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 Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, and Viet Nam.
Grants up to £80,000 will be available for funding capacity strengthening activities under four priority areas:
- Foster better engagement and management practices in international research collaborations.
- 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 project leader, from either side.
Please see the Eligibility Section of the ‘Guidelines for Applicants' for additional criteria.
Indicative timelines
Activity | Date |
Call opens | 26 July 2024 |
Deadline for applications | 06 October 2024, 12:00 mid-day BST |
Review panels | November 2024 |
Outcome of selection | January 2025 |
UK project start dates: | March 2025 |
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.
Application deadline: 6 October 2024, 12:00 mid-day BST
To apply: https://grants.britishcouncil.org/
Select ISPF Research Empowerment Programme application form to start application.
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
If you require an alternative formal for reasons of accessibility please contact us at: ISPF-IREP@britishcouncil.org