FUNDING CALL FOR ACTIVITIES IN 2026-27
The call for outline proposals for 2026-27 Psi-k activities is now open
Psi-k is a worldwide network of researchers working on the advancement of first-principles-based computational materials science. Its mission is to develop fundamental theory, algorithms, and computer codes in order to understand, predict, and design materials properties and functions. Key activities of Psi-k are the organization of conferences, workshops, tutorials and training schools as well as the dissemination of scientific thinking in society [Excerpt from the mission statement at http://psi-k.net/].
Psi-k typically funds schools (1-2 weeks), workshops (2-3 days), international conferences (2-5 days), and software/methods tutorials (3 days-1 week). Activities will focus on areas within Psi-k’s mission and will usually align with the topic of one or more of Psi-k’s Working Groups. Funding is typically in the range of €2,000-12,000, depending on size, duration and whether applicants have secured other funding sources — as a guideline, the Psi-k contribution should not exceed €30/expected participant/day. Psi-k funds around 20-30 activities for every call (see https://psi-k.net/workshops/ for the list of funded activities for the current year).
We particularly encourage activities that benefit PhD students and early career researchers, the ingenious development of remote delivery methods where appropriate, to widen the benefit of our activities to groups where the cost of in-person attendance may be a barrier, and activities that include elements that align with the topics within the Theme D (Wider Engagement) Working Groups of Psi-k.
We have a two-step application process to simplify and streamline applications, elicit more original proposals, improve planning, and avoid duplication of efforts. The present call for outline proposals is for events that will take place between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.
Outline proposals should be SUBMITTED ONLINE by Monday 14 July 2025 (midnight UK time), describing the planned event (download a draft of the form to see a preview of the questions that you will be asked). Psi-k Working Groups and Trustees will evaluate outline proposals and either approve for full submission, reject, or suggest a merger between different activities — you are very welcome to contact the relevant Working Group leaders or members beforehand to discuss your plans and ideas.
Feedback will be provided during the week of Monday 22 September 2025. Outline proposals that have been approved or mergers that have been successfully negotiated will then be invited to submit a full proposal by Monday 13 October 2025. These proposals will then be evaluated and approved — with full or partial funding — or declined at the meeting of the Trustees, Scientific Advisory Committee and Working Group leaders on Friday 28 November 2025.
The evaluation of the outline proposals and full proposals will be based on
- the relevance to the Psi-k mission statement;
- the scientific quality of the proposal and the timeliness of the topic;
- the intellectual inclusivity, geographical spread and diversity of the proposed participants, including efforts to widen participation beyond established groups;
- the scientific merit, geographical spread and diversity of the organizers; and
- the appropriateness of budget
NOTES
- in case of events that can interest different Working Groups please name the primary Working Group and then any related groups
- if the event does not relate to any current Working Group, applicants should contact in advance Psi-k at [email protected].
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Financial Support from the Psi-k Charity
If the funding for your event is provided by the Psi-k Charity you will receive 80% of your allocated financial support before the workshop takes place and the remaining 20% after the event.
The invoice for the initial 80% of your funding can be sent at any time before the start of your event. In order to claim the 80% payment you will need to email an electronic invoice to Pankaj Pathania.
After the workshop has taken place you will need to submit the following information:
- A report of your event as a single PDF document. This should include a short summary, the programme, the abstracts of the presented papers, and the list of participants. You may optionally include photographs from the event. An example of what is required can be seen here. Please note that as we transition to a new website, your report should not be submitted to the website as was the case in previous years, but rather you should email it to Pankaj Pathania. Please use the naming convention: <surname-of-main-organiser>_<short-event-title>_event-report.PDF for your file. Please also ensure that you include the following information in the body of your email: Name, affiliation and email address of the workshop organiser, workshop title, start and end dates, and location.
- A completed finance report (templates for Excel, Word, and PDF) which should be emailed to Pankaj Pathania. Please use the naming convention: <surname-of-main-organiser>_<short-event-title>_finance-report.PDF for your file.
Only upon completion of these reports will the remaining 20% of the funds be released. Once your reports have been approved you will then need to send another invoice by email to Pankaj Pathania.
Questions about workshop funding from the Psi-k Charity should be addressed to Pankaj Pathania.
Psi-k Logo for Advertising
Please feel free to download a copy of the Psi-k logo to include on workshop advertising, conference material or web sites.
[Logo designed by Michiel van Setten, UC Louvain]
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