The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) supports UK researchers and innovators to collaborate with international partners on multi-disciplinary projects.
What is the 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.
What themes are covered?
Opportunities launched through the fund will focus on four major themes.
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Resilient planet - leading the green industrial revolution to protect the planet.
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Healthy people, animals and plants – researching and innovating for secure and healthy populations.
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Transformative technologies - developing responsible technologies to secure our place in tomorrow’s world.
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Tomorrow’s talent – nurturing talent to drive inclusion, research and innovation.
ISPF opportunities from the British Council - what types of funding will be offered?
As one of the ISPF partnering organisations, the British Council is launching the following funding opportunities:
Research collaborations – funding for research partnerships between universities and research institutions in the UK and internationally, focused on specific International Science Partnerships Fund themes.
Early-career researcher fellowships – funding for UK Institutions to host early-career researchers from participating countries/territories providing a foundation to launch their careers, creating lasting benefits to the fellows, their home universities, and the UK.
UK-Brazil partnerships – funding for research collaborations, knowledge exchange and mobility between the UK and Brazil. This is part of the Amazon+10 Initiative, an alliance of 25 state research foundations in Brazil, who are using science, technology and innovation to transition to a new sustainable development model for the Brazilian Amazon.
UK-South Africa partnerships – funding for research partnerships between the UK and South Africa, to explore sustainable solutions to the food, water and energy challenges. The activity aims to increase the number of academic staff who hold PhD degrees within public universities, while driving innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa and in the wider region.
How much funding is available?
Each call will have a designated grant amount, specified at the time of launch. In total, the International Science Partnerships Fund will provide up to £337 million in funding.
How do I apply?
Opportunities will be posted on Opportunities and insight as they open for applications.