What is the purpose of the fund?

The fund particularly supports research projects on EU law, preferably in relation to national or international law.

Funding may cover:

• participation in academic conferences
• costs related to publications
• research awards
• small-scale research initiatives

The maximum grant per application is € 5,000.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible to apply if you:

• are an early-career researcher (e.g. PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, lecturer, or external PhD candidate),
• conduct research in the field of EU law or a related legal domain, and
• have a demonstrable affiliation with the University of Amsterdam.

When can you apply?

Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis, as long as the annual budget of € 30,000 has not been exhausted. There is no fixed deadline.

What should your application include?

Your application must consist of the following documents:

1. Application document (max. 2 pages)

• A brief description of the research project, including objectives, structure, relevance to EU law, and how it aligns with the purpose of the fund.
• A personal motivation statement explaining how the project contributes to your academic development.
• A reflection on the anticipated impact (e.g. academic visibility, network development, knowledge dissemination).

2. Budget

• A realistic and itemised cost estimate, including information on any additional sources of funding.

3. Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)

• With an emphasis on academic activities and (if applicable) publications.

Optional (if applicable):

• Proof of acceptance (e.g. for a conference, publication, or research stay)
• Relevant supporting documents (e.g. invitation letter, reference letter, detailed project plan)

How to apply?

Submit your application by email to the secretariat of the Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance (ACELG): int-eulaw-fdr@uva.nl

How are applications assessed?

The fund's contact person, Dr. Thomas Vandamme, will first assess whether the application is complete and meets the formal requirements. Eligible applications are then submitted to the fund’s Advisory Committee for substantive evaluation.

Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Academic relevance: Does the project meaningfully contribute to the field of EU law or its interaction with other legal domains?
• Eligibility and motivation: Is the applicant a suitable candidate, and is the motivation compelling and relevant?
• Clear and realistic budget: Are the projected costs reasonable and well-justified?
• Impact and added value: Will the project enhance academic visibility, foster collaboration, or strengthen the applicant’s network?

If the committee issues a positive recommendation, the application is forwarded to the Board of the Amsterdam University Fund (AUF) for formal approval.

Questions?

Please contact: Dr. T.A.J.A. (Thomas) Vandamme via int-eulaw-fdr@uva.nl.