In 2021, the University of Groningen (UG) launched its Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF) for cooperation with nine non-European Partners. The SPF has the aim to "do more with less," i.e. to develop deep, sustainable, and impactful partnerships with some of UG's key global partners in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) is an active supporter of these types of policies, via its Abel Tasman Talent Program.
SPF Partners
UG's selected SPF Partners who are already part of the GSMS Abel Tasman Talent Program are:
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
- Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidad de Chile, Chile
Additionally, UG has included the follwowing Partners in the SPF:
- Macquarie University, Australia
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Osaka University, Japan
- Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
SPF PhD collaboration
One of the broader aims of the SPF is to develop co-funded Sandwich PhD structures leading to a UG PhD degree with selected Partners. In order to promote the development of such structures, prospective students and academic staff may be eligible to apply to partial mobility funds to connect with academics at the other institution. Available modalities are:
- Staff Travel: a lump sum (depending on Partner) contribution to cover part of the cost of travel or accommodation for an academic staff member - consult the UG intranet for specifics
- Talent Travel: a lump sum of EUR 1.500 to cover one month of subsistence for a prospective PhD candidate while at Groningen- consult the UG intranet for specifics
SPF funds need to be matched by the faculty of the Groningen academic who applies to or will host a mobility. In the case of UMCG, the GSMS may decide to support applicants to the Staff Travel or Talent Travel modalities of the SPF in case there is a clear link to be made with our ATTP Sandwich PhD program. This means that:
- The mobility intends to foster research collaboration with the Partner institution; and:
- There is a clear pathway to a co-funded ATTP Sandwich PhD project may be defined (consult webpage for requirements)
Consult the GSMS in case of doubts.
GSMS support for SPF mobility
If you are a UMCG academic staff who considers to apply to a SPF grant, you may be eligible for GSMS matching support if you can link your visit to PhD collaboration (see previous sections).
If you believe you qualify, contact the GSMS since faculty matching needs to be confirmed at the time of application, of course, your department or institute may at all times also commit to co-funding, so GSMS support is not a hard requirement for grant award.