Global Champion Fund
Source: https://www.global.uzh.ch/en/global_university/funding-instruments/partnerships-fund/global-champion-fund.html Parent: https://www.global.uzh.ch/en/global_university/funding-instruments/partnerships-fund.html
Please note: This information is currenty revised. Detailed information for the 2026 Call will be made available here by May 2026.
The Global Champion Fund may support projects that advance the objectives of the following key areas of the Global Strategy 2030 through collaboration with the defined Global Network and Priority Partners:
The World @ UZH\ A diverse and culturally rich environment is actively fostered to generate creative and innovative outputs, interesting debates, and an inspiring learning, research and working environment on campus in Zurich.
Internationally Connected\ UZH joins forces all around the world with partners, universities and beyond, to conduct impactful research and in-novation, offer top-quality education, and tackle complex challenges.
Societal Responsibility\ By increasing its engagement as a stakeholder in national and international policy making and diplomacy, the scientific community can bring its values of rationality, transparency and universality and help underpin a better global governance and build trust between nations and societies.
On Stage\ Our excellence in research, innovation and teaching all contribute to the global reputation of UZH. The develop-ment of our global reputation is supported by proactive dialogues, events and outreach activities with relevant stakeholders from the ERI (Education, Research, and Innovation) sector and wider society.
Additional Information
Global Strategy 2030
More about Global Strategy 2030
Call Regulations
Call Regulations for the 2026 Call will be made available here my May 2026.
Network and Priority Partners
This list is currently revised and will be made available here by May 2026.
Goal\ The Global Champion Fund focuses on implementing the Global Strategy 2030 by supporting initiatives with a Network or Priority Partner with the strong potential for long-term institutional collaboration.
Examples of initiatives\ The Champion Fund supports new and ongoing joint activities, for instance:
- Organization of first-edition symposium with plans for subsequent collaboration and impactful activities
- Lining up collaboration in teaching, research, and innovation with potential for large-scale third-party funding
- Development of a comprehensive joint framework in a specific field/on a specific topic
- Organization of joint formats in teaching, research, and innovation, e.g. summer schools within networks and alliances
This list is non-exhaustive. You may reach out to Global Affairs to determine if your project could be supported by the UZH Global Outreach Fund.
Eligibility\ Applicants must be UZH researcher of any discipline or professional staff with UZH employment\ contracts covering the entire period of the project.
Joint activities in research, teaching as well as across professional/academic service units with Network and Priority Partners of the University of Zurich.
Selection criteria\ The proposals will be evaluated along the following criteria:
- Impact of the project idea to achieve sustainable progress in an area of the Global Strategy 2030 with our Network or Priority Partners.
- Novel and unique idea in terms of internationalization in education, research, innovation or professional services delivery
- Clear and well-structured budget plan
- Level of matching fund and commitment from the partner university, or other stakeholders where applicable
Co-funding\ Some level of UZH internal co-funding as well as co-funding from the partner institution is required, the closer to matching funds, the better.
Application requirements\ The following documents must be submitted in one PDF-file:
- Completed application form
- Completed budget template
- Complete CVs of project leaders (short version suffices)
- Evidence of endorsement and co-funding through partner institution (e.g. in form of a letter)
- Evidence of UZH endorsement and internal co-funding (e.g. in form of a letter)
Evaluation\ The evaluation committee consists of the President, representatives of all UZH Faculties, and UZH Global Affairs. Please use non-expert language.
Project duration\ In case funding is granted, the proposed activities should be conducted within three years from the grant confirmation date.
Submission\ This call is currently closed.
Additional Information
UZH Global Funding Scheme
More about UZH Global Funding Scheme
The Global Champion Fund is a funding line of the UZH Global Funding Scheme.
Contact – UZH Global Affairs
The UZH Global Funding Scheme is coordinated by UZH Global Affairs. Reach out in case of questions about the UZH Global Funding Scheme.