Human-centered Artificial Intelligence: Small Grants – Summer 2024

The HAI focus area started in January 2020, and comprises Special Interest Groups (SIGs, see website). This is the ninth call for projects to be funded by HAI. The projects resulting from this call will be accommodated by the existing SIGs.

This is the first call of the second term of Human-centered AI. Through the efforts of our SIGs and with help of the past seven rounds of small grants a promising and growing community has emerged. At this important moment in the development of HAI we want to reach out to all the collaborations and projects that are currently already underway, and that are shaping the future of Utrecht University as a focal point of AI research. Therefore, in this round, researchers can apply for grants up to €20.000 meant to strengthen existing collaborations.

Objectives of the call:

The call aims to support collaborative interdisciplinary research in the field of human-centered artificial intelligence. Grants are available for:

  • Outreach activities to advertise UU human-centered AI research to societal partners and/or the broader public (up to €4000)
  • Various forms of support (up to €4000):
    a.    Assistance in setting up events, like an online workshop or seminar (series),
    b.    Research assistance, like organizing datasets, or programming.
    c.    Developing AI related summer- or winter school or course
  • Seed money for writing (joint) project proposals by applicants from different disciplines within human-centered AI (up to €8000):
    a.    To buy extra research time for writing the proposal
    b.    To hire others to support the writing of the research proposal.

The seed money could, for example, be used to prepare a NWO proposal or an application to an EC HORIZON call.

  • Supportive grant to strengthen existing collaborations and promising projects within the field of Human-centered AI at Utrecht University (up to €20.000).

We are also open to new ideas on how to further the aims of the focus area and are willing to consider funding them. In that case, instead of applying for funding directly through the call, first discuss your idea with us.

Who can apply?

All proposals should involve at least two researchers from at least two different departments or research centers of Utrecht University. The main applicants should have a position at the UU for the duration of the project.

Deadline: 28 October 2024.