funding.
Horizons Platform Project Funding
- In April 2025, there will be an invitation for participants to apply for Horizons Platform Project Funding.
- There will be up to £250,000 available to each successful applicant, or group of applicants.
- This funding will be available from July 2025 for two years.
- Research teams will be required to include researchers from both institutions and to also have integral representation from at least one STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) discipline.
This funding is designed to support the development and delivery of an interdisciplinary research project.
Funding will be awarded to those recruited to the Horizons Platform programme, but we will strongly encourage the inclusion of co-applicants from a wider research network, particularly the inclusion of early-career researchers. The aim of this is to build an interdisciplinary research community and build capacity at both institutions.
Find out more about Horizons Platform Project Funding.
Mentoring
Any early and mid-career researchers brought into the programme by more experienced academics will have access to the Horizons Institute mentoring programme.
What does the programme involve?
All Horizons Platform participants will be asked to attend an initial online introduction and scoping workshop (1.5 hours in duration) on either Thursday 11 July or Tuesday 16 July 2024.
Online roundtable discussion groups
From these initial sessions, we will identify areas of research interest to move forward for project development. Researchers will be asked to join groups of interest for idea and team development through two online roundtable discussion groups held for each area.
These discussion groups will be one hour in duration and will take place over a three-week period from Monday 2 September to Friday 20 September 2024.
Developing networks
To maintain and develop any networks established through this programme, we will also be offering two further opportunities in September 2025 and September 2026 to bring researchers together to share ideas and developments.
Opportunities for mobility and exchange
The Horizons Institute will support individual mobility exchange for Horizons Platform participants or associated members of wider research teams from both institutions. This can be funded through the Exploratory awards and is an essential component of the Horizons Platform project awards.
In addition, researchers from Wits associated with the programme will have the opportunity to apply to spend time in Leeds alongside the Horizons Academy Crucible participants in the January of each year. We are anticipating that this opportunity will support further network and idea development between researchers of both institutions.
How do I apply?
Participants will need to complete a short application form, which will be reviewed by a cross-institutional panel.
For an application form, or if you have any further questions, please email Kate Kellett via horizons@leeds.ac.uk
Deadline
Please note that the deadline for applications is Friday 28 June 2024.
More information
The Programme is part of the Horizons Academy, which supports the development of interdisciplinary research and the connecting of researchers across disciplines, and has been funded by David Fine. Find out more about David Fine and his contribution to research and researcher development.