The Punktum application for funding consists of two steps. The first step is a project idea that will be presented in a video and a short text. The applications that are invited to go further in the process will produce a complete application in the next step.
On this page you will find instructions for the two steps of the application process and terms of funding. The maximum amount for the application is SEK 250,000. Smaller projects are also welcome.
Step 1 - Project idea
In step 1 you should describe your project idea in a video that is max six minutes long. You should also present your idea in an abstract of max 500 words. In addition to this, include name, unit/department, email and telephone number of the project leader. One person has to be assigned as project leader, but more people can be part of the project.
The video and abstract should be uploaded to the Punktum site in Canvas. You can find the template for the project proposal on the Punktum Canvas site.
Last day to apply for step 1 is November 17, 2023.
A panel consisting of recognised and distinguished teachers at Umeå University assess all project ideas. They will view the presentations and read the texts in the Canvas site and may also ask questions to the applicants. The panel assess the proposals and select which project ideas are most interesting. These applicants are then invited to submit a complete project application.
The assessment panel will communicate their decisions no later than December 8, 2023.
Step 2 - Complete application
The complete application for funding should contain:
- a clear and concise description of background and aim with the project,
- measurable objectives that contribute to the achievement of the project aim,
- a description of the activities that will be undertaken to achieve these objectives,
- communication and distribution of lessons learned,
- project schedule, and budget.
The application should also describe how the project is related to the department's pedagogical development work and how the project's results can be transferred to other courses or programs. Furthermore, it should be stated if the project relates to previous projects and whether funds have been applied for or have already been granted for the same project from other bodies. Please note that funds are not given for ordinary course or programme development.
Templates for the project application and project budget can be found under the heading Templates.
Deadline for complete applications are February 16, 2024.
If you wish to discuss your project application, you can contact Peter Vinnervik.
Signatures on application (step 2)
The application must be signed by the Head of Department or Unit. The Head of Department or Unit then allow for preliminary assignment of working hours should project funding be granted. Punktum funding can only be used for wage costs of members of the project. Hence, the department/unit thus co-finances the projects by paying overhead costs.
If the application includes development work within the framework of one or more programmes then it should also be signed by the chairperson(s) of the programme committee(s). If more than one department or unit is involved in the project all Heads of Department/Unit must sign the application. By signing the application those involved give their support to the implementation of the project.
The application is not considered complete if a signature is lacking.
Terms of funding
During the project period, the wage costs of members of the project are funded by Punktum. As a result, only wage costs can be included in the requested project budget. The department/unit thus co-finances the projects by paying overhead costs. Other expenses such as purchases of books, technology, travel and/or conference participation cannot be included in project funding. The home department or programme is expected to co-finance the project by covering the cost of the teacher's/teachers' work space and other operating costs, including overhead costs, during the project period. The project application in step 2 must contain a time schedule and an accurate budget in accordance with the template provided (see Canvas site). Projects should have at least one person associated with the project who is a recognized or distinguished teacher.
After completion of the project a final report which includes an evaluation of the project shall be submitted to UPL. The final report will be published on Umeå University's website.
Transfer of half of the amount granted can be requested in advance once the Vice Chancellor has made his funding decision. The final regulation of the second half will be settled after completion of the project, when the final report is submitted and approved. Funding may be used within 2 years after the Vice Chancellor's award decision. If the project is delayed for any reason, an application for extension of the project period should be applied for no later than three months before the end of the project. Unused funds will be used by UPL for future Punktum projects.