Deadline: 25-Sep-2025
The Royal Society is seeking applications for its International Exchanges Grant Programme to support scientists based in the UK who want to stimulate new research collaborations with leading scientists overseas through either a one-off visit or bilateral travel.
The objectives of the International Exchanges scheme are to stimulate the development of new research collaborations between UK researchers and researchers from around the world, provide seed corn funding to establish partnerships, gather preliminary data, develop research ideas and strengthen applications for further funding, and enable UK and international research groups to exchange research staff, to share expertise and exchange ideas.
The scheme runs through multiple rounds each year, divided into Global rounds and Cost Share rounds. Global rounds allow travel to and from all countries outside the UK, with funding determined by the length of the visit. The Global rounds also include dedicated support through the Royal Society – Yusuf and Farida Hamied Foundation International Exchanges Grant for collaborations with researchers in India, the Royal Society – Sino-British Fellowship Trust International Exchanges Grant for collaborations with researchers in China, and the Royal Society – American Friends of the Royal Society International Exchanges Grant for collaborations with researchers in the USA.
Cost Share rounds, on the other hand, are based on co-funding arrangements with overseas partners, where the Royal Society funds the UK partner and the international partner is supported by their local funding body. Current partners include Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche in Italy, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the National Science and Technology Council in Taiwan.
The scheme offers funding for travel, subsistence, and research expenses, with amounts varying based on duration and type of visit. One-off visits lasting up to three months may receive up to £3,000, while multiple visits over one year may receive up to £6,000, and those over two years may receive up to £12,000. Cost Share rounds provide up to £12,000 from the Royal Society, with a matching amount from the partner funder. Consumables such as visa charges, fieldwork expenses, and software are eligible, while items such as publication costs, conference registration, or medical insurance are not covered.
Eligibility requires that applicants and co-applicants hold a PhD or equivalent experience, with a permanent or fixed-term position at an eligible university or non-profit research institution for the duration of the award. Collaborations must be new, and the scheme cannot be used to extend ongoing projects. Applications must be bilateral and can involve team members, including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, provided they are based in the respective applicant institutions. Industrial, governmental, and commercial organisations are not eligible to host projects.
Applications are assessed based on the research background of the scientists involved, the strength of the institutions, the mutual benefits of the collaboration, the proposal’s quality, its contribution to the UK science base, and the potential for long-term partnerships. Submissions are reviewed confidentially by subject experts, and the Royal Society emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the process. The deadline for application is 25 September 2025.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.