The Collaboration Kickstarter seed fund is back. Applications for the 2027 round are open now, and the Public and Community Engagement Team is inviting researchers to get involved in one of Imperial’s most distinctive community research funding programmes.
What is the Collaboration Kickstarter?
The Collaboration Kickstarter supports Imperial researchers and Northwest London community partners to work as equal co-researchers, not simply as experts and participants.
Awards of up to £10,000 are available for participatory research projects where communities have a meaningful say in:
- The research questions being asked
- The methods used to answer them
- How findings are shared and who benefits
Who can apply?
The fund is open to joint applications from Imperial researchers (including PhD students) and community groups or organisations based in Northwest London boroughs.
Researchers from any discipline are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Complete the application form and submit it to societal_engagement@imperial.ac.uk by 11 December 2026.
We strongly encourage applicants to get in touch before applying.
Find out more: Collaboration Kickstarter | Be inspired | Imperial College London