Do you have a research idea?
Researchers and citizens of Twente working together
Getting the citizens of Twente more involved in science is the topic of a new program developed by the University of Twente and the Province of Overijssel. Doing research together with citizens enriches science, and at the same time citizens gain more knowledge about important social issues, such as health, sustainability and livability.
In this program, researchers will set up and conduct scientific research together with local communities. This program deals with issues that matter to the society of Twente. The first call was in spring 2023 and the first five projects started in September that year. We are now in the process of starting the second call. We will be looking for interesting research ideas. We expect to open the second call in May/June 2024.
First Round
Both citizens of Twente and researchers from the University of Twente (UT) have submitted a proposal for a research idea they would like to work on together. Research ideas could be about a variety of topics: new innovations and technologies, but also sustainability, health and well-being, livability in urban and rural areas, housing or biodiversity and nature restoration. There must be a clear link to Twente. Learning together by doing research plays a central role in this program.
The first projects started in September 2023:
- Positieve gezondheid in Boekelo/positive health in Boekelo
- Positieve gezondheidsoplossingen voor eenzaamheid van ouderen in Twente/Positive health solutions for lonely elderly in Twente.
- Citizen Science Dashboards - communicating climate change challenges in agriculture in Twente
- Children Citizen Geo-Science for climate adaptive cities
- AbilityTech: verder bouwen aan hulpmiddelen voor zelfredzaamheid mensen met een functiebeperking/ Continuing to build assistive tools for the self-sufficiency of people with disabilities.
Second round
The second round will open soon! Research ideas can be about a variety of topics: new innovations and technologies, but also sustainability, health and well-being, livability in urban and rural areas, housing or biodiversity and nature restoration. There must be a clear link to Twente. Learning together by doing research plays a central role in this program.
The proposed project involves collaboration between at least one UT researcher and at least one citizen group from the region Twente, such as a volunteer collective, foundation, association or village council. Do you have an idea as a researcher, but no contact (yet) with a citizen group, or do you have an idea as a citizen group, but no contact (yet) with a researcher? Even then you can still submit your idea. UT's Citizen Science Hub Twente will then support you in trying to find a suitable partner, so that together you will be able to start a project with your project based on the research idea.
What can you apply for?
Principles for a research idea are:
- Researchers and citizens work together both in defining the research question and in setting up, implementing and evaluating the project;
- The idea deals with issues that matter to Twente society. We are thinking in particular of the themes of sustainability (including energy transition and climate change), safety, health and/or wellbeing;
- The idea is innovative, concrete, locally relevant and of interest to the region of Twente;
- The project outcomes are valuable to both science and the local community;
- The language of communication in the program is in principle Dutch and so is the application form. Should this be problematic, the Citizen Science Hub Twente can try to offer support in this.
10,000 EUR is available per project, half of which is located for the researcher(s) and the other half for the citizen group(s). The maximum duration of the proposed project is two years. A maximum budget of 40,000 EUR is available for this first round. A second round will follow in 2024.
About the budget
For the citizen group(s):
- Participants in projects within this regulation who are not affiliated with the UT can receive a maximum reimbursement of 5,000 EUR for their work within the project (via a volunteer allowance) and the costs incurred (so-called third party costs) within the project;
- The efforts of participants should be declared as ‘volunteer allowance’ provided by a legal entity (such as a foundation or association) to which the participant is affiliated. For the correct amounts, please refer to the ‘volunteer allowance’ of the Tax Office/Belastingdienst;
- Third party costs can also be claimed. These costs include meeting costs and costs incurred for the organization of public meetings. Examples include room rental, catering or communication equipment;
- A maximum of 5,000 EUR may be claimed per project by the citizens' group(s). These costs may be invoiced in full in accordance with the UT's Invoice Requirements. Any deposits are negotiable;
- For all amounts mentioned, we assume that VAT is included;
- In case of any questions, please contact the Citizen Science Hub Twente.
For the UT researcher(s):
- The UT researcher(s) within this regulation can receive a maximum reimbursement of 5,000 EUR for their work;
- You should write your hours spent on the project. The unit where you are being employed will be compensated for this afterwards;
- A total maximum of 5,000 EUR per project can be claimed by the UT researcher(s);
- For all amounts mentioned, we assume that VAT is included;
- In case of questions, please contact the Citizen Science Hub Twente.
How do I apply?
- Applications can be submitted soon (expected opening enf of May);
- Only fully completed application forms will be considered;
- Applications can only be submitted via the Citizen Science Hub Twente web portal;
- Eligible costs are directly and demonstrably related to the project. Costs that will be reimbursed are volunteer fees, costs directly related to the organization of public events (room rental, catering and communication tools) and research implementation (hours, equipment and materials);
- The project developments will be reported every six months and the outcomes of the project will be presented after the end of the project during a moment to be organized;
- Applicants are willing to actively contribute to the communication around their project.
What happens after the application?
- An independent committee evaluates the research ideas submitted. In its assessment, the committee takes into account the diversity of applicants and spread across UT's faculties;
- The committee may grant applications fully, partially, or reject them entirely;
- You will receive a decision on the application no later than July 12, 2024 at the e-mail address indicated in the application form;
- A joint kickoff of the awarded projects will take place in September 2024;
- All correspondence will go via the Citizen Science Hub Twente;
- The University of Twente processes personal data received as part of this application in accordance with the applicable privacy policy.
Questions?
Questions regarding the research idea, budget and procedure can be asked to Saskia Baas, coordinator Citizen Science Hub Twente, Universiteit Twente, via citizen-science@utwente.nl or 06-38322359
This initiative is made possible by the University of Twente and the Province of Overijssel