UK higher education and research institutions can now apply for funding to host international cohorts of early-career researchers as part of the Early Career Fellowships scheme.

About the Early Career Fellowships scheme

Part of the UK government’s International Science Partnerships Fund, the scheme provides grants for UK higher education and research institutions to host international cohorts of early-career researchers in the 2025-26 academic year.

The scheme will enable early-career researchers to collaborate internationally and gain access to new research environments, facilities, knowledge and expertise, creating lasting benefits for the Early Career Fellow, as well as the UK and international country/territory research communities through sustainable collaboration.

The scheme has three overarching objectives:

• To provide early-career researchers with a foundation to launch their careers in research and innovation.
• To widen participation by increasing the number of opportunities for researchers including those whose backgrounds are underrepresented in their research field, and who have not yet held a permanent research-related post or academic post with a research specific element.
• To strengthen collaboration between host and sending institutions in specific research areas.

Research areas

UK institutions will apply to host research cohorts in specific research areas, linked to the four overarching themes under the International Science Partnerships Fund.

• Resilient planet – leading the green industrial revolution to protect the planet.
• Healthy people, animals and plants – researching and innovating for secure and healthy populations.
• Transformative technologies – developing responsible technologies to secure our place in tomorrow’s world.
• Tomorrow’s talent – nurturing talent to drive inclusion, research and innovation.

Who can apply?

The call is open to UK higher education and research institutions eligible to receive UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding.

Institutions must also be listed on the UK Home Office Register of Student Route Sponsors (approved ‘Education Providers’) and be QAA/OfS/SFC/HEFCW/DfE inspected and approved.

Key details

• Size of grant: £180,000 (to fund three Early Career Fellows)
• Length of placement: six to 12 months
• Date of placements: 2025–26 academic year
• Participating countries: UK institutions can apply to host cohorts of early-career researchers from Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam
• Where to apply: Host International Cohorts of Early Career Researchers application form 

Participation criteria

As part of their applications, UK institutions will:

• demonstrate how they will connect applicants with industry partners and provide opportunities for internships, placements, or networking for the fellows.
• demonstrate how they will support welfare and career development of applicants.
• demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and safeguarding.
• ensure their shortlisting and assessment panels are diverse in terms of gender and any other protected equality characteristics, and ensure panel members have taken unconscious bias training.
• show how they will provide added value to the Early Career Fellows’ overall research and welfare experiences.

Ultimately, we welcome proposals that demonstrate innovative ways to support Early Career Fellows, possibly travelling with dependents, to ensure they derive the most benefit from their research period in the UK.

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.