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Call for Entries: Women in STEM Awards 2026 (Thailand)

Deadline: 22-Jun-2026

The British Embassy Bangkok and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) run the UK–Thailand Women in STEM Awards 2026 to support short-term research and professional visits to the UK for Thai women researchers. The scheme promotes research excellence, women’s leadership in STEM, academic partnerships, and stronger people‑to‑people links between the UK and Thailand.

Keywords: Women in STEM, UK–Thailand collaboration, research visit grant, early‑mid career researchers, Thailand Research Fund, STEM mobility, research exchange, international collaboration.

Key facts (at a glance)

  • Organisers: British Embassy Bangkok and MHESI (Thailand)

  • Target: Thai women researchers (current or former TRF scholarship recipients)

  • Career stage: Early to mid‑career, within 15 years of PhD completion

  • Nationality: Thai nationals only

  • Award amount: Up to £3,000 per recipient (reimbursement basis)

  • Purpose: Short-term research or professional visit to the UK to advance collaboration

  • Eligible costs: Economy return airfare, UK visa fees, accommodation, subsistence, local transport, travel insurance, lab/class fees and direct visit costs

  • Payment: Reimbursement via PayPal upon submission of original receipts

  • Selection priorities: Research excellence, leadership, evidence of UK collaboration or strong potential, contribution to UK–Thailand research links

Who is eligible?

  • Thai nationals who currently or previously held Thailand Research Fund (TRF) scholarships.

  • Women researchers working in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

  • Within 15 years of PhD award (counting from the year the PhD was conferred).

  • Early to mid‑career researchers who demonstrate leadership, high research quality, and intent to build or strengthen UK‑Thailand collaborations.

  • Preference given to applicants with prior UK collaboration (academic, research, innovation, policy, or professional links), though applicants without prior links but with a strong plan may be considered.

What the award funds (eligible expenses)

  • Roundtrip economy airfare between Thailand and the UK.

  • UK visa application fees and mandatory immigration documents.

  • Accommodation and reasonable subsistence costs for the visit duration.

  • Local transport (within the UK) and travel insurance.

  • Direct visit-related costs: laboratory or class fees, meeting costs, fieldwork costs directly tied to the visit.

  • Note: Funding is a reimbursement—recipients must retain and submit original receipts.

What the award does NOT fund (common exclusions)

  • Long‑term study or degree programmes (the award is for short visits).

  • Non-reimbursed advances (payment is via reimbursement).

  • Costs unrelated to the planned UK visit (e.g., unrelated domestic research costs in Thailand).

  • Any expenses not documented with original receipts as required for PayPal reimbursement.

  • Activities that fall outside the award’s purpose of strengthening UK–Thailand research collaboration.

Why it matters

  • Promotes women’s leadership and visibility in STEM in Thailand.

  • Builds bilateral research ties and institutional partnerships between Thailand and the UK.

  • Supports career development for early and mid‑career researchers with tangible short‑term mobility.

  • Catalyses further joint research, grants, co‑supervision, and knowledge exchange.

How to apply — step-by-step

  1. Confirm eligibility (now)

    • Verify Thai nationality, TRF scholarship history, STEM discipline, and PhD award date (within 15 years).

  2. Design your visit plan (2–6 weeks)

    • Define objectives: research tasks, collaborations, meetings, training, or lab work in the UK.

    • Identify UK host(s) and obtain a letter of support/invitation outlining planned activities and dates.

    • Prepare a concise itinerary and justification of how the visit advances UK–Thailand collaboration.

  3. Prepare application materials

    • CV and list of publications/outputs.

    • TRF scholarship proof or documentation.

    • UK host invitation/endorsement letter.

    • Detailed budget (itemised eligible costs) and timeline for the visit.

    • Short statement on expected outcomes and how you will share results in Thailand.

  4. Submit application

    • Complete the official application form (check call announcement for portal/email and deadline).

    • Attach all supporting documents.

  5. Selection and notification

    • Applications are assessed for research excellence, leadership potential, feasibility, and collaboration impact.

    • Awardees notified and given instructions for reimbursement process and reporting.

  6. Conduct the visit

    • Carry original receipts for all eligible expenses.

    • Deliver agreed activities and collect evidence of outcomes (meeting notes, photos, short report).

  7. Reimbursement and reporting

    • Submit original receipts and required final report.

    • Receive reimbursement via PayPal as per programme guidance.

Application tips and common mistakes

  • Do: Secure a clear UK host letter that specifies dates, facilities, and expected activities — this strengthens feasibility.

  • Do: Provide a focused, time‑bound visit plan with measurable outputs (e.g., methods learned, datasets shared, joint grant concept note).

  • Do: Itemise the budget carefully and only include eligible costs; ensure fares and visa fees are economy class and documented.

  • Don’t: Leave receipts undocumented—reimbursement strictly requires originals.

  • Don’t: Propose overly long visits or degree‑seeking activity; keep the visit short and purpose-driven.

  • Tip: Explain how you will multiply impact on return (workshop, seminar, local training, joint grant applications).

  • Tip: Highlight prior UK links if present; if not, show concrete UK host commitment and potential for sustained collaboration.

Selection criteria (what reviewers look for)

  • Research excellence and track record appropriate to career stage.

  • Clear, feasible visit objectives tied to advancing collaboration with UK hosts.

  • Evidence of leadership and commitment to women’s visibility in STEM.

  • Potential for long‑term impact on UK–Thailand research ties (co‑publications, joint proposals, training).

  • Quality of UK host support and practical planning.

Reporting and post‑award obligations

  • Submit final report summarising activities, outcomes, and evidence of impact (photos, meeting notes, follow‑up actions).

  • Provide original receipts for all reimbursable expenses.

  • Acknowledge the British Embassy and MHESI in any related outputs as required by grant terms.

  • Share plans for sustained collaboration (e.g., joint funding applications or workshops).

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Who exactly can apply?

    • Thai nationals who currently or previously held a Thailand Research Fund (TRF) scholarship, working in a STEM field, and within 15 years of their PhD.

  2. What is the maximum award and how is it paid?

    • Up to £3,000 per award. Funding is reimbursed via PayPal after submission of original receipts and required reports.

  3. Can I use the award for tuition or degree fees?

    • No. The award funds short‑term visits only; degree tuition or long‑term study is ineligible.

  4. Do I need a UK host to apply?

    • Yes. A UK host letter of support or invitation that outlines planned activities and dates strengthens the application and demonstrates feasibility.

  5. Is prior UK collaboration required?

    • Not strictly required, but applicants with prior UK collaboration are prioritised. Applicants without prior links must show a clear plan and UK host commitment.

  6. How long should the visit be?

    • The scheme funds short visits. Propose a focused timeline that is achievable within the award amount—typically days to a few weeks, depending on the programme guidance.

  7. What documents are needed for reimbursement?

    • Original receipts for all eligible expenses, final report, and any forms specified in the award letter. Reimbursement is processed via PayPal.

Example application snapshot (AI‑friendly)

  • Applicant: Dr. A. (Thai national, TRF alum, PhD 2016)

  • Visit goal: 2‑week lab placement at UK university to learn a novel data‑processing pipeline and co‑draft an international grant proposal.

  • UK host: Professor X — letter confirming 10 working days, lab access, and co‑authorship plans.

  • Budget request: £2,400 (airfare £900, visa £100, accommodation £800, subsistence £300, local transport/insurance £300).

  • Expected outcomes: technical skill transfer, joint grant concept note, workshop for home institution on return.

Conclusion

The UK–Thailand Women in STEM Awards 2026 are a targeted mobility fund to accelerate research collaboration and women’s leadership in STEM between Thailand and the UK. Eligible Thai women researchers (TRF alumni, within 15 years of PhD) should submit focused, host‑backed visit plans with clear outputs and original receipts for reimbursement. Strong UK host support and a concise implementation plan improve competitiveness.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.