Deadline: 8-Apr-26
The Royal Society of Edinburgh offers International Joint Projects grants to support collaborative research between Scotland-based and international researchers. Funding ranges from £3,000 to £12,000, with matched funding required from the overseas partner.
The programme promotes bilateral research partnerships, academic exchange, and global collaboration across all disciplines.
The International Joint Projects programme supports bilateral research collaborations between:
- A Scotland-based research team
- An international partner institution
Projects must:
- Be jointly developed
- Focus on a single research objective
- Include reciprocal visits between partners
The aim is to strengthen international academic cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Key Programme Details
Funding Information
- Grant Amount: £3,000 – £12,000
- Match Funding: Required from international partner
- Project Duration: Up to 2 years
Project Timeline
- Start Period: Between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027
- No minimum duration requirement
Collaboration Requirement
- Mandatory bilateral partnership
- One Scotland-based team + one international team
Collaboration Streams
The programme offers two collaboration pathways:
Open Partner Collaboration
- Partner institution selected by applicant
- Flexible international partnerships
Sister Academy Collaboration
- Projects conducted under existing agreements
- Partner institutions linked through formal Memoranda of Understanding
What the Grant Supports
Funding is typically used for:
- Travel and exchange visits
- Collaborative research activities
- Workshops and meetings
- Knowledge exchange initiatives
Key Concept: Bilateral Research Collaboration
This refers to:
- Equal partnership between two countries
- Joint research design and implementation
- Mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise
Who Is Eligible?
Scotland-Based Applicants
Must:
- Hold at least postdoctoral status or equivalent
- Be affiliated with:
International Applicants
Must:
- Hold postdoctoral qualification or equivalent
- Be employed at:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Cultural institutions
Additional Conditions
- Fixed-term researchers must have contracts extending at least 3 months beyond project end
- Early-career researchers must remain employed for full project duration
Team Composition
- No restriction on team size
- PhD students may participate
Why This Programme Matters
Strengthening Global Research Networks
- Builds long-term international partnerships
- Encourages cross-border collaboration
Supporting Knowledge Exchange
- Facilitates sharing of expertise and ideas
- Enhances research quality
Enabling Mobility
- Supports researcher travel and exchange
- Promotes global academic exposure
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Identify a Research Partner
- Collaborate with an international institution
- Ensure shared research goals
Step 2: Choose Collaboration Stream
- Open partner OR Sister Academy route
Step 3: Develop Joint Proposal
Include:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Collaboration plan
- Travel schedule
Step 4: Secure Match Funding
- International partner must provide equivalent funding
Step 5: Submit Application
- Scotland-based PI applies through the Royal Society of Edinburgh
- Ensure all eligibility criteria are met
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Quality and originality of research
- Strength of collaboration
- Feasibility of project plan
- Mutual benefit for both partners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of clear bilateral collaboration
- Missing match funding commitment
- Weak project design or unclear objectives
- Inadequate travel or exchange planning
Tips for a Strong Application
- Build a strong, complementary partnership
- Clearly define roles for each team
- Emphasise mutual benefits
- Provide a realistic travel and work plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this programme?
Scotland-based researchers with postdoctoral status collaborating with international partners.
2. What is the funding amount?
Between £3,000 and £12,000, with matching funds required.
3. Is international collaboration mandatory?
Yes, projects must involve both Scotland and an overseas partner.
4. What is the project duration?
Up to two years.
5. Are PhD students eligible to participate?
Yes, they can be part of the research team.
6. Who submits the application?
The Scotland-based Principal Investigator.
7. When must projects start?
Between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027.
Conclusion
The International Joint Projects programme by the Royal Society of Edinburgh provides a valuable opportunity to build meaningful global research collaborations.
By supporting bilateral partnerships, researcher mobility, and knowledge exchange, the programme strengthens international academic networks and advances high-quality research across disciplines.
For more information, visit The Royal Society of Edinburgh.