Deadline: 09-Sep-2026
The Scotland-Taiwan Research and Innovation Workshop Grant Programme supports research collaboration between Scottish and Taiwanese institutions through funding for a two-day bilateral workshop held in Taiwan. The programme aims to create new research partnerships, strengthen existing collaborations, and develop future joint research and innovation projects.
The grant provides up to £10,000 for workshops conducted between 2026 and early 2027 across all academic disciplines, with priority encouragement for Green Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing. Eligible applicants are mid- to senior-career researchers from Scottish institutions working with Taiwanese partners.
Overview of the Scotland-Taiwan Research and Innovation Workshop Grant Programme
The Scotland-Taiwan Research and Innovation Workshop Grant Programme supports academic and research collaboration between Scotland and Taiwan.
The programme is jointly funded by:
- Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)
- National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan
The grant helps researchers organise collaborative workshops that encourage:
- Knowledge exchange
- Research partnerships
- Innovation cooperation
- Future joint funding opportunities
- International academic networks
The programme is designed to create a foundation for long-term Scotland-Taiwan research collaboration.
Objectives of the Grant Programme
The main objective of the grant is to support research teams from Scotland and Taiwan in developing stronger academic and innovation partnerships.
The programme aims to:
- Establish new international research collaborations
- Strengthen existing partnerships
- Encourage joint research proposals
- Develop future seed funding opportunities
- Promote knowledge sharing across disciplines
The workshops provide researchers with an opportunity to identify shared research priorities and explore future cooperation.
Key Research Areas Supported
The grant is open to workshops across all academic disciplines.
However, special encouragement is provided for projects related to:
Green Energy
Potential areas may include:
- Renewable energy technologies
- Sustainable energy systems
- Climate solutions
- Energy efficiency
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Possible research themes include:
- Artificial intelligence applications
- Robotics development
- Automation technologies
- Machine learning innovation
Advanced Manufacturing
Projects may focus on:
- Manufacturing technologies
- Industrial innovation
- Smart manufacturing systems
- Engineering solutions
Applications from other academic fields are also eligible.
Workshop Requirements
Funded activities must meet specific workshop requirements.
The workshop must:
- Be a bilateral collaboration between Scotland and Taiwan
- Include one two-day workshop held in Taiwan
- Take place during 2026 to early 2027
- Focus on developing research and innovation partnerships
Hybrid participation is permitted if required.
Additional Activities
Workshops may include:
- Visits to relevant research institutes
- Meetings with academic partners
- Discussions with innovation stakeholders
These activities should support future collaboration development.
Funding Amount and Duration
The programme provides:
- Maximum funding: £10,000
- Project duration: Up to 6 months
The funding supports eligible workshop-related activities.
Eligible Uses of Funding
Funding may support costs related to organising the workshop, including:
- Workshop activities
- Research collaboration meetings
- Relevant institutional visits
- Approved participant expenses
Industry participants may participate in workshops, but their costs cannot be covered through this grant.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The grant is open to qualified researchers and academic professionals based in Scotland.
Eligible Principal Investigators
Applicants must be:
- Mid-career or senior-career Principal Investigators
- Full-time or part-time academics
- Employed by an eligible Scottish institution
Eligible institutions include:
- Scottish higher education institutions
- Further education institutes
- Research institutions
- Cultural institutions
Applicants must hold:
- Open-ended contracts
- Continuing contracts
- Eligible fixed-term contracts extending at least three months beyond the proposed award period
Additional Eligible Applicants
The programme also allows applications from:
- Retired academics with demonstrable links to a Scottish institution
- Research-active practitioners employed by Scottish cultural institutions
Scottish Workshop Participants
Participants from Scotland may come from any career stage.
They must be employed by:
- Scottish universities
- Further education institutes
- Research institutions
- Cultural institutions
Team Composition Requirements
Each workshop team must include:
- Minimum participants: 8 members
- Maximum PhD students allowed: 3
The team should demonstrate strong collaboration between Scottish and Taiwanese partners.
Why the Scotland-Taiwan Research Workshop Grant Matters
International research collaboration plays an important role in addressing global challenges and advancing innovation.
This programme supports:
- Cross-border knowledge exchange
- New scientific partnerships
- Research capacity building
- Innovation development
- Future funding opportunities
By connecting researchers from Scotland and Taiwan, the programme helps create long-term partnerships in science, technology, and academic research.
How the Grant Programme Works
Applicants should follow a structured process when preparing their proposals.
Step 1: Build a Scotland-Taiwan Partnership
Applicants should identify:
- Taiwanese research collaborators
- Shared research interests
- Potential areas for future cooperation
The partnership should demonstrate mutual research benefits.
Step 2: Develop a Workshop Plan
The proposal should explain:
- Workshop objectives
- Research themes
- Expected outcomes
- Participant roles
- Collaboration opportunities
Step 3: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should verify:
- Institutional eligibility
- Principal Investigator requirements
- Team composition requirements
Step 4: Prepare the Budget
Applicants should provide:
- Requested funding amount
- Workshop costs
- Activity expenses
- Justification for funding needs
The budget should remain within the £10,000 funding limit.
Step 5: Submit Application
Applicants must submit their proposal according to the programme guidelines.
Applications should demonstrate:
- Research excellence
- Partnership value
- Innovation potential
- Long-term collaboration opportunities
Step 6: Conduct Workshop Activities
Successful applicants will organise:
- Two-day workshop in Taiwan
- Research discussions
- Institute visits where relevant
- Partnership development activities
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Weak Partnership Description
Applicants should clearly explain:
- Why collaboration with Taiwan is valuable
- Shared research interests
- Expected partnership outcomes
Unclear Workshop Objectives
Applications should include specific goals rather than only describing networking activities.
Ignoring Future Collaboration Plans
Strong proposals should explain how the workshop may lead to:
- Joint research projects
- Publications
- Future funding applications
Including Ineligible Costs
Applicants should ensure that industry participant expenses are not included in the grant budget.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Highlighting complementary expertise between partners
- Defining clear research outcomes
- Including diverse academic participants
- Explaining future collaboration opportunities
- Connecting research activities with innovation goals
- Providing a realistic workshop plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Scotland-Taiwan Research and Innovation Workshop Grant Programme?
It is a funding programme that supports research collaboration between Scottish and Taiwanese partners through a two-day workshop held in Taiwan.
Who funds the programme?
The programme is jointly offered by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan.
How much funding is available?
Eligible projects can receive up to £10,000 for activities lasting up to six months.
When must workshops take place?
Funded workshops must take place in Taiwan between 2026 and early 2027.
Who can apply as Principal Investigator?
Mid- to senior-career academics employed by eligible Scottish institutions can apply, including those at universities, research institutions, further education institutes, and cultural institutions.
Can industry partners participate?
Yes. Industry participation is encouraged, but industry participants’ costs cannot be covered by the grant.
How many participants are required in each team?
Each team must include at least eight participants and may include up to three PhD students.
Conclusion
The Scotland-Taiwan Research and Innovation Workshop Grant Programme provides an opportunity for Scottish and Taiwanese researchers to build stronger international partnerships and develop future research collaborations. By supporting workshops, institutional visits, and knowledge exchange, the programme strengthens innovation networks and encourages long-term cooperation across academic disciplines.
For more information, visit The Royal Society of Edinburgh.