We invite applications from UK institutions for the International Research Empowerment Programme supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) under the ISPF thematic priority ‘Tomorrow’s Talents’.

Aligning with the British Council’s mission to connect the UK with international partners through meaningful people-to-people connections across borders, the opportunity aims to address several critical priorities within the realm of international research collaboration through capacity strengthening.

Countries initially joining this call include Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Grants up to £80,000 will be available for funding capacity strengthening activities under four priority areas:

• Forster better engagement and management practices in international research collaboration.
• Support Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in international research endeavours.
• Promote capacity strengthening and knowledge exchange in interdisciplinary research.
• Create opportunities for researchers and institutions to engage with communities, policymakers, and translate research into societal benefits.

Applicants should consider how best to address the priority set for the international partner that you will be collaborating with, as specified in Appendix 1 of the Guidelines for Applicants.

Who can apply

Both UK and international partner project leaders must hold permanent positions (research/academic/professional) at eligible institutions and have relevant expertise and capacity to lead the project.

Collaborations should include one project leader from the UK and a project leader from the international partner. We will allow only one application per a project leader, from either side.

Please see the Eligibility Section of the ‘Guidelines for Applicants' for additional criteria.

Indicative timelines