What is Kiem?

Through Kiem, Leiden University will provide 25 annual seed grants between 2024 and 2026 to develop new interdisciplinary (interfaculty) teaching/research collaborations and encounters. Kiem applications (maximum €10,000 per project) should involve staff from at least two faculties at Leiden University.

Proposals could focus on network building, organising seminars and workshops, conducting a pilot study, revision of an education programme, preparing research proposals, etc. Kiem funding is not meant to exempt researchers from teaching but can be used for other expenses, such as hiring student or management assistants and supporting events.

Who is it for?

Applicants should be Leiden University employees (academic or professional services staff) with a paid temporary or permanent appointment, including PhD candidates. Applicants with a temporary appointment should be employed at the university for at least the duration of the initiative. Each proposal should involve at least two staff members, each from a different faculty. Previous Kiem proposals can be resubmitted.

Eligibility

• The proposal demonstrably promotes interdisciplinary research or teaching through encounters, connections and partnerships between faculties; 
• Two staff members from at least two faculties should be involved in each proposal; 
• Existing initiatives are not eligible (for example, organising an event that is held every year);
• New proposals from existing partnerships are welcome;
• Employees may only be involved in one submitted proposal;
• The budget and timeline should fit the criteria (€10,000 and duration of up to 12 months);
• All required information should be submitted (see below).   
• Previous Kiem proposals may be resubmitted.

How to apply

It is currently not possible to submit an application. A new round of applications (Kiem 2025) is expected to open in spring 2025. A new round will be announced via the university website and employee newsletter. The information below related to application round 2024 (now closed) and now serves here as preliminary information until the new round opens.

Use this form to submit your application, making sure to provide the following information: 

• Title of application 
• Summary
• List of participating researchers, faculties/units and contact details
• Description of the project goals and explanation of how it will foster interdisciplinary collaboration 
• Description of project activities and planning
• Description of the use of financial means

Selection and draw

If more than 25 eligible applications are submitted, the Kiem grants will be awarded by drawing lots. Our philosophy is that it is difficult – if not impossible – to predict the success of pioneering interdisciplinary projects. We therefore believe it fairer (and more efficient) to draw lots among the submissions that meet the criteria. Please submit full applications by mail to kiemcall@bb.leidenuniv.nl.

Open proposals

All eligible proposals will be published online before the draw. This means an abstract of the submitted projects and a list of applicants will be published. These projects have met the Kiem grant application criteria and therefore deserve recognition. Moreover, this increases the chances of proposals securing funding via another route and of different initiatives finding common ground.

Contact

Do you have questions about the Kiem grant? Take a look at the FAQ. Can't find an answer to your question? Mail to kiemcall@bb.leidenuniv.nl. 

FAQ Kiem grant