We invite applications from UK and Israeli institutions for research proposals, offering grants of up to £200,000 over 3 years to collaborative research projects through the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in Israel.

The programme supports the UK and Israeli science and innovation sectors by providing early-stage grants for collaborative research projects. The programme will fund both new and existing connections between research groups in Israel and the UK and encourage these collaborations to support the exchange of research and innovation expertise and the translation of research knowledge into tangible benefits. Collaborations should place particular emphasis on the development opportunities of early career researchers.

ISPF UK-Israel priority themes:

The programme invites collaborative proposals that contribute to both of the following core themes and concentrate on applied research:

1. Transformative Technologies – developing responsible technologies to secure our place in tomorrow’s world. Specific topics include:
   
   1. quantum technologies
   2. artificial intelligence in drug discovery
   3. food-tech:
      
      1. alternative proteins
      2. advanced food packaging (sensors and materials)
2. Tomorrow’s Talent – nurturing talent to drive inclusion, research and innovation.

Who can apply

Both UK and Israel applicants must be leading or established researchers.

In addition, UK researchers must be:

• permanent employees at their institutions (emeritus and honorary professors may not apply as lead in the UK)
• working at a not-for-profit higher education institution or eligible research organisation with the capacity to undertake high-quality research.

Please see the 'Research Collaborations Guidance for Applicants' for additional criteria.

Indicative timeline

ISPF Research Collaborations information

The pack is available at the bottom of this webpage, providing background to researchers considering applying for a research collaboration grant under ISPF, delivered by the British Council.  It covers the following information:

• Introduction to the International Science Partnerships Fund.
• Eligibility requirements and application process for research collaboration grants.
• Writing a gender statement – why and how.

About the International Science Partnerships Fund

The International Science Partnerships Fund is designed to enable potential and foster prosperity. It puts research and innovation at the heart of our international relationships, supporting UK researchers and innovators to work with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet, health, tech, and talent. The fund is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and delivered by a consortium of the UK’s leading research and innovation bodies, which includes: UK Research and Innovation (comprising the 7 research councils, Innovate UK and Research England), the UK Academies, the British Council, the Met Office, the National Physical Laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and Universities UK International.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

British Council are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to continuing to attract and nurture talented people from the widest pool to remain internationally competitive in research and innovation. We believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed. This includes avoidance of bias due to disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex (gender), and age.

The British Council is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for support to encourage underrepresented groups to engage in ISPF activity, so long as sufficient justification is provided.

The British Council approach to contracting can be found here: https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ispf_grant_base_template.docx

The list of UK eligible research organisations is at:  https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/eligible_uk_research_organisations_0.pdf