RFPs: International Skills Activity Grant Program

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The International Skills Activity Grant (ISA) supports scientists within the INQUA community to strengthen professional skills, access training opportunities, and build international networks. With grants typically ranging from €4,000 to €8,000, the program particularly encourages applications from early career researchers and scientists from developing countries who may have limited access to research infrastructure, training, or professional networks.

About the International Skills Activity Grant

The International Skills Activity Grant (ISA) is designed to broaden the skill base within the INQUA community. The program recognises that scientists do not always have equal access to: - Research infrastructure - Technical training - Professional networks - International collaboration opportunities - Specialist knowledge - Skills development resources The grant aims to address these gaps by supporting activities that improve scientific skills while creating opportunities for information exchange, networking, collaboration, and training. Particular emphasis is placed on early career researchers and scientists from developing countries. What Does the ISA Grant Support? The grant supports activities that enhance scientific and professional skills within the INQUA community.

Eligible activities can include:

- INQUA training courses - Summer schools - Region-specific workshops - Workshops focused on technical interests - Teaching resources - Training resources for new practitioners - Collaborative training activities - Skill-development activities - Networking and information-exchange activities Proposals should demonstrate how the activity will address an identified skills gap and provide benefits beyond the individual applicant. Who Is the Grant Designed to Support? The ISA Grant is intended for scientists who can contribute to and benefit from skills development within the INQUA community.

Particular emphasis is given to

- Early career researchers - Scientists from developing countries - Researchers with limited access to professional networks - Scientists with limited access to robust research infrastructure - Researchers seeking opportunities for international knowledge exchange and collaboration Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity can strengthen both their own skills and the broader INQUA community. Key Objectives of the Grant The International Skills Activity Grant aims to: - Broaden the scientific skill base within INQUA - Improve access to specialist training - Support early career researchers - Increase opportunities for scientists from developing countries - Strengthen professional networks - Encourage information exchange - Facilitate collaborative training - Develop resources for new practitioners - Build long-term capacity within the INQUA community Examples of Supported Activities INQUA Training Courses Funding can support the development and delivery of training courses designed to improve specific scientific or technical skills within the community. Summer Schools Applicants can propose summer schools that provide intensive training and opportunities for scientists to learn from experts and interact with peers. Regional Workshops The grant can support workshops addressing the needs of scientists in specific geographic regions. Technical Workshops Workshops can focus on particular technical interests or specialist skills where there is a demonstrated need for additional training. Teaching and Training Resources Funding can support the development of teaching and training materials designed particularly for new practitioners. These resources can help extend the benefits of the funded activity beyond the original participants. What Should a Strong Proposal Demonstrate? Applicants should clearly establish why the proposed skills activity is needed.

A strong proposal should explain:

- What skills gap or training need exists - Why the proposed activity is appropriate - Who will directly benefit - How participants will benefit - How the activity will strengthen the INQUA community - What long-term benefits are expected - How the activity will improve networking or knowledge exchange where relevant The proposal should demonstrate a clear connection between the identified need, proposed activity, beneficiaries, and expected impact. Funding Available International Skills Activity Grants typically range from €4,000 to €8,000. Funding can be used for a range of costs directly related to eligible skills development and networking activities. What Can the Grant Pay For?

Eligible costs can include:

Travel and Participation

Funding may support:

- Travel - Accommodation - Subsistence This can include participation in INQUA meetings. Meeting and Field Trip Costs

Funding may cover:

- Room rental - Vehicle rental for conferences - Vehicle rental for field trips Online Training and Communication

Eligible costs can include:

- Video-conferencing - Webcast development - Podcast development Teaching and Training Materials

Funding can support the creation of:

- Teaching resources - Training resources - Materials for new practitioners What Does the Grant Not Fund? The ISA Grant does not support several types of expenditure.

Ineligible costs include:

- Salaries - Stipends - Registration costs for third-party meetings - Server costs - Publication costs - Equipment purchases - Institutional overheads Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget focuses only on eligible expenses. Why the International Skills Activity Grant Matters Access to training, infrastructure, and professional networks can vary significantly among scientists and regions. The ISA Grant seeks to reduce these gaps by supporting activities that allow scientists to acquire new skills, share knowledge and build professional relationships. The emphasis on early career researchers and scientists from developing countries can also help broaden participation within the international INQUA communi