Culture of Research and University Exchanges Prep program (CRUX) in One Health and Agricultural STEM

The Public Diplomacy section of the Embassy of the United States in Harare announces an open competition for United States Institutes of Higher Education (HEIs) to submit applications for the Culture of Research and University Exchanges Prep program (CRUX Program). We anticipate funding approximately one to two grants in the following subject and research areas: 1) One Health [1]and 2) Agricultural STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math)[2]. Proposals can be submitted for both focus areas or one individually. We seek proposals that build the research capacity of faculty and students at Zimbabwean academic institutions and cultivate university partnerships between these institutions and their U.S. counterparts. Proposals should be submitted to PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov by July 15, 2021. This program will focus on building cultures of research at Zimbabwean universities and establishing research methods that adhere to international standards; building or expanding research capacity; connecting Zimbabwean researchers with their U.S. counterparts and catalyzing university partnerships. This program supports the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Africa Affairs’ University Partnership Initiative (UPI) to galvanize efforts to expand partnerships between U.S. and African higher education institutions. The UPI acknowledges that, “expanding existing links and promoting new partnerships at the university level will strengthen Africa’s educational institutions as instruments of national development – enhancing regional prosperity, security, and stability.” Theory of Change: If universities in Zimbabwe increase their ability to collaborate and improve their research capacity; and if these universities develop a campus-wide culture of research, then Zimbabwe will be better positioned to build comprehensive university partnerships with U.S. counterparts and better position higher education to contribute to national development strategies in Zimbabwe. Key Deliverables: The 18-month CRUX program seeks to accomplish the program’s goals through the completion of the following deliverables: • Online Capacity-Building sessions on research methodologies, grant applications and compliance for Zimbabwean university faculty and staff (approximately 25). Additional topics could include (but not limited to) market-based research, private-sector...

The following organizations are eligible to apply: U.S. Public and private higher education institutions (consortia applications are eligible) with academic programs in One Health and Agricultural STEM.