QuiD Call 2026
Inclusivity: Design for Belonging
DCU’s strategic plan, Transformation for an Unscripted Future, is built on a people-first philosophy. Guided by the principles of People, Focus, and Impact, it commits to transforming lives and societies by creating a university where every person feels welcomed, valued, supported, and connected.
In alignment with this mission, the current QUID funding call seeks staff-led interventions that Design for Belonging. We invite projects that proactively embed equity, inclusivity, and community into DCU’s institutional systems, processes, spaces and interactions.
Projects may address the theme of belonging in many ways, including:
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Apply universal design principles to services, spaces, or communications.
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Elevate diverse voices in decision-making and service design.
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Foster inclusive practices that promote dignity, connection, and shared ownership.
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Address barriers to participation for underrepresented groups.
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Enhance connections between DCU and its community, including local residents and community groups.
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Bring staff and students together through collaborative activities and events that strengthen belonging.
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Explore expectations of accessibility and culture, to help us understand whether we are meeting student and staff needs.
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Celebrate intercultural belonging by supporting dialogue across communities.
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Strengthen digital belonging by making online spaces more inclusive, connected, and user‑friendly.
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Recognise contributions by celebrating the voices and achievements of underrepresented groups.
Submissions should align with one or more of the core principles of QuID (to include quality enhancement at a minimum):
- Quality Enhancement: The continuous process of improving our practices, policies, and outcomes. This includes fostering innovation, incorporating feedback, and implementing changes to enhance the overall quality of our education and the student experience.
- Collective Leadership: The idea of ‘leading where you are’. Staff at all levels and from all areas across DCU are encouraged and empowered to identify opportunities and pursue new and innovative ideas.
- Collaboration: Efforts that involve multiple academic departments, disciplines, or professional/support units within an institution. This type of engagement aims to integrate diverse perspectives and expertise, create synergies and share resources.
- Engagement and Communication: Strategic efforts to inform, share and engage both internal stakeholders and external audiences about various initiatives, programs, successes, opportunities, and events.
The following criteria will be taken into consideration when allocating the funding:
- A clear and concise overview of the project aims and objectives
- Clear outcome or impact and relevance to the area or university more broadly
- Alignment to the theme identified in the call
- Alignment to the QuID principles
- How the project will contribute to quality enhancement at DCU, including:
- The potential of this project to make a clear contribution to quality in your work area and/or the broader University
- The potential for this project to be replicated, mainstreamed or to have an impact for a broader audience?
- Alignment with the outcomes of quality assurance processes (e.g. quality review) and/or alignment with broader strategic objectives or initiatives
- Realistic and achievable costings within the timeframe
The application form is available here.
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section before submitting an application.
Further information on QuID, including previously funded projects can be found here.
Completed application forms should be submitted on or before 23 February 2026.
A decision will be communicated to each applicant on or before 23 March 2026.
If you have any queries before submission, please contact Fiona Dwyer (fiona.dwyer@dcu.ie).