By Dr. Ahmad Ezzeddine, UW Vice Provost for Global Affairs
At the University of Washington, global engagement is not just an aspiration, it is a cornerstone of our mission. Whether it is solving climate issues across continents or bringing diverse international perspectives into our classrooms, our impact is defined by our connections.
UW Global is proud to serve as the university’s central hub for these connections, acting as the gateway that links UW innovation to the world, and as the front door for our international partners to connect with us.
To fuel this exchange, we are thrilled to launch the 2025-2026 Global Innovation Fund (GIF).
The GIF is more than just funding. It is a strategic investment in faculty-led innovation. While financial support is the mechanism, our goal is to act as a resource and catalyst for your work. 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.
Application Window: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
We have structured this year’s GIF to support a wide spectrum of global engagement through two categories:
I. Global Research Awards
- Tier 1: Seed funding for emerging cross-disciplinary, cross-continent initiatives. Early-career faculty are encouraged to apply for these awards.
- Tier 2: Support to scale established partnerships toward major external funding.
- Strategic Partnership Awards: Dedicated funding for collaborative projects with our premier partners, including Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Tohoku University, The University of Manchester, and the University of Sheffield.
II. Global Learning Awards
- Study Abroad: Developing transformative field experiences.
- COIL & Virtual Exchange: Connecting classrooms digitally to expand access to global learning.
- Teaching & Curriculum: Integrating international perspectives directly into course design.
Former GIF award recipient – Space Development
The Global Innovation Fund represents a strategic investment in the future of global education and research at UW, supporting faculty to innovate, collaborate, and inspire. We invite you to partner with us and leverage the resources of UW Global. Let us help you expand your reach, deepen your scholarship, and prepare our students for a borderless future.
For full details and application guidelines, visit https://www.washington.edu/globalaffairs/gif/