Call for proposals: USO Education Innovation 2026

Utrecht ľ�ϸ��Ӱ�� is committed to developing a future-proof educational culture focused on quality, innovation and educational scholarship. Interfaculty projects that innovate and improve education are made possible annually by the Utrecht Education Incentive Fund (USO).

USO Innovation projects: Themes

This year, four themes have been identified, in line with the . Within these themes, projects up to €250,000 can be applied for.

Theme 1: Transdisciplinary learning

From the updated education model:

Learning in a context-rich environment

A context-rich environment can take shape in different ways, bit is characterised by, among other things, learning to deal with different perspectives (think of inter- and transdisciplinary education or international experiences and exploring disciplinary boundaries), collaborative learning and conducting dialogue. A context-rich, activating learning environment stimulates reflection on the study material, the context in which it is offered and what effect this has on the student. Context-rich education helps students to apply scientific knowledge to complex issues.

Within this theme, we are looking for projects that focus on students' transdisciplinary learning, while strengthening their social engagement. Education involving both students and (social) partners ensures that science and practice come together.

The projects should pay specific attention to sustainable embedding of the educational innovation. This ensures that the project result has, or will have, a permanent place within the curriculum.

Theme 2: Assessment for learning

From the updated education model:

Assessment of and for learning

Assessment is especially effective if it is well aligned with the learning objectives and study and teaching activities. By focusing on mastery goals, but also on experiential or supply goals, we should not only use assessment as evidence of learning, but rather as a stimulus for learning or even as learning. It is important for students to gain good insight into their own learning process and to see what they can already do, what they still need to learn (where do they stand in relation to the ultimate learning goal) and what the quality of their work is. When designing education, we take into account the goal that is intended and the type of assessment that we apply. The bottom line is that education and assessment will be more integrated.

Within this theme, we are looking for projects that focus specifically on assessment for learning. New forms of testing and assessment are at the centre of this, paying particular attention to students' self-regulation skills.

Theme 3: Opportunities of AI for learning

The application of artificial intelligence in education has grown rapidly in recent years and is still increasing. Within this theme, we are looking for projects that focus on the practical application of AI in education and the opportunities that AI offers in this regard. How can AI be applied within teaching? And what opportunities for learning can be harnessed (even more)?

Theme 4: The free category

Good ideas don't always fit into a box. Therefore, we like to give the opportunity to submit proposals that do not fit one of the above themes. However, a proposal in the free category must be in line with the Strategic Plan and the of Utrecht ľ�ϸ��Ӱ��.

Terms and conditions

These cross faculty USO projects with a maximum duration of 3 years have a faculty-transcending character and are therefore submitted by more than one faculty. We only grant projects that are not funded by the primary education process.

Procedure

Projects are carried out by consortia in which lecturers and others from different faculties work together.

Lecturers can apply as consortium members. Both starting and more experienced lecturers may apply. International lecturers are also very welcome.
If lecturers already have an idea and would like to be project leaders, they can apply as consortium leaders with a global idea. Consortium co-leadership is also a possibility.

We also invite students to apply with a project idea. They can find consortium leaders and members (lecturers) to form a consortium around their idea. As these are long-term projects, students themselves cannot act as consortium leaders or members. However, they can be given temporary employment as student assistants as part of the project.

The USO assessment committee selects consortium leaders and members. During a meeting, consortium leaders and (potential) members engage with each other and some members of the assessment committee to further shape the project idea.

A consortium leader then submits a brief proposal (1st round) and later a detailed proposal and a pitch (2nd round).

You can apply as consortium leader or consortium member until 17 October at the latest, by submitting your motivation (300 words), reflection on the theme (300 words) and your teaching CV (max 2 A4). Consortium leaders also apply with an overall idea for their project and what the consortium should look like for a successful project.

If you apply as a consortium member, you should discuss this in advance with your education director and supervisor. Consortium leaders additionally discuss this in advance with their vice dean of education and dean. The proposal is ultimately submitted by the dean of the coordinating faculty on behalf of the consortium. It is therefore important that the consortium leader informs them in good time.

During the project

Awarded projects normally start by September 2026. Annually, the consortium leader provides a progress report to the USO committee and also a progress meeting takes place with several members of the committee and with the USO process supervisor from the Centre for Academic Teaching and Learning (CAT). After one year, based on the results and progress, there is a joint decision moment as to whether the consortium leader and the USO project want to commit to sustainable embedding of project results (internally or externally). If so, guidance on this topic is part of the process. In addition, annual intervision meetings with project leaders of other large educational innovation projects are an integral part of consortium leadership.

Evaluation criteria

Project proposals in round 1 and 2 will be assessed on the following criteria:

The committee expects further development on the above criteria in round 2. Specifically, this means that for the second round, the committee will test more strictly whether the proposal meets the above criteria. Thus, in the second round, the committee may also come to the judgement ‘not to grant’.

Application forms

(deadline 17 October 2025)
Application form 1st assessment round (deadline 19 December 2025)

Want to know more?

Read more about the Utrecht Education Incentive Fund or contact the Centre for Academic Teaching and Learning with questions at cat@uu.nl.

17-Oct ‘25	Deadline to apply as consortium leader Deadline to sign up as consortium member Consortium members discuss their intention in advance with their education director and supervisor. Consortium leaders discuss their plan additionally with their vice dean of education and dean.
Start Nov ‘25	Assessment meeting consortia The USO committee selects consortium leaders and brings together interested parties.
End Nov ‘25	Consortium leader, members and committee meeting During this meeting, the selected consortium leaders discuss their ideas with consortium members and members of the assessment committee. There is also a short information session in which 'lessons learned' from previous projects are shared.
19-Dec ‘25	Deadline brief project proposal 1st round.
End Jan ‘26	Evaluation meeting round 1 The USO committee assesses to what extent the proposals are promising and shares this (including formative feedback) with the consortia.
Start Feb ‘26	Results 1st round Between the 1st and 2nd rounds, consortia have contact with relevant stakeholders (ITS, policy officers, educationalists), and incorporate feedback from the USO committee into the proposal.
13-Mrch ‘26	Deadline developed proposal 2nd round
9 Apr ‘25	Evaluation meeting round 2, incl. pitch consortium leaders. The USO committee advises the CAT Management Team on which proposals to nominate for a grant.
End apr ‘26	Outcomes 2nd round.
Sept ’26	Projects start.

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