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Applications now open for the UW Global Innovation Fund Research Awards

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Applications are now open for the 2026 UW Global Innovation Fund (GIF) Research Awards. Proposals are due Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Managed by UW Global, the Global Innovation Fund supports faculty-led global engagement, collaboration, research, and learning across the University of Washington. GIF is open to faculty in all schools, colleges, and units, supporting projects around the world as well as initiatives that engage global communities here in the United States.

This year, GIF is accepting aUW Global Innovation Fundpplications for the Global Research Awards, which support research that launches new projects, strengthens international partnerships, and builds the foundation for future large-scale initiatives.

Funding opportunities include:

  • Seed Grants: Up to $5,000
  • Development Grants: Up to $15,000
  • UW Global Partner Awards: Up to $20,000

The UW Global Innovation Fund also offers a Global Learning award category (including study abroad and teaching & curriculum), which will open in January.

While financial support is the mechanism, our goal is to act as a resource and catalyst for the work of our faculty. By providing seed funding for early-stage ideas and support for established collaborations, UW Global aims to:

  • Lower barriers for faculty entering the global arena.
  • Facilitate reciprocity, ensuring we are not just exporting knowledge, but integrating global wisdom into our campus.
  • Bridge disciplines, connecting researchers from different fields to address complex global challenges.

Learn more about eligibility, award categories, and the application process on the Global Innovation Fund website.

To help faculty prepare competitive proposals, UW Global will host two virtual workshops covering the program, application process, and proposal development best practices:

  • October 8th: 3:00-4:00pm; Register here
  • October 9th: 10:00am-11:00am; Register here

In addition, we have drop-in office hours to address specific questions as you develop your proposal.

  • October 16th: 10:00-11:00am; Register here
  • October 23rd: 11:00am-12:00pm; Register here
  • October 30th: 1:00-2:00pm; Register here
  • November 6th: 2:00-3:00pm; Register here

We encourage faculty from across all disciplines and units to explore how GIF can support their global research ambitions.