What is Kiem?

Through Kiem, Leiden University will provide 25 annual seed grants between 2024 and 2026 to develop new interdisciplinary (interfaculty) collaborations and encounters in education, research and/or organisation. Kiem applications (€10,000 per project) should involve staff from at least two faculties at Leiden University.

Proposals could, for instance, focus on network building, organising seminars and workshops, conducting a pilot study, revision of an education programme, preparing research proposals, etc. Searching for inspiration? Have a look at previous submissions in the margin (to the right). Kiem funding is not meant to exempt researchers from teaching or research (buy out), but can be used for other expenses, such as material and activities, as well as hiring student or management assistants, trainers and supporting events.

Who is it for?

Applicants should be Leiden University employees (academic or professional services staff) with a paid temporary or permanent appointment, including PhD candidates. Applicants with a temporary appointment should be employed at the university for at least the duration of the initiative. Each proposal should involve at least two staff members, each from a different faculty.  Also those involved in prior Kiem projects (whether granted or not) can participate again.

Eligibility criteria

• The proposal demonstrably promotes interdisciplinary research, teaching and/or organisation through encounters, connections and partnerships between faculties; 
• Two staff members from at least two faculties should be involved in each proposal, (also in case staff from support units are involved, at least two faculties must still be involved); 
• The proposal relates to a new initiative; previously realized, existing or returning initiatives are not eligible, new proposals from existing partnerships are welcomed;
• Employees may only be involved in one submitted proposal, applicants who were involved in a previous Kiem application, may participate again;
• The proposal can feasibly be realised within the budget and timeline (€10,000 and duration of up to 12 months);
• All required information is submitted (see below).   
• Kiem proposals that were not granted in a previous round may be resubmitted, provided the application is updated and submitted using the current application form.

How to apply

You can apply for a Kiem grant through an online form which is available on the right hand side page margin. This form is to be submitted via Formdesk using the link provided in the form. Take note of the do’s and don’ts from previous applicants.

Make sure to provide the following information:

• Title of application 
• Brief summary
• List of participating researchers, faculties/units and contact details
• The duration of the project 
• Description of the project interdisciplinary goals, an explanation of how it will foster interfaculty collaboration, as well as to what extent it constitutes a new initiative 
• Description of project activities and planning
• Description of the use of financial means

Selection and draw

Applications are first checked for admissibility. If more than 25 eligible applications are submitted, the Kiem grants will be awarded by drawing lots. Our philosophy is that it is difficult – if not impossible – to predict the success of pioneering interdisciplinary projects. Kiem is also intended to allow for daring and innovative initiatives. We therefore believe it fairer (and more efficient) to draw lots among the submissions that meet the criteria.

Open proposals

All eligible proposals will be published online before the draw. This means an abstract of the submitted projects and a list of applicants will be published. These projects have met the Kiem grant application criteria and therefore deserve recognition. Moreover, this increases the chances of proposals securing funding via another route and of different initiatives finding common ground.

Contact

Do you have questions about the Kiem grant? Take a look at the FAQ. Can't find an answer to your question? Mail to kiemcall@bb.leidenuniv.nl.

FAQ Kiem grant

Do's and don'ts for applicants