Accelerate

Accelerate aims to support three projects fostering thematic networks which are innovative in their set-up and governance, and at the same time inspiring and accessible to the VLIRUOS community and HES4SD at large.

• The Accelerate projects are considered pilots, leading to the creation of thematic networks and communities of practice with the ambition of being sustained beyond 2027

• The Terms of Reference for each theme serve as the project's starting point. Gradual updates and modifications are permitted during implementation, based on input and demands from VLIRUOS

• Target group: the VLIRUOS community as primary target group, with the ambition to also connect with the HES4SD community at large

Accelerate will be organised into three projects, with one project per theme:

• Accelerating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Accelerating Uptake, Use and Impact

• Accelerating Higher Education Management

The project budget amounts to a maximum of 200,000 EUR for a duration of 32 months. 

The project duration is from January 1, 2025, until August 31, 2027. 8 months inception phase and 24 months implementation phase. Up to 40,000 EUR can be budgeted for the inception phase.

This 32 month period is considered a pilot-phase. The intention of VLIRUOS is to sustain the networks also in its next Five-Year Programme.

Accelerate is organised in Belgium and in one or more of the VLIRUOS project and/or scholarship partner countries.

As Accelerate is all about connecting and pooling all possible expertise, Higher education and public (not for profit) research institutions located in 29 partner countries are eligible:

The primary beneficiaries of Accelerate projects are:

• VLIRUOS (Bureau UOS, ICOS/GEO, VLIRUOS team, selection commissions).

• The institutional level of HE&SIs in Flanders and partner countries

• The VLIRUOS community (individual promotors, researchers, professionals, support staff, students, etc.)

Project applications must be submitted to the ICOS of the Flemish university association via the tool for the submission of project proposals.

These are the most important deadlines and timings