International Research Funding Circular – 14 November 2025

Please see the latest European and International research funding information, event and opportunity updates.

2026-27 DRAFT Work programme call topics

News

 1. NEW: Switzerland is now associated to Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/switzerland-is-now-associated-to-horizon-europe-the-euratom-programme-and-the-digital-europe-programme/

Grant Agreements of positively evaluated proposals of 2025 calls can now be signed and their funding will come directly from the European Commission, as Switzerland makes a mandatory contribution to the EU for this purpose. In terms of participating opportunities, Swiss entities can now take on the coordinating role in collaborative projects in 2025 (and beyond) calls for proposals.

2. NEW: UK expects Horizon Europe contribution clawback: https://sciencebusiness.net/news/horizon-europe/uk-expects-horizon-europe-contribution-clawback

The UK is expecting to claw back some of its Horizon Europe contributions after under-performing in 2024, thanks to a built-in automatic correction mechanism in its association deal.

Events

3. NEW: EMERGE-EU Study Visit on Advanced Materials: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExuewAGxzEydmwURinGFkW27U0VzzNdBvgkfhmmIn6xUOTdWQjUzMzRMQU9HSkgwTzhOQVRSUklINS4u

Five Brussels-based R&I liaison offices are co-organising a study visit under the EMERGE-EU Initiative, focused on Advanced Materials. This international visit aims to connect emerging researchers, broaden funding perspectives, identify shared research interests, and lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration, including joint projects. The project leads are currently gathering expressions of interest from researchers, including experienced post-docs approaching independence or newly independent research team leaders. Selected participants (2-3 per country) will be matched based on profile complementarity. Deadline to apply 17 November 2025

4. NEW: Lump Sum Funding in Horizon Europe webinar, 09:00 to 11:00 UK time on Thursday 12 February 2026: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/other/events/20260212/event260212.htm

These information events are the best way to find out more about the lump sum funding approach in Horizon Europe, including how write a proposal and manage a lump sum project. With the share of lump sum calls and topics in Horizon Europe increasing each year, applicants interested in learning more about this funding approach are strongly encouraged to participate. No need to register, access the webinar via the above link.

5. REMINDER: N8 ERC Lunch time Webinar Series: information sessionS for academics interested in applying to the European Research Council (ERC), offering guidance on writing competitive proposals though insights from ERC award holders and/or reviewers.

  • ERC Synergy Grant: Tuesday 25th November 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Professor Tracy Palmer (Newcastle University) and Professor Jason Rothman (Lancaster University): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 312 205 642 977 1; Passcode: Zk7CG99G)
  • ERC Consolidator Grant – Life Sciences: Wednesday 19th November 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Professor Mal McMillan (Lancaster University) and Professor Scott Cairney (University of York): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 340 792 057 506 5; Passcode: Tg2wo7ev)
  • ERC Consolidator Grant – Physical Sciences: Friday 28th November 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Professor Ben Mills (University of Leeds) and Dr Meghan Halse (University of York): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 351 405 385 497 6; Passcode: Ep3ZP6oK)
  • ERC Consolidator Grant – Physical Sciences: Friday 5th December 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Professor Alison Parkin (University of York) and Professor Edward Laird (Lancaster University): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 351 847 045 517 12; Passcode: o4bJ7zN7)
  • ERC Starting Grant – Life Sciences: Tuesday 2nd December 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Professor Christina Hicks (Lancaster University) and Dr Ralf Richter (University of Leeds): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 312 985 377 917 25; Passcode: PV9Xm3u3)
  • ERC Starting Grant – Physical Sciences: Wednesday 10th December 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Dr Rostislav Mikhaylovskiy (Lancaster University) and Dr Dominic Bowman (Newcastle University): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 315 256 395 349 0; Passcode: oq3HG94p)
  • ERC Starting Grant – Social Sciences: Tuesday 16th December 2025 – 12:10 – 12:50pm: Speakers Professor Robbie Williams (University of Leeds) and Dr Mark Griffiths (Newcastle University): Join the meeting now (Meeting ID: 336 871 031 716; Passcode: Lm7Kn2YA)

NEW: Video links for past recorded webinars:

European related funding

6. REMINDER: Horizon Europe – Work Programmes 2026-27 early drafts pre-published – SUMMARY CALL TOPICS ATTACHED

The European Commission have pre-published early drafts of the 2026-27 call topics for a number of the clusters and missions (to download work programmes see here: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/news/insight-into-horizon-europe-work-2026-2027-programmes/). For convenience, we have put together summary tables of all call topic titles in the attached Excel spreadsheet – please use these to browse any topics that are of interest to you and that you may be able to contribute to. Once you have identified a topic(s) of interest, please search their call reference within the relevant full Work Programme PDF. Please note for some areas newer leaked drafts can also be found on Science Business website: https://sciencebusiness.net/horizon-papers Keep checking both the BusinessConnect and ScienceBusiness sites regularly for updated versions. They include:

7. NEW: Humboldt Residency Programme call with Focus on Democracy 2.26: Designing Political Participation: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/bewerben/foerderprogramme/humboldt-residency-programm/humboldt-residency-programme-call-for-applications

The annual Humboldt Residency Programme is designed to promote transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. It brings together a group of 12 participants including researchers, writers, artists, civil society actors and social entrepreneurs to address a specific topic during a six-week residency in Brandenburg and Berlin, Germany. This years call responds to the needs of contemporary democracies to adapt to regional and socio-cultural demands and increase participation by critically examining political participation as a concept, as well as by designing and experimenting with innovative, informal political participation formats. It is scheduled to run from June to October 2026 with an in-person residency in August/September 2026. An online information event is scheduled for 25 November 2025 with application deadline 15 December 2025.

8. Quantum Technologies (QuantERA II) 2025 call: https://quantera.eu/call-2025/

QuantERA II is a European Research Area network focused on quantum technologies (QT). The Call comprises of two topics: Quantum Phenomena and Resources (QPR) and Applied Quantum Science (AQS). Projects are expected to address one or more of the following research areas: Quantum communication, Quantum computing, Quantum simulation, Quantum sensing and metrology, General quantum science. Projects are expected to last for 24 to 36 months. The project consortia must have a minimum of three eligible partners requesting funding in at least three of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Deadline 5 December 2025.

9. European Partnership on One Health Antimicrobial Resistance R&I call 2025 pre-announcement: https://ohamr.eu/2025/06/12/research-call-2025/

The first EUP OHAMR joint transnational call will be within the focus area of providing innovative and cost-effective treatment options. The call will be launched in November 2025. The potential research objectives for this call will be as outlined in the EUP OHAMR Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda:

  • To develop new antimicrobials, novel treatment protocols or alternative treatment strategies against Human Infectious diseases along with their respective diagnostics.
  • To improve, preserve and reinforce the clinical efficacy of the current treatment antimicrobials.
  • Identification of barriers to access, availability, quality and uptake of therapeutic solutions and development of solutions to overcome those barriers.
  • Assessment and prediction of the impact of economic incentives and regulations on drug development, drug production, drug supply and treatment availability.

10. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 for British researchers: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships#1658819252

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships give early-stage British researchers (Master’s degree or recent PhD) the opportunity to pursue a research project at postgraduate, doctoral or postdoctoral level at any of Switzerland’s universities or national research institutes. Applicants need to propose a research project that is supported by an academic supervisor at their institution of choice. Maximum duration is 12 months for research projects and 36 months for pursuing a PhD. Deadline 5 December 2025.

11. Fondation Luciole Grand Prize 2026 for Ecological Transition: https://www.institutdefrance.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Call_for_applications_GP_Luciole_2026.pdf

The Fondation Luciole’s Grand Prize aims to recognise social initiatives or scientific research dedicated to the ecological transition, in France and internationally, particularly in the following areas: • Protection of nature and biodiversity. • Ecological transition, particularly in the fields of agriculture, industry, transportation, energy, consumption and communal living.    • Prevention of natural or health hazards. • Education on the ecological transition. The Prize consists of a grant of €100,000. Deadline 18 December 2025.

12. DSIT funding UK participation in EuroHPC (European High Performance Computing) Joint Undertaking Calls

UK public research organisations will be eligible for funding to participate in three upcoming research and innovation calls run by the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU). The Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is funding UK teams to develop and optimise exascale and AI‑ready software, toolchains and workflows in areas of national importance. These calls will support structured, cross‑border collaboration with leading European computing centres and further develop the UK compute ecosystem in line with recently published Compute Roadmap. Funding is available for UK proposals in the following calls:

Individual proposals should not exceed £1.3 million in proposed UK contribution. Call deadlines 20 January 2026.

Official development assistance (ODA) or Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) related funding

13. Gates Foundation – Accelerating the Development of Innovative, Exceptionally Low-Cost Maternal and Child Nutrient Ingredients and Products: https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/accelerating-development-innovative-exceptionally-low-cost-maternal-and-child-nutrient

Despite decades of evidence demonstrating the importance of nutrition interventions, many solutions are inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries due to high costs. We invite innovators from nutrition, biotechnology, food technology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond to submit proposals to reduce the cost of calcium, choline, or DHA by at least half or develop low-cost and/or advanced micronutrient supplement products. A webinar will be hosted to provide more information and answer any questions on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 07:00 – 08:00 Pacific Time. To participate in the webinar, please register and submit your questions in advance. Request for Proposals deadline 16 December 2025.

14. Gates Foundation – Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations in Support of Women’s Health: https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenges

Local delivery of drugs into the vagina offers several clear potential advantages over other delivery methods, but it remains underutilized. Through this RFP, the partners seek applications that either contribute to the development of vaginal formulations that promote optimal drug delivery or identify the specific features of a vaginally administered product that would most appeal to women. This challenge is a collaboration among members of global Grand Challenges network, including the Gates Foundation, GC-Africa (managed by the Science for Africa Foundation), GC-Brazil (Ministry of Health), GC-India (Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology), and GC-South Africa (South African Medical Research Council). A webinar will be hosted to provide more information and answer any questions on Thursday, 20 November 2025, 06:00 – 07:00 Pacific Time. To participate in the webinar, please register and submit your questions in advance. Call deadlines 16 December 2025.

General international

15. NEW: Darwin Plus Local Grants scheme: https://darwinplus.org.uk/how-to-apply/local-applications/

Darwin Plus Local funds projects that protect the unique biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). It supports small scale environmental projects in the UKOTs, with the aim of improving outcomes for biodiversity, building capacity in-territory and contributing to local economies. Projects must contribute to measurable outcomes in at least one of the Darwin Plus themes (ie biodiversity, climate change, environmental quality, and capability and capacity building) with a clear focus on biodiversity and the natural environment. Projects are encouraged that propose to implement evidence-based proven solutions as well as innovative approaches. Preference will be given to discrete projects implementing environmental solutions, action on the ground or discrete work that aims to deliver a tangible change. Applications must be made by a lead entity, which can be an organisation or individual. The lead entity must be based in one of the UKOTs. Darwin Plus Local will provide grants of up to £50,000 for organisations and up to £20,000 for individuals. Applications will be accepted for projects implemented between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027 (i.e. projects can last for up to 12 months). Deadline 29 December 2025.

16. NEW: AHRC/ESRC International Placement Scheme 2026 (pre-announcement): https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/international-placement-scheme-2026/

Apply for a funded placement at an international institution. Placements are available at the following institutions:

  • United States: Harry Ransom Center, Huntington Library, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, Yale Centre for British Art
  • Japan: National Institutes for the Humanities (NIHU)
  • China: Shanghai Theatre Academy

You will receive £1,000 for travel and visa costs (£1,200 for travel to Japan and China) and £2,500 for each month of the fellowship. You can apply for two to six months of funding. Deadline 19 March 2026.

17. Roux Prize for Disease Burden Research: https://www.healthdata.org/about/awards/roux-prize

The Roux Prize is awarded by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) to recognise innovation in the use of disease burden research. A prize of $100,000 is awarded to an individual or group that has successfully applied health evidence in innovative ways to safeguard public health and make people healthier. Nominations are invited for an individual or group, based anywhere in the world, that has applied health evidence in innovative ways. The award can be used by the winner for any research, educational or personal purpose. Deadline 03 March 2026.

18. 2026 Ernst Mach Grant Worldwide: https://grants.at/en/

The grant programme invites students and young researchers from foreign universities to go to Austria for a research or study visit for a maximum of nine months.

Areas of study or research which are of particular interest to OeAD include: natural sciences; technical sciences; human medicine; Health Sciences; agricultural sciences; social sciences; arts and humanities. Applications are accepted from candidates from all countries except Austria. The maximum age for candidates is 35. Good knowledge of English and/or German, particularly in the respective subject area, is a prerequisite. A monthly grant is awarded for the duration of the stay, up to a maximum of nine months. The monthly rate of the grant is €1,300. Deadline 01 February 2026.

19. Millennium Technology Prize: https://millenniumprize.org/

For groundbreaking technological innovations that benefit millions of people around the world. All fields of technology are eligible, excluding military technology. The prize supports technological innovations that broadly improve the life of humankind and promote sustainable development, and that demonstrate present and/or future applications with global commercial viability and industrial exploitation. Innovation should: • Enhance quality of life. • Promote sustainable development, such as the efficient use of Earth’s resources, biodiversity, and mitigation of climate change. • Generate applications with global commercial viability. • Create new accessible socioeconomic value. • Stimulate further cutting-edge research and development in science and technology. Candidates can be either individuals or research groups/teams, but not institutions or organisations. One nomination can include multiple nominees and nominators are encouraged to name everyone whose contributions to the innovation deserve the prize. A total of €1 million will be awarded to the winner(s). Deadline 27 February 2026.

20. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme for Overseas Researchers 2026 — call for humanities and social sciences: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/funding/schemes/jsps-postdoctoral-fellowship-for-overseas-researchers/

This scheme is for scholars in the UK who are at an early stage of their career and wish to conduct research in Japan for a period of 12-24 months. The scheme, which is wholly funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), provides the opportunity for highly qualified young researchers based in the UK to engage and collaborate with leading research groups in universities and other research institutions in Japan. In its capacity as an overseas nominating authority for this scheme, the British Academy is able to nominate a quota of candidates each year, thus candidates from all fields of the humanities and social sciences are eligible to apply. Deadline 10 December 2025  [note: the Royal Society typically run a similar option for the sciences in early new year].

21. AHRC-DFG Research Grants: Round Eight (2025 to 2026): https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-dfg-research-grants-round-eight-2025-to-2026/

Apply for funding to conduct arts and humanities research projects with German partners. Projects must be composed of two highly integrated national teams based in the UK and Germany. All proposals must demonstrate the added value of international collaboration to research objectives.

The full economic cost of the UK-component of your project can be up to £420,000. Your project can last between 24 to 36 months. Deadline 26 February 2025.

22. Health Outcomes of Pet Ownership and Human-Animal Interaction research funding: https://habri.org/grants/funding-opportunities/rfp-addressing-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-hai

Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is inviting proposals for its Addressing Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interaction funding scheme aimed at exploring the health benefits of human-animal interaction. This initiative supports research that examines the health outcomes associated with pet ownership and animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for both humans and animals. Eligible studies should focus on areas such as the role of pet ownership in promoting wellbeing, the impacts of therapy animals and the effectiveness of AAI in addressing social issues like anxiety, loneliness and trauma. Research proposals must include a solid theoretical framework and aim to produce actionable recommendations for policymakers, veterinarians and health practitioners. HABRI will award approximately five to six grants annually, with an average funding amount of $50,000 per project and a typical duration of 20 months. Deadline 26 February 2025.

23. 2026 Alzheimer’s Association Zenith Fellows Award: https://www.alz.org/research/for_researchers/grants/types-of-grants/the_zenith_fellows_award_program_-zenith

The Association’s Zenith Fellows Award provides major support to experienced researchers who have: • Contributed significantly to the dementia science field (Alzheimer’s and all other dementia research). • Made significant contributions to other areas of science and are now beginning to focus more directly on problems related to Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. • Are likely to make substantial contributions in the future. It is anticipated that up to three awards will be made. Each award is for a maximum of $450,000 (direct and indirect costs) for up to three years, and limited to $250,000 in any given year. Letter of Intent deadline 01 December 2025.

24. Eureka GlobalStars Japan 2026: https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2276/overview/19635c62-dd91-41d8-a90e-547cdb5acbfa#summary

UK business can apply for funding to collaborate on industrial research projects with partners in Eureka member countries and Japan. UK universities can collaborate, but not lead. Innovate UK will invest a minimum of £2 million to fund UK component. The aim of this competition is to fund business led, collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects focused on industrial research. This competition will be for innovative proposals developed between the UK, Japan and the other Eureka participating countries. Deadline 21 January 2026.

25. UKRI (all councils) collaborate with researchers in São Paulo, Brazil: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/collaborate-with-researchers-in-brazil/

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and FAPESP have signed a memorandum of understanding to support collaborative applications. It provides for a lead agency assessment whereby participant UKRI research councils receive and assess joint applications from eligible UK and Brazil-based researchers from the state of São Paulo on behalf of both organisations. UKRI and FAPESP will co-fund applications submitted to participant UKRI councils’ selected responsive mode funding opportunities. No deadline.

26. Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Funding Opportunities https://www.acu.ac.uk/funding-opportunities/funding-opportunities-calendar/

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is currently offering a range of grants, fellowships, and scholarships for university staff and students. These opportunities provide valuable support for research, professional development, and academic collaboration across the Commonwealth. View the ACU Funding Calendar (opportunities also listed below) to see upcoming deadlines throughout the year and plan your applications in advance. Please note that the ACU grants offer is under review and may be subject to change.

  • Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for 2026/27 (application cycle 1) Fully-funded scholarships to study in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Opens 19 November 2025. Deadline 14 January 2026.
  • Supporting Research Community Training Grants Funding staff at ACU member universities to organise and deliver training for their early career researchers. Opens 4 February 2026. Deadline 8 April 2026.
  • Gender Grants Funding projects that promote gender equity and equality on university campuses. Opens 5 March 2026. Deadline 6 May 2026.
  • Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for 2026/27 (application cycle 2) Fully-funded scholarships to study in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Opens 9 April 2026. Deadline 3 June 2026.
  • ACU Fellowships Funding collaborative research and the exchange of knowledge, skills and ideas between ACU members. Opens 28 April 2026. Deadline 25 June 2026.

27. Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation (GBSF) grant funding: http://www.gbsf.org.uk/grants/overview/

The Foundation’s aim is to develop good relations between the United Kingdom and Japan by advancing the education of the people of both nations in each other’s culture, society and achievements. It seeks to promote mutual understanding and cooperation through financial support for activities in the following fields: • Arts and Culture • Humanities and Social Issues • Japanese Language • Medicine and Health • Science, Technology and Environment • Sport • Youth and Education. The Foundation’s awards are intended to provide “pump-priming” and not core funding of projects. Standard travel grants between the UK and Japan are £2,000, and up to £2,500 for visits of more than two weeks. This also includes travel for PhD students from UK universities wishing to visit Japan for dissertation research or to complete fieldwork. Applications for longer-term fieldwork of six months or more in Japan can be considered, with grants of up to £5,000. The UK office holds three annual awards meetings, with remaining application deadline on 15th December.

Project Initiation Form (PIF): https://www.cognitoforms.com/NewcastleUniversity1/NewcastleUniversityNuTHProjectInitiationFormV2

If you’re in the process of developing a research proposal please ensure you submit a PIF as soon as possible. The PIF is not just a mechanism to initiate a costing, it enables the research support team to identify and engage on your behalf the varying types of research and business support beneficial to your bid. Please note you don’t need to define all resources required before engaging with the team. To maximise the support available to you, PIF submission is advised at your earliest convenience.

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