Global Engagement

Open call Global Engagement

Initiatives organised by UAntwerp staff

1. Why this call?

Through this initiative, the University of Antwerp invites its academic and administrative staff (lecturers, researchers, professors, and support staff) to organise activities that raise awareness, inspire reflection, and promote action on Global Engagement. 

We support initiatives based on the Global Engagement strategic framework that promote among others: 

  • Global citizenship and international solidarity 
  • Critical reflection on global challenges (such as colonialism, climate, inequality, superdiversity)
  • Engagement with the Global South
  • Inclusion and connectedness within and beyond the university

2. What types of initiatives can be supported? 

Applicants can submit proposals in one or more of the following categories: 

  1. Awareness & Training Activities such as workshops, lectures, conferences, a panel discussion,... that raise awareness or build capacity among staff and/or students around global issues, intercultural understanding, sustainability,... 

  2. Networking events @UAntwerp: Events that strengthen connections between UAntwerp staff and scholars from the Global South, such as mentorship events, thematic networking lunch, welcoming activity or an interdisciplinary workshop,... 

  3. Alumni Initiatives: Actions or events that engage alumni from the Global South such as mentorship programme or an alumni network event. 

  4. Seed Money for Research: Small-scale funding to initiate interdisciplinary research collaborations relevant to Global Engagement and the SDGs involving researchers from eligible partner  institutions located in Asia, Africa and Latin America (See country list below), paving the way for future collaborations. This activity is limited to ZAP & BAP academic staff. 

Examples of previous activitities

  • The research Centre for Political History organised in June 2025 the 12th Annual Conference of the Association for Political History focused on ‘How to Decolonize Political History’ with 5 keynote speakers with scholars from the UAntwerp and the Global South: Pedro Monaville (McGill University, Canada), Adriana Salay  (Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil), Musa Sroor (Birzeit University, Palestine), Roland Ndille (University of Buea, Cameroon) and Jihane Sfeir (Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium) 
  • An example of an alumni initiative was the IOB alumni evening in June 2025. 
  • The Research Group Law and Development organised a 3-day training called ‘Advanced Training in Creative Socio-Legal Methods and Methodologies’ 
  • The School of Education organised an inspirational day 'Wereldleraars voor wereldburgers' for students, teachers, policy makers, education professionals,... about superdiversity in education.

4. Who can apply? 

The call is open to all staff members on the payroll of the University of Antwerp (ZAP, BAP, ATP), including professors, researchers, teachers, lecturers, administrative staff. Applicants must: 

  • Maintain their UAntwerp affiliation throughout the full duration of the project. 
  • Be the (co-)organiser of the proposed initiative. 

Collaborations are strongly encouraged between different faculties or departments within UAntwerp or with partners from the Antwerp University Association (AUHA) (KdG, AP, Antwerp Maritime Academy) who may act as co-promoters. But note: Funding can only be allocated to UAntwerp staff. 

5. Proposal content and evaluation 

Each proposal should include: 

  • A clear project description, objectives, and expected outcomes. 
  • A budget overview, timeline, and evaluation plan. 
  • A final report within one month after the activity. 
  • A short communication output during or after the project (e.g., photos, a short report, social media post, video, …) so we can share your impact. All communication must include the VLIRUOS logo, along with: “This project was made possible through Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.” 

Proposals will be reviewed by the Bureau of Global Engagement based on: 

  • Alignment with the Global Engagement Strategic Framework. 
  • Quality, innovation, and relevance of the event. 
  • Value for money regarding the size and diversity of the target audience. 
  • Degree of collaboration and inclusion of multiple perspectives about Global Engagement. 

Tips and tricks for a good proposal

  • Be specific about what your project aims to achieve, who it will benefit, and how success will be measured. 
  • Include a detailed financial breakdown showing how each cost supports your objectives. Make sure all listed expenses are eligible. 
  • Show how your project supports UAntwerp’s global engagement priorities such as inclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global citizenship. 
  • Clearly link your activities to the UAntwerp community. Emphasize how students, staff, and partners will be involved and benefit. Create spaces for exchange, such as workshops, public lectures, or community events. 

6. Budget and financial reporting 

Budget

  • Categories 1, 2 & 3 (Awareness & Training, Networking events @UAntwerp, Alumni activities): up to €3,500. 
  • Category 4 (Seed Money for Research): up to €10,000. 
  • Higher budgets may be considered for well-justified, recurring, or structural activities. 

Eligible costs

Not eligible costs

  • Investment costs
  • Personnel costs: salaries or fees for UAntwerp staff
  • Scholarship costs
  • Alcoholic beverages, tobacco
  • Gifts without clear project relevance
  • Purchase of durable goods (e.g. ICT equipment)
  • Double funding (costs already covered by another grant)
  • Subcontracting costs
  • Costs without official documentation
  • Local per diems (i.e. within the country of residence)
  • Dinner costs (e.g. restaurant expenses) will not be reimbursed

Financial reporting and payment process

  • All expenses must be supported by official proof (invoices, receipts) and a financial report using the provided template (sent via email). 
  • Payments for eligible expenses are made after the event and once the final reporting is approved. 
  • Organisers may need to pre-finance costs (e.g. via faculty budget or academic credit). No cash advances are possible. 
  • After submission, we will provide feedback on which costs are eligible and guide you through the follow-up process.

Important remarks:

  • All costs must comply with the VLIRUOS 2022–2027 financial framework​
  • Only costs listed in the budget table submitted as part of the approved project proposal can be financed. 
  • The granted budget must be used within one year after notification of the result.

How are payments made?

As an organiser, you claim certain costs for which you must submit an financial report (see above). The procedure for handling expenses depends on the timing, specifically, whether the costs are incurred before or after the final reporting is approved.

1. Before final reporting is approved – prefinancing by organiser (if prompt payment is needed): 

  • Park invoices on another UAntwerp budget for payment, then recover costs (if eligible) from the GE budget code. 
  • Pay personally and request reimbursement via iExpense (proof of payment in your name is required). 

2. After final reporting is approved: 

  • The organiser submits unpaid invoices or expense notes directly to the GE budget code. Important: invoices need a PO (Pintra). 

Internal bookings – important exception:

For internal services provided by UAntwerp service providers (eg. Linguapolis, UAntwerp Catering & Congreszalen) and booked via Oracle iProcurement, organisers must request the GE budget code in advance and proceed with booking. This is only for eligible internal costs. 

7. Deadlines and procedure

  • The jury or Bureau of Global Engagement meets on Fridays: Sept 5, Oct 10, Nov 14, and Dec 12, 2025, and Jan 9, Feb 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 12, 2026. 
  • Proposals can be submitted throughout the year. 
  • Applicants will receive feedback and selection results within five weeks of submission. 
  • Projects may start no earlier than five weeks after submission. 
  • After your event, you will be asked to complete a feedback report covering the target group, participant numbers, impact, and links to communication materials or photos. Please upload your financial documentation and participant list as part of the evaluation. 

Need feedback or coaching in advance, including on the budget?
Email in time to globalengagement@uantwerpen.be.

VLIRUOS Global Mind Countries

For all categories: focus is on enhancing Global Engagement within the UAntwerp. Should it be necessary in the framework of the activity to organize an event/have costs in a GS country, only costs related to activities organized in one or more of the following VLIRUOS Global Minds countries are eligible: 

  • Africa: Benin, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
  • Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
  • Latin America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname

This project was made possible through Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.​