By Yuka Kawano McPhee, Project Officer
McMaster University has announced the 2026 recipients of the International Initiatives Micro-Fund (IIMF), recognizing 11 McMaster researchers whose projects will advance new and emerging global partnerships under the Horizon Europe framework. The 2026 round was delivered in collaboration between the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the Research Office for Administration, Development and Support (ROADS), highlighting McMaster’s commitment to strategic, internationally engaged research.
“Congratulations to this year’s International Initiatives Micro-Fund recipients,” says Gianni Parise, McMaster’s vice-president, research.
“These awards play an important role in helping our researchers build meaningful global partnerships, strengthen international networks and position McMaster for success in Horizon Europe. By supporting early-stage collaboration and capacity-building, this program lays the groundwork for impactful, large-scale research that addresses shared global challenges.”
The IIMF provides small-scale seed funding to support global research collaborations and sustainable international partnerships. For the 2026–2027 cycle, the Horizon Europe Seed Funding stream is helping McMaster researchers build partnerships and consortia with colleagues in European Union member states and Horizon Europe associated countries, with the aim of preparing competitive Horizon Europe Pillar II proposals. Funding can support travel, networking, workshops, and other capacity-building activities that strengthen partnerships and improve readiness for Horizon Europe calls in key areas such as health, democracy and inclusive societies, civil security, digital and industrial innovation, climate and energy transitions, and sustainable food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment.
Eleven McMaster researchers received IIMF support through the Horizon-focused call, representing 5 McMaster Faculties and a diverse set of national and international partners (total 34), including institutions in EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries. In total, 108,442.52 CAD was awarded, providing targeted resources to catalyze new collaborations, co-develop proposals, and position McMaster teams for success in future Horizon Europe Pillar II calls.
“Delivered in collaboration with ROADS, this round of IIMF awards aligns our seed funding with McMaster’s broader efforts to expand participation in large-scale, collaborative international research programs,” says Bonny Ibhawoh, Vice-Provost, International.
“This partnership ensures that funded projects receive both financial support and strategic guidance to translate seed-funded activities into competitive Horizon Europe applications, helping our researchers turn early relationship-building and exploratory work into sustained, externally funded collaborations.”
The IIMF continues to serve as an important catalyst for global engagement and research collaboration at McMaster. Faculty members and professional librarians interested in international initiatives are encouraged to watch for future IIMF calls, including upcoming Horizon-focused streams and other strategic themes. Details about future application cycles, eligibility, and timelines will be shared on the IIMF webpage, where prospective applicants can also find program information, application forms, and reporting requirements; please visit and bookmark the IIMF webpage for any incoming updates.
2026 recipients of the International Initiatives Micro-Fund (IIMF)
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