Harris Stamatopoulos: “7 Tips When Applying for VFS”
The autumn application for the VFS program is open. But when, where, how, and why should you apply? We asked Harris Stamatopoulos, collaboration manager and experienced VFS coach, to clarify and share his best tips.
Hi Harris! What is the most common question you get from researchers considering applying for VFS?
– Some have questions about who owns the rights to the results. The answer is that the university helps to clarify this so that, e.g., before the project starts both parties know what can and cannot be published. Others are interested in research in collaboration with external partners, but are not sure what it will lead to. If, for example, they can apply for additional funding when the project is over.
Can they?
– Yes, absolutely. The idea is that VFS should be a way to try out collaborative research and then apply for larger external grants. This is something we also help with.
Okay, give us your seven best tips when applying, or considering whether to apply, for VFS.
- Check if your idea fits for the VFS-program. Contact us at Uppsala University Partnership Office early, and we will help you test if your idea is suitable for a VFS project.
- Use the opportunity to discuss your thoughts with us collaboration managers. One of the supports we provide is that you get to go through your VFS application with us before it is time to submit it. We help you, among other things, to ensure that you meet the formal requirements for collaborative research, but you also get tips on creating a well-written application.
- Be open to the possibility that your project might turn into something else. If we notice that VFS is not the right funding for the project, we can often guide you to other grants that work better for your idea.
- Find the right external partner and be transparent about what you want from the project. Take the time to listen carefully to what your partner wants. We help you to establish collaboration contracts that regulate the rights in the project, but it is also good to have thoroughly discussed what you hope for.
- Be curious and attentive to your external partner's knowledge, data, and insights. Let them enrich the project.
- Apply for a well-defined and time-reasonable project, but have big plans for a continuation. Many who have done VFS continue to work with collaborative research in larger projects with external funding.
- Do not forget the human factor: collaborations usually work best if you know each other. Give the social aspect time, especially if you do not meet often. And do absolutely not forget it if something in the project starts to go wrong. Then it is more important than ever to put the work aside for a few hours and just socialize.
QUOTE: Give the social aspect time, especially if you do not meet often. And do absolutely not forget it if something in the project starts to go wrong. Then it is more important than ever to put the work aside for a few hours and just socialise.
Marie-Louise Olsen