Open Call for Australia-Scotland Fund

The Australia–Scotland Fund supports early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) from Australia and Scotland to conduct collaborative research visits lasting 4–6 weeks. The program funds bilateral mobility between research institutions in biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, and natural product chemistry. Grants of up to A$9,500 support travel and living costs to strengthen long-term international research partnerships.

Program Overview: Australia–Scotland Research Collaboration Funding

The Australia–Scotland Fund is a bilateral mobility program delivered by the Australian Academy of Science and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

It supports early- and mid-career researchers in building international collaborations through short-term research placements between Australia and Scotland.

Key Objectives of the Program

Strengthen Australia–Scotland scientific collaboration
Support EMCR research career development
Enable access to international expertise and infrastructure
Promote biodiversity and ecosystem research
Encourage discovery in biological and chemical sciences
Build long-term institutional partnerships

Priority Research Areas

Biological and Ecological Sciences

Terrestrial ecosystem studies
Marine ecosystem research
Ecological system analysis
Systematic biology and taxonomy
Discovery of new species

Chemical and Biochemical Research

Naturally occurring biological chemicals
Biochemical interactions in ecosystems
Natural product chemistry

Ecosystem and Environmental Research

Ecosystem exploration
Biodiversity assessment
Conservation science
Climate-linked ecological studies

Funding Structure and Grant Value

Maximum Funding

Up to A$9,500 (GST exclusive)

Funding Components

International return economy airfare (up to A$3,500)
Eligible domestic travel costs
Living allowance: A$200 per day (up to A$6,000)

Project Duration and Timing

Visit duration: 4 to 6 weeks
Must occur in: 2027 calendar year

Eligible Applicants

Australian Applicants Must:

Be Australian citizens or hold valid Australian visas
Reside in Australia during application and travel
Be employed at an Australian research institution
Hold a PhD awarded within the last 15 years
Be early- or mid-career researchers (EMCRs)

Scottish Requirement:

Must collaborate with an EMCR based in Scotland

Additional Rules:

Only one application per round per applicant
Previous recipients are not eligible

Collaboration Requirements

Each project must include:

One Australian EMCR
One Scottish EMCR
A clearly defined joint research plan

Applicants must:

Justify the scientific value of the visit
Explain why the host institution is necessary
Demonstrate clear collaborative outcomes

Funding Restrictions

The grant does NOT cover:

Bench fees
Administrative costs
Visa expenses
Insurance costs
Research project costs
Institutional overheads

Additional rules:

Dependants may accompany at their own cost
Researchers manage travel and accommodation arrangements

Funding Administration

Funds are paid to the Australian host institution
Payment requires tax invoice and confirmed itinerary
Researchers are responsible for budget management

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify Research Partner

Australian EMCR collaborates with Scottish EMCR.

Step 2: Define Research Visit Plan

Develop:

Research objectives
Collaboration outcomes
Scientific justification

Step 3: Application Submission

Submit proposal including visit plan and budget.

Step 4: Review Process

Applications are evaluated on:

Scientific merit
Collaboration strength
EMCR development impact
Relevance to priority fields

Step 5: Funding Decision

Successful applicants receive travel and living support.

Step 6: Research Visit

Conduct a 4–6 week collaborative visit in 2027.

Step 7: Post-Visit Collaboration

Researchers are expected to maintain long-term research partnerships.

Importance of the Program (Why It Matters)

This initiative strengthens global science by:

Building long-term Australia–Scotland research networks
Supporting EMCR career development
Advancing biodiversity and ecosystem science
Encouraging species discovery and taxonomy research
Promoting natural product and biochemical research
Enhancing international knowledge exchange

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without a Scottish EMCR partner
Exceeding eligibility window (PhD older than 15 years without extension)
Requesting ineligible costs (bench fees, overheads, etc.)
Weak justification for host institution selection
Missing scientific alignment with priority fields
Submitting more than one application per round

Tips for a Strong Application

Secure strong EMCR collaboration early
Clearly define research outcomes and outputs
Align with ecosystem or biological sciences priorities
Justify why the host institution is essential
Provide a realistic 4–6 week research plan
Emphasize long-term collaboration potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this program?

Early- and mid-career researchers in Australia collaborating with EMCRs in Scotland.

2. What is the funding amount?

Up to A$9,500 (GST exclusive).

3. How long is the research visit?

Between 4 and 6 weeks in 2027.

4. Who delivers the program?

The Australian Academy of Science and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

5. What fields are supported?

Biological sciences, ecology, ecosystems, taxonomy, and natural product chemistry.

6. Can the grant be used for research expenses?

No, it only covers travel and living costs.

7. Is a host collaboration required?

Yes, collaboration with a Scottish EMCR is mandatory.

Conclusion

The Australia–Scotland Fund is a targeted mobility program that strengthens international research collaboration between Australian and Scottish EMCRs. By funding short-term research visits, it supports scientific discovery in biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural sciences while building long-term academic partnerships across institutions.