You can apply to Umeå Transformation Research Initiative (UTRI) for help with practical issues in all types of events that involves some aspect of sustainability. This means that UTRI take care of all practical details while you contribute with time and ideas. The event can be a discussion of ideas, a pilot project (ancillary costs and/or salary funds), a writing workshop, other workshops or larger conferences and panel debates with invited, international speakers.
UTRI aims to promote sustainable transition through interdisciplinary collaborations at Umeå University and with external stakeholders. Collaboration is key to change, and therefore, through UTRI, you can apply for funding to implement activities that foster this.
All employees at Umeå University can apply for funding from UTRI, including external parties interested in collaboration. Using an application form found further down this page, you will describe your idea and submit it to utri@umu.se
Application Period and Funding
Applications are processed continuously throughout the year. Larger activities may require longer processing times. The maximum amount granted is 80,000 SEK per activity.
Examples of Activities and Use of Funds
UTRI considers each application separately. The following are common examples of activities, but other ideas are not excluded: seminars, symposia, workshops, panel discussions, conferences, writing retreats, pilot projects, and time for writing research proposals.
Funding is granted based on the submitted budget, typically covering costs such as lunch or catering, venue hire, salary funds, marketing, or travel and accommodation for invited speakers. Each expense must be relevant to the research.
Support Offered by UTRI
UTRI provides practical support for organizers to focus on their ideas and content. This includes brainstorming, creating communication materials, booking venues, and catering, among other arrangements.
For larger events, we can coordinate and manage contacts with external conference organizers for optimal outcomes.
Support needs vary depending on the size of the activity. It is important to note that as the applicant, you are the project leader and ultimately responsible for implementing your idea; UTRI is here to support you.
Basic Requirements for Applications
The following are basic requirements for an application to be approved. These descriptions are also requested in the application form:
The proposed activity should:
Promote sustainable transition: Funding requires a clear description of how the activity's goals and purposes relate to sustainable transition and align with UTRI's objectives.
Contribute to interdisciplinary meetings: Clear justification is needed on how the activity will lead to enhanced interdisciplinary exchanges. This could involve exchanges between faculties at Umeå University, with other national or international institutions, other external stakeholders, or society at large.
Be accessible to a public audience: Every activity must include at least one part that is open for participation by all members of Umeå University. For pilot studies or other closed activities, this requirement can be met with a Transformation Talk where study results are presented or placed in another context.
Provide feedback to UTRI for knowledge dissemination: After the activity concludes, a feedback report detailing implementation, participation, and outcomes is required. This can be in the form of a brief summary, news item, published article, or similar.
If you have any questions, please contact us on utri@umu.se
Submit your application using this form