The GSF application for 2024-25 is now closed.
The next GSF application cycle will launch in September 2025 with a deadline in December.
Application FAQs
I'm an international researcher. How do I find MIT faculty to collaborate with?
CIS strongly encourages interested international partners to contact MIT faculty and researchers directly to discuss any ideas about collaboration and potential projects. You may find the following resources helpful: MIT Research and Global MIT International Research.
Who completes the application? The MIT applicant or international partner?
Either the MIT or international applicant can complete the application online. Be sure to have all information necessary to complete the application, including the name of the MIT Director of Administration and Finance or Financial Officer (from the MIT applicant’s home department) who will manage the grant.
We don't yet know which students will participate in our project. Is that OK?
Yes. You can build student participation into your proposal and select individual students later. In the budget section, you can list “Undergraduate/graduate student to be determined (TBD).” After you have decided which students will be traveling, please let the relevant Country and Area Program Manager know.
We aren't yet certain of our travel or meeting dates. Is that OK?
Yes. It is OK to use approximate dates in the proposal and solidify plans later. Please however be mindful of the 20-month grant period; if you receive a grant, all activities should be completed by the grant end date.
When will grantees receive their funding?
Funds will be transferred to grantees as soon as they have provided CIS with their account number – but no earlier than the end of May. All funding will be transferred to an MIT account to by managed by the MIT grantee.
How should we calculate our request for funding?
Costs should be calculated based on expenses related to travel and meetings: economy-class airfare, lodging and meals, visa, meeting space and logistics, etc. The basis for the calculation of travel expenses should be no higher than 75% of the published U.S. State Department per diem. Please note that Global Seed Fund awards may not be used to cover salaries or equipment.
How do we manage intellectual property related to our grant?
Funds are intended to be used during the initial phase of developing international collaboration. Funds are not considered as sponsored research and cannot cover salaries or materials. As such, no intellectual property should be derived from these funds, nor should they be cited in technology disclosure forms.
Who will see the content of our proposal?
Proposals are viewed by faculty and research reviewers from MIT and partner institutions, and by the GSF administrative staff.
We advise you not to provide details of patentable ideas, copyrightable software, or any confidential information, as this proposal could be considered a public disclosure and harm your patent and confidentiality rights. If you choose to submit patentable ideas, copyrightable software or other confidential information, you do so at your own risk. Please contact the TLO for further advice if needed.
