Deadline: 8-Apr-26
The Royal Society of Edinburgh Research Collaboration Grant Program provides up to £10,000 to support interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research projects. It is designed to encourage innovative collaboration and early-stage research that can grow into larger funded initiatives.
Projects can run for up to 24 months and must be led by Scotland-based researchers.
The RSE Research Collaboration Grant Program supports collaborative research projects that bring together expertise from different disciplines or institutions.
The programme aims to:
- Promote high-quality academic research
- Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Support pilot and exploratory studies
- Enable progression to larger research funding opportunities
Key Programme Details
Funding and Duration
- Maximum Funding: £10,000
- Project Duration: Up to 24 months
- Project Start Window: Between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027
Scope
- Open to all academic disciplines
- Supports defined research projects with clear outcomes
What the Grant Supports
Funding is intended for direct research costs, including:
- Collaborative research activities
- Travel for research partnerships
- Workshops and knowledge exchange
- Materials and project-related expenses
Key Concept: Research Collaboration
Research collaboration involves:
- Combining expertise from multiple disciplines or institutions
- Sharing resources and knowledge
- Producing higher-impact research outcomes
Who Is Eligible?
Principal Investigator Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be Principal Investigators (PIs)
- Be employed (full-time or part-time) at a Scotland-based institution
Eligible Institutions
- Higher education institutions
- Further education institutes
- Research institutions
- Cultural institutions
Contract Requirements
- Must hold:
- Tenured or open-ended contracts
- OR fixed-term contracts extending at least 3 months beyond project end date
- Funding cannot be used to extend contracts
Additional Eligible Applicants
- Retired academics with active institutional links
- Practitioners or research-active staff in cultural institutions
Ineligible Applicants
- PhD candidates
Collaboration Rules
- Collaborations allowed:
- Within Scotland
- Across the UK
- Internationally
- Up to two co-applicants (must meet eligibility)
- Additional collaborators allowed without strict eligibility requirements
Why This Programme Matters
Encourages Interdisciplinary Innovation
- Combines knowledge across fields
- Solves complex research challenges
Builds Research Networks
- Strengthens institutional partnerships
- Promotes global collaboration
Supports Early-Stage Research
- Enables pilot studies
- Provides foundation for larger grants
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Define Research Topic
- Identify a clear and impactful research question
- Ensure alignment with collaborative goals
Step 2: Form a Collaboration
- Partner with researchers or institutions
- Define roles and responsibilities clearly
Step 3: Check Eligibility
- Confirm employment status and contract duration
- Ensure all co-applicants meet requirements
Step 4: Prepare Proposal
Include:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Collaboration plan
- Expected outcomes
Step 5: Prepare Budget
- Detail eligible costs
- Align budget with project activities
Step 6: Submit Application
- Apply through the Royal Society of Edinburgh application system
- Ensure completeness and accuracy
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Research quality and originality
- Strength of collaboration
- Feasibility within timeframe
- Potential for future funding and impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unclear collaboration plans
- Overly broad or unrealistic project scope
- Budget not aligned with research activities
- Ignoring eligibility or contract requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on a clearly defined research problem
- Highlight complementary expertise among collaborators
- Demonstrate potential for long-term impact
- Provide a realistic and well-structured plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to £10,000 per project.
2. How long can the project last?
Projects can run for up to 24 months.
3. Who can apply?
Principal Investigators based in Scotland at eligible institutions.
4. Are collaborations required?
Yes, the programme emphasizes collaboration across disciplines or institutions.
5. Can international partners be included?
Yes, international collaborations are allowed.
6. Are PhD students eligible as applicants?
No, PhD candidates cannot apply as Principal Investigators.
7. When should projects start?
Between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027.
Conclusion
The RSE Research Collaboration Grant Program is a valuable opportunity for researchers to build partnerships, explore innovative ideas, and develop impactful research projects.
By supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and early-stage research, the programme helps researchers create a strong foundation for future academic and funding success.
For more information, visit The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
