Call: Open Research Hardware Stimulation Fund Program

Application deadline: 30 April 2024 23:59

The call for applications for the Open Research Hardware Stimulation Fund Program is now closed

The Open Research Hardware Stimulation Fund Program invites researchers, supervisors, students and academic professionals at TU Delft to submit proposals for the development, documentation and dissemination of open research hardware projects at TU Delft. This fund is supported by the Open Science Program in its effort to prioritize Open Research Hardware.

It is an important recognition for the work being done by our Delft Open Hardware group and community members. Let's take advantage of this opportunity to showcase the relevance and possibilities of Open Research Hardware.

This call aims to reward both researchers and students. To enable this we have created two main tracks that support the needs of both groups. PhD candidates can apply for one of both tracks, depending on whether they have a supervising role, or a development role.

  • Do you have a design concept and/or prototypes that you would like to improve and engineer with design engineers at DEMO? DEMO is the electronic and mechanical support division of the TU Delft. More info can be found at www.tudelft.nl/demo.
  • Have you developed a design and you think you could benefit from best practices regarding open hardware documentation to make your project or object more reproducible and reusable?
  • Have you developed projects with DEMO and would like to make them available in an open source way?
  • Have you submitted a patent application that is not patentable, but still holds value if it would be available to the public?
  • Would you like to learn how open source (hardware) projects are developed, foster open collaboration and create scientific and societal impact?
  • Would you like your master students, bachelor students and PhDs to develop open research hardware?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, our program, open online educational resources and funding scheme is designed to address such interests and motivations. We have available funding to hire TAs to help you out.

Criteria for Proposal Submission

  • Clear Assignments: Proposals should outline clear assignments that can be developed by a Teaching Assistant (TA) or a group of TAs within a specified time frame (minimum 3 months, maximum 1 year).
  • Documentation and Openness: Projects involving the documentation and opening of existing hardware using standard open source hardware licenses will be prioritized.
  • Reward Structure: Funding of up to €5,000 is available, primarily allocated towards TA wages and material costs. Larger material or equipment costs may also be fully covered if justified within the scope of the proposal.
  • PhD Involvement: PhD candidates are encouraged to supervise projects and commit 4 to 8 hours per week during the project period.

Who can apply?

  • Researchers, supervisors, and principal investigators (PIs) involved in supervising Master, Honors Bachelor, and Honors Master theses.
  • PhD candidates interested in supervising a Master's student.
  • Other TU Delft staff like lab technicians or technologists leading hardware development projects.

How to apply?

  • Fill in the application form.
  • Intake Meeting: If serving as the main applicant, supervisors must attend an intake meeting to discuss project details.
  • Utilize Office Hours: Take advantage of Friday office hours for project guidance and support.

Funded Project Requirements

  • Attend Monthly Seminars: Applicants or project team members are required to attend monthly office hour seminars focused on supporting and executing open hardware projects.
  • A midterm showcase will be organized during project development, potentially during one of the monthly seminars to share project progress.
  • A final presentation showcasing project outcomes will be held at the conclusion of the program.

The Open Hardware Stimulation Fund Program welcomes Bachelor and Master students, as well as PhD candidates, interested in undertaking open hardware projects as part of their academic endeavors.

Who can apply?

  • Bachelor and Master students seeking to make their thesis projects open.
  • Bachelor and Master students interested in conducting an Honors Program project on open hardware.
  • PhDs wanting to cover material costs for open hardware they are developing.

Application Requirements

  • Supervision: Applicants must have a supervisor who reviews and approves their proposal - not applicable for PhDs.
  • Attendance: Applicants or project team members should attend twice per month to our Friday office hour sessions for guidance and support.

How to apply?

Project Presentation

  • Results will be presented at the end of the project.
  • A midterm showcase will be organized during project development, potentially during one of the monthly seminars.
  • A final presentation showcasing project outcomes will be held at the conclusion of the program.