SIMMR: Application Form
SIMMR is a funding initiative by ReCNTR offering Leiden University students the opportunity to request financing for events with a focus on multimodal approaches to scholarship in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The initiative aims to support various student-led activities that could include, but are not limited to: workshops, lectures, seminars, conferences, film screenings, exhibitions, symposiums, etc.
Application Form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What would make for a successful application?
What makes an application ‘successful’ is contingent on several factors too complex to summarize in the FAQs, but here are some additional points of consideration (beyond the evaluation criteria mentioned above) that could help strengthen your proposal:
- Building on applicants’ (or invited speakers’) ongoing research, as well as some prior experience/familiarity with audio-visual and multimodal research methods in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
- Focus on the subject of ‘making’ in research; for workshops: involving active participation & hands-on experimentation with different audiovisual technologies, techniques, tools, or strategies—led by experienced artists/scholars.
- Invited guest speakers for whom multimodality features in their work to gain a deeper understanding of its theoretical and practical concerns, followed by audience Q&As.
- Feature topical discussions and research projects that bridge the gap between art and academia, e.g., visual installations, multimedia presentations, or performances.
Please also take a look at ReCNTR’s previous events for examples and possible inspiration for proposing future events through SIMMR.
What is the timeframe in which the event should take place?
The event should be held within 3 months of the proposal being accepted/receiving a positive decision.
How many proposals will be receiving funding per semester?
For now, only two proposals from two different applicants per semester will receive funding.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
We ask each applicant to submit only one proposal per round/semester. Should the applicant(s) wish to submit another proposal, they can do so during the next round of selections in the following semester.
If my application was not selected, can I still apply for the next round?
Yes, you can apply with the same or an entirely new proposal in the next round.
Can you submit an application as a group?
Yes, applying as a group is possible and encouraged.
What kind of organizational support can applicants expect beyond the funding?
The idea is for participants to be self-sufficient in organizing their events. This also entails familiarizing oneself with the logistics of hosting and publicizing events at Leiden University. However, if participants need additional help or guidance, they should reach out to the ReCNTR team.
Can the events take place outside Leiden University’s campuses?
Yes, that is possible, but please note that it is often easier (and more cost-effective) to organize events within the university campuses. If you wish to proceed with externally hosting your event, please ensure you have the additional funding for this.
When can we expect to hear back a decision on our application?
We will try to notify the selected applicants within 2 weeks of their submission. In the case that your application is unsuccessful, we will notify you in 3 weeks.
How will disbursement be arranged?
Applicants will be provided with a simple written guide on submitting invoices of expenses and ensuring timely disbursement of funds to relevant parties, if applicable (speakers, venue, catering, equipment, etc.)
Is there any additional post-event documentation required for selected applicants?
Yes, all successful applicants will need to ensure that they correctly document and track their expenditure, as well as submit a post-event report.
The total cost of the event exceeds EUR 500, is it possible to receive additional funding from ReCNTR?
Unfortunately, it is difficult for us to award more than EUR 500 per proposal at present. SIMMR aims to accommodate a diverse range of student-led activities but has a limited set of funds to do so. Having said that, we highly encourage seeking additional funding from other sources/parties (both within and beyond the university) as well as collaborating with other organizations for an event.
For additional questions about the SIMMR Programme, please e-mail us at recntr@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.