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Call to present scientific research, development and technological innovation projects R&D+i Year 2026

Introduction

The Vice-Rectorate for Research at the University of Azuay, committed to promoting a suitable environment to achieve excellence in research, invites professors to submit proposals for scientific research, development and technological innovation (R&D&I). 

For these purposes, applicants are requested to carefully read the terms and conditions of this call and correctly follow the instructions contained in the general instructions. https://investigaciones.uazuay.edu.ec/recurso

 

CONDITIONS OF THE CALL: 

The research proposals submitted must comply with the following parameters:

  • That they are related to the lines of research that have been declared in the institution and approved by the Vice-Rectorate of Research,
  • That the teachers who are members of the research team are part of a legally declared research group or groups, 
  • The execution of projects involving various scientific disciplines will be encouraged,
  • That involve university students, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, in the development of defined activities or theses, considering that the institution supports the participation of its students in innovative projects,
  • They must demonstrate a precise, coherent, and viable budget that includes external funding, formalized through letters of commitment, agreements, or consulting contracts. Self-management for obtaining resources and seeking alternative sources of funding for research projects are fundamental pillars and institutional policies (Policy 2.3.5).
  • That they be subject to peer review by academics.
  • Having submitted progress or final reports on research projects under their direction; and having submitted the corresponding evidence,
  • In the case of renewals of doctoral theses, a report must be submitted evidencing the progress of the project and the continuity of the doctoral program, sent by the Thesis Director or by the Graduate Department of the University that offers the program.

NOTE: Proposals that do not correctly comply with the upload of information requested by digital formats, submission deadlines and parameters established in this call will be automatically disqualified. 

 

TYPES OF PROJECTS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED:

1. PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOCTORAL THESES:

Based on “REGULATIONS FOR THE GRANTING OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND IMPROVEMENT OF ACADEMIC STAFF”, Article 10, Academic staff who have official acceptance of their doctoral thesis proposal or plan may request support from the University of Azuay for the development of research prior to obtaining the degree, provided that this project is consistent with the research lines of the University and has the acceptance of the Research Council. 

In this case, the invested amount will be applied to the University's research budget. The Vice-Rectorate for Research must report on the research progress every six months. The amount of financial support will be equivalent to 10 weekly hours of teaching for the professor at their category and level.

2. PROJECTS IN COOPERATION WITH RESEARCH NETWORKS:

In accordance with the institutional position of “maintain permanent positions of collaboration and search for mutual benefits with research networks or organizations linked to them” (Policy 2.1.6), the possibility of participating in external calls for proposals is open. Therefore, the Vice-Rector's Office for Research will provide the necessary support and guidance in this type of process. Participation in this type of project allows researchers to collaborate by sharing information and tools through a series of interconnections, broadening their horizons and exposing different perspectives. Furthermore, proposals of this type are seen as one of the most viable options with the greatest potential for funding. The goal is to consolidate research capacity through the creation and active participation in national and international research networks.

3. PROJECTS IN COOPERATION WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS:

Self-management being a basic pillar for obtaining the necessary resources for the functioning of the University, seeking “alternative sources of financing for the development of research projects” (Policy 2.3.5)Participation in these processes increases the possibility of developing quality research. The collaborative work of actors from different institutions contributes to development, bridges the gap between developed and developing countries, and guides the search for joint solutions. The presentation of comprehensive, high-quality, well-formulated projects aligned with institutional research lines is required. If international participation is involved, these projects must be aligned with the countries' priorities. Strategic alliances with national and international institutions are encouraged.

4. AGREEMENTS OR CONSULTANCIES:

Maintaining the criterion of “maintain and strengthen links with the external environment” (Policy 2.3.2), the possibility of carrying out applied research projects that, without straying from their institutional objectives, respond to specific needs of the external sector is always possible. Likewise, the University can provide specialized services or technical assistance, as long as these interventions comply with the current legal framework in Ecuador. The execution of this type of intervention is closely related to the premise of "seeking alternative sources of financing for the development of processes" (Policy 2.3.5). The university seeks to position itself as an engine of economic and social development through the generation of innovative solutions and its connection with the productive sector and society in general. These types of projects involve disbursements that enter the accounts of the University of Azuay.

EXPECTED RESULTS:

  1. Discoveries that have a positive social impact. The university directs scientific efforts toward generating a positive impact on sustainable development and social well-being,
  2. Scientific articles sent or published to journals indexed in Web of Science or Scopus,
  3. Scientific articles submitted to a journal in other databases with peer review,
  4. Databases
  5. Information platforms,
  6. Publishable scientific documents,
  7. Conference paper at a Congress indexed in JCR or Scopus,
  8. Book or book chapter published by the University Publishing House or a peer-reviewed publishing house,
  9. It is hoped that the research will, as far as possible, lead to the generation of patents, plant varieties, traditional knowledge, interculturality, copyrights or works of art.

ETHICAL PROCEDURES:

The institution guarantees that research activities are carried out rigorously and respectfully, adhering to ethical principles, building a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust in academic production. Projects in the health field, or those involving work with human subjects or vulnerable groups, require the approval of the Ethics Committee (CEISH-UDA) prior to their implementation. The CEISH-UDA is the body responsible for conducting ethical, methodological, and legal evaluations, as well as directly monitoring approved studies, specifically for projects involving human subjects, human biological samples, or confidential information.

The Vice-Rector's Office for Research will monitor and document the application of the Code of Ethics, ensuring that projects comply with principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, and harm minimization. Researchers are required to submit detailed protocols describing how ethical compliance (data handling, conflicts of interest, voluntary participation, etc.) will be ensured at all stages of the research. Serious ethical noncompliance detected during monitoring may lead to notifications of suspension of approval.

PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS:

  • Read the general instructions for the year 2025 for the presentation of research, development and technological innovation (R&D&I) projects. https://investigaciones.uazuay.edu.ec/recurso
  • Seek advice from the Vice-Rector for Research or the Department's Project Coordinator if needed, via email or by visiting the Vice-Rector's Office. 

                 - Prof. Raffaella Ansaloni, PhD., VICE-RECTOR FOR RESEARCH: vicerector.inv@uazuay.edu.ec

                 - Eng. Diana Reyes Cabrera, Mst., PROJECT COORDINATOR: dreyes@uazuay.edu.ec

DATE OF RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

The call will remain open from Monday, May 18th to Monday, June 01st, 2026.