Applications are now open for early-career researchers in the UK to join and contribute to a fully funded international symposium hosted by the British Council on the theme of Resilient Planet, as part of the International Science Partnerships Fund.

From 4 to 6 November 2024, in Beijing, the three-day UK-China Symposium on Resilient Planet will unite early-career researchers, senior researchers, and policymakers from the UK and China. The symposium aims to address critical questions surrounding the theme of a Resilient Planet, promoting collaboration and networking.

In partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) China, the symposium will offer ample opportunities for early-career researchers to discuss their research, exchange ideas, discuss session themes, and establish connections for possible future activities.

About the event

Over three days, the event will include:

• an academic symposium for early career researchers in the field of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to showcase your work, discuss emerging trends, and engage in productive dialogue with senior and leading researchers from the UK and China,
• a one-day site visit for you to explore universities and research centres in China, gain insights into ongoing research projects, witness state-of-the-art facilities, and potentially discover areas for collaboration,
• a facilitated discussion to scope the needs, priorities and recommendations for further research funding activities, including sub-themes and target audience.

Thematic focus

The symposium will focus on interdisciplinary research to address major environmental challenges and lead the green industrial revolution to protect the planet. Priority research themes include (not exhaustive):

• Clean energy,
• extreme weather and climate,
• agri-tech,
• environmental resilience.

Who can apply

Applications are open to eligible early-career researchers based at eligible higher education institutions or research organisations in the UK, regardless of their nationality.

We will invite senior researchers from the UK and researchers from China in collaboration with partner organisations from the UK and China. The symposium will bring together up to 40 early-career researchers and 10 senior researchers from the UK and China to discuss key questions centred around the theme of "Resilient Planet, and facilitate collaborations and networking among researchers from the UK and China.

See the definition of ‘early-career researcher’ and details on the eligibility in the Applicant Guidelines.

Participant expectations

We expect early-career researchers to:

• present their research findings during presentation,
• participate in conference sessions and workshops actively,
• participate in panel discussions related to their research areas,
• engage in discussions, receiving feedback, and networking with other attendees.

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.