Culture of Research and University Exchanges Prep program (CRUX) in One Health and Agricultural STEM

The Public Diplomacy section of the Embassy of the United States in Harare announces an open competition for United States Institutes of Higher Education (HEIs) to submit applications for the Culture of Research and University Exchanges Prep program (CRUX Program). We anticipate funding approximately one to two grants in the following subject and research areas: 1) One Health [1]and 2) Agricultural STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)[2]. Proposals can be submitted for both focus areas or one individually.

We seek proposals that build the research capacity of faculty and students at Zimbabwean academic institutions and cultivate university partnerships between these institutions and their U.S. counterparts. Proposals should be submitted to [email protected] by July 15, 2021.

This program will focus on building cultures of research at Zimbabwean universities and establishing research methods that adhere to international standards; building or expanding research capacity; connecting Zimbabwean researchers with their U.S. counterparts and catalyzing university partnerships. This program supports the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Africa Affairs’ University Partnership Initiative (UPI) to galvanize efforts to expand partnerships between U.S. and African higher education institutions. The UPI acknowledges that, “expanding existing links and promoting new partnerships at the university level will strengthen Africa’s educational institutions as instruments of national development – enhancing regional prosperity, security, and stability.”

Theory of Change: If universities in Zimbabwe increase their ability to collaborate and improve their research capacity; and if these universities develop a campus-wide culture of research, then Zimbabwe will be better positioned to build comprehensive university partnerships with U.S. counterparts and better position higher education to contribute to national development strategies in Zimbabwe.

Key Deliverables: The 18-month CRUX program seeks to accomplish the program’s goals through the completion of the following deliverables:

1. Online Capacity-Building sessions on research methodologies, grant applications and compliance for Zimbabwean university faculty and staff (approximately 25). Additional topics could include (but not limited to) market-based research, private-sector integrations, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, important characteristics of a productive research environment and building up under-graduate student research capacities.

Proposals should include a wide range of topics that focus on how to foster a culture of research, including:

·        Value and importance of a culture of research, including leadership support for a campus-wide strategic vision;

·        Main characteristics of a productive research environment, including professional development prioritization;

·        Critical policy components and successful steps for implementing a culture of research;

·        Case studies of successful university research development programs and initiatives that lead to achieving international standards in research methods and administrative support;  

·        Structured Networking sessions with multiple U.S. HEI counterparts to build professional connections and catalyze; and

·        Other key areas that support this effort.

2.     Professional Networking Activities that support new academic collaborations and university partnership opportunities in the focus subject areas (One Health and Agricultural STEM). 

NOTE: Proposals that present a broad group of U.S. HEIs and innovative/creative online networking strategies efforts will be prioritized. 

3.     Virtual Study Tour of multiple U.S. HEIs for up to ten Zimbabwean university academics and administrators from the 25 selected for Online Capacity-Building sessions participants (if budgets allow, an in-person program is also an option). These interactions should address potential research priority areas and focus on building academic research partnerships and other potential international programs.

Program Participants and Beneficiaries

In partnership with the Public Diplomacy section at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe and local educational counterparts, the program will target up to 25 Zimbabwean academics and administrators in each subject focus area (One Health and Agricultural STEM). Recruitment and selection will be jointly conducted by the grantee and the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe. In consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe, the number of participants in each program component may change depending on local conditions and budget considerations. 

FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: up to 18 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1-2 awards (either individually or jointly in one proposal)

Award amounts: approximately US$ 75,000.00

Total available funding: approximately US$ 150,000

Type of Funding: Public Diplomacy Funds – Smith Mundt

Anticipated program start date: September 15, 2021

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement. The target audience and beneficiaries will be identified by the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.