The Global Access Fund (GAF), a crucial component of the DataCite Global Access Program (GAP), aims to bridge the gap between underrepresented research communities and the global open science infrastructure. With financial support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) through grant Grant 2022-316573, the GAF is set to empower organizations worldwide by providing funds for outreach activities and infrastructure development.
The primary objective of the Global Access Fund is to enhance the discoverability of research outputs from regions and communities that currently face limited access to DataCite infrastructure services. By allocating funding in key areas, the GAF aims to drive awareness, adoption, and integration of global and local solutions.
Areas of Focus
The Global Access Fund will support projects in the following areas:
- Outreach and engagement activities: The fund will provide capacity building initiatives, training sessions, and webinars to educate research administrators and librarians on open infrastructure fundamentals. It will also support the development of outreach resources, such as videos, podcasts, and tutorials, highlighting the benefits of DataCite infrastructure in local and regional contexts.
- Open Infrastructure development and integration: The GAF will enable organizations to integrate DataCite APIs and metadata into their repository, publishing, and other systems. It will also fund the development of new tools and systems that leverage DataCite infrastructure to enhance research visibility and accessibility.
- Demonstrators: The Global Access Fund will identify and incubate three demonstrators across various regions. These projects will focus on leveraging international infrastructure services, establishing local infrastructure services, and facilitating indigenous knowledge sharing.
Eligibility and Funding
Non-profit stakeholders within the research ecosystem, including research institutions, associations, NRENs, government bodies, and service providers, based in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, are eligible to apply. Both DataCite member and non-member organizations can submit proposals, with preference given to applications from lower or middle-income countries.
The funding levels available for individual projects are as follows:
- Outreach activities: Up to 10,000 EUR
- Infrastructure development: Up to 20,000 EUR
- Demonstrators: Up to 50,000 EUR
Access to DataCite Services
Successful applicants will have access to DataCite registration services for one calendar year, allowing them to enhance the visibility and accessibility of their research outputs. However, access to services does not constitute membership, and applicants must submit a sustainability plan outlining how they will continue accessing these services beyond the funding period.
Application Process and Support
To apply for funding, interested parties should complete the application form available on the DataCite website. Additional information and answers to common queries can be found in the provided FAQs section. Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to register for upcoming webinars where they can learn more about the Global Access Fund and the application process.
Application process and support: To apply for funding, applicants should complete this form. For further information you can check our FAQs. You can also register for one of our upcoming webinars. During these sessions, we will share more about the Global Access Fund goal, scope, application, and evaluation process. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.
Call for proposals launch: September 1, 2023.
Application due date: October 15, 2023.
Award decision: December 2023.
Awarded projects duration: January 1 – December 31, 2024.
For further details visit: Global Access Fund – DataCite