We invite applications for UK-Japan research proposals under the themes of 'transformative technologies' and 'tomorrow’s talent' supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).

Grants up to £80,000 will be available for funding under this ISPF research collaboration programme for bilateral research and innovation collaborations under the ISPF. Priorities set with Japan at the call design stage. UK Institutions will be funded at 80% of Full Economic Costs. Japan institutions will be funded at 100% FEC and must not exceed more than 30% of the overall cost of the project calculated at 100% FEC

The call will fund Global Challenges Research Grants to support and facilitate research that tackles global challenges. The total funding available for this call is £560,000. 

Under this call for proposals, projects should consider:

• transformative technologies: artificial intelligence, quantum, engineering biology, semi-conductors, future telecommunications,
• tomorrows talent: research capacity, research systems, research pipeline.

Who can apply

Each proposal must have one principal applicant from the UK and one principal applicant from Japan:

• Both principal applicants must be leading researchers or established researchers 3.
• Principal applicants must be permanent employees. Emeritus and honorary professors may not apply as lead.
• A not-for-profit higher education institution with the capacity to undertake high-quality research.

Please see the grant applicant guidelines for additional criteria.

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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

The British Council is 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.