CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SMALL GRANTS UNDER THE MZUZU UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION COMMITTEE (RPC)

1. Background
   Mzuzu University was established in 1997 by Chapter 30:09 of the Laws of Malawi as a public
   institution of higher learning and research. The objects of the University are to advance knowledge
   and to promote wisdom and understanding by engaging in teaching, research, and training. The
   Vision of the University is to be a premier provider of tertiary education, research, and outreach in
   Malawi and the World. The Mission is to provide high quality education, training, research, and
   complementary services in Malawi and the World.
   Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are expected to play a key role in promoting innovation,
   entrepreneurship and structural change. The economic importance of intensive knowledge activities,
   the demand to contribute more to innovation and economic and societal change are some of the key
   reasons why universities are expected to deliver more and better on research. In line with MZUNI
   2021-2030 Strategic Plan Pillar 3 (Research and Innovation), the University is geared towards
   generating new knowledge and innovations needed for economic development of Malawi in line
   with Malawi 2063, MIP-1, NESIP 2030, SDGs and AU 2063 by 2030. Furthermore, the University
   is geared towards promoting Intellectual Property, Spin-outs and Commercialization of research and
   innovation products by 2030.
2. Mzuzu University Research and Publication Committee funding
   Mzuzu University through the Research Directorate has budgeted funds in the 2024/25 financial year
   to provide small grants to early career researchers as part of professional development and
   increasing research undertaking by staff. The small grants are administered by MZUNI Research and
   Publication Committee (RPC). Up to MK3, 000,000.00 (Three million Malawi Kwacha) is granted
   per successful proposal per financial year. As provided for in the Research Policy, the RPC has the
   mandate to review and recommend proposals for internal research funding, monitor and evaluate
   research activities at MZUNI. The RPC invites applications from interested researchers for small
   grants award, thereof.
3. Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be members of staff of Mzuzu University
• The Principal Investigator must be an early career researcher (Lecturer or
  S e n i o r Lecturer or equivalent).
• Individual proposals may be submitted, but multidisciplinary research proposals
  are strongly recommended.
• Proposals must demonstrate mentorship models/designs with inclusion of a senior
  Mzuzu University, Private Bag
  201, Luwinga,
  Mzuzu 2, MALAWI
  Tel: (265) 01 320722/575
  Fax: (265) 01 320568/320505
  E-mail: rpc@mzuni.ac.mw
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  researcher to provide mentorship.
• Proposals must declare any partial funding sourced elsewhere for the proposed project

1. Proposed format for the proposals
   Staff applying for the grants will be required to submit their innovative proposals which
   should not exceed 20 pages. Documents should be in Times New Roman, font size 12
   and line spacing of 1.5. The proposals should be prepared according to the following
   format:
   A. Abstract (less than one page)
   B: The Main Body of the Proposal / Protocol
   The main proposal / protocol should contain the following sections
2. Introduction
   a. Background
   b. Problem statement
   c. Study objectives
   d. Research justification
3. Literature review
4. Methodology
5. Study period
6. Budget and budget justification
7. Ethical consideration
8. Plan for dissemination of the results
   5 Expected deliverables
   Each successful project is expected to deliver the following:

• Produce and present at least one conference paper
• Produce at least one publication in credible journals
• Produce research progress reports at quarterly, biannually, and annual at
  completion of the study. These reports must reflect both technical and financial
  details pertaining to the research study and should be submitted to Research
  Directorate.

1. Criteria for proposal selection
   The selection shall be done by MZUNI RPC using the following criteria:

• Socio-economic developmental impact of the proposal linked to national and
  global development agenda (MW 2063, MIP-1, NESIP 2030, SDGs, AU 2063)
• Link to MZUNI 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, 2021-2026 Research Policy and 2021-
  2026 Research Agenda
• Uniqueness and innovativeness of the proposed project.
• Appropriateness and realistic nature of the budget.
• Policy, commercial viability or industrial or social application of the project
• Dissemination mechanisms.
• Scientific and ethical merit
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• Mentorship model

1. Submission of proposals
   Only electronic copies of proposals may be submitted. The technical and financial
   proposals should be submitted to the Research Directorate using rpc@mzuni.ac.mw. All
   submissions must be received by 31
   st August, 2023. Successful applicants will be
   informed by 30
   st September, 2023.
2. Monitoring and evaluation
   The RPC will undertake regular monitoring of the projects during implementation.