International Research Funding Circular – 6th February 2026

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

2026-27 FINAL Work programme call topics

News

1. NEW: The UK’s International Education Strategy 2026 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-international-education-strategy-2026

The Strategy setting out the government’s plans for UK international education and how it will support the sector to access global opportunities has been published. This strategy sets out the government’s plans to place the UK’s world-class education system, from early years to schools, colleges and higher education, at the heart of the UK’s global engagement.

Events

2. NEW: MSCA Staff Exchange 2026 – Brokerage Event & Info Session, 23 February 2026, 11:00 to 19:00, Online: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/msca-staff-exchange-2026-brokerage-event-info-session/

The scheme provides funding for short-term international and inter-sectoral exchanges of staff members involved in research and innovation activities of participating organisations. This Brokerage Event aims to connect the participants with like-minded organisations, exchange project ideas, and take early steps towards building competitive MSCA Staff Exchanges proposals in a highly interactive and practice-oriented setting. Yor can register for the event here: https://www.b2match.com/e/international-brokerage-event-on-msca/sign-up/create-account

 

3. NEW: Free on-demand Horizon Europe webinar for the entire month of February and online training opportunities

Europa Media is offering a free Horizon Europe webinar and online training sessions over the month of February. Please see details below:

Horizon Europe Missions – How to Develop Mission Projects?

Watch it now.

 Monday 23 February at 11:00 CET – Let’s talk Horizon Europe: Experiences, Stories and What’s Next

Register now.

Tuesday 24 February at 11:00 CET – Actual cost grant budgeting

Register now.

Wednesday 25 February at 11:00 CET – Open Innovation in Action

Register now.

Thursday 26 February at 11:00 CET – From Key Exploitable Results to real-world impact

Register now.

 Friday 27 February at 11:00 CET – Section 3 in your Horizon Europe proposal

Register now.

 

4. NEW: Save the Date – Horizon Europe Cluster 3 Info Day, 4 March 2026, Hotel Thon – Brussels + online: https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/18815/home/

This information-day event will highlight research topics covered within the 2026 calls for proposals in Horizon Europe Cluster 3 “civil security for society” that offer funding opportunities to research institutions, universities, industries, SMEs, civil society organizations and relevant security practitioners and stakeholders. For further information about Cluster 3 2026 calls for proposals, you can visit: https://rea.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/horizon-europe-cluster-3-civil-security-society_en

 

5. ResearchConnect Funding Database Training 2026, 24^th March, MS Teams

ResearchConnect is an online tool that you can use to search for a wide range of research and innovation funding opportunities, from national, international and regional funders.  Join Martin Clancy, Newcastle University’s ResearchConnect Senior Manager, for a training session in how to use the system.  This session is for all academic, research and professional services staff interested in research funding.

ResearchConnect Funding Database Training

Tuesday 24^th March

11:00 – 12:00

MS Teams

Please book using this short form: ResarchConnect Funding Database Training – Fill in form

You can find out more about ResearchConnect at:  Research Funding Development – Search for funding: RESEARCHconnect

6. Invitation to Horizon Europe Reapply Masterclass 2026 – Register now, Early 2026, in-person

• 11 February – Edinburgh
• 4 March – Manchester
• 18 March – London

REGISTER NOW: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/horizon-europe-reapply-masterclass-2026/

Join this workshop aimed at supporting those who have unsuccessfully applied for Horizon funding. Have you applied for Horizon Europe but didn’t secure funding? Innovate UK invite you to register your interest and join an exciting in-person regional event where you will learn how to address the main areas in a proposal where marks are dropped, hosted by NCPs and experts, enabling you to submit a higher quality proposal next time.

7.  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 through insights from ERC award holders and/or reviewers.

Synergy Grant: https://youtu.be/-ZQBkwX8ojc

Advanced Grant, Physical Sciences: https://youtu.be/R2lZdePs8QA

Advanced Grant, Life Sciences: https://youtu.be/mss3CxxRPbI

Advanced Grant, Social Sciences https://youtu.be/wdgY97N6N1o

Consolidator Grant, Physical Sciences 1:  https://youtu.be/klIqp9FtpUQ

Consolidator Grant, Physical Sciences 2:  https://youtu.be/iXz0qUEyuBE

Consolidator Grant, Life Sciences:  https://youtu.be/rq0-ezcIWrA

Consolidator Grant, Social Sciences: https://youtu.be/o5xNtOfqrrU

Starter Grant, Physical Sciences:  https://youtu.be/r8KFuX75Qtc

Starter Grant, Life Sciences:  https://youtu.be/Biv_Y3eMWEE

Starter Grant, Social Sciences:  https://youtu.be/owp-Myn0eCg

8. MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026 Information Webinar, 24 February 2026, 10:00-12:00, Online: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/msca-staff-exchanges-2026-call-information-webinar/

The scheme provides funding for short-term international and inter-sectoral exchanges of staff members involved in research and innovation activities of participating organisations. The event is aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industry and funding organisations, who are interested in the 2026 MSCA Staff Exchanges Call. The webinar aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the call, including the eligibility criteria, budget, novelties, and other points for consideration. Attendance is free of charge, but registration is mandatory. Upon registering, a confirmation email will be sent with joining instructions.

 

9. Using AI to support your funding search

Thanks to Professor Patrick Degenaar for the suggested text below as an aid to search for funding calls relevant to your area — as an additional tool to services like the ResearchConnect database that the university subscribes to. You may alter the text as appropriate but is a solid starting point for AI tools like Microsoft CoPilot (university supported) and ChatGPT.

Search prompt: “I am a worldclass researcher in the field of <XXXX>. I have a team of esteemed European colleagues and want to write a research proposal about <Proposal title/topic>. Specifically, it will involve:

(a) <one key aspect of your proposal>

(b)<another key aspect of your proposal>

(c))<another key aspect of your proposal>

Please search <Link, e.g. EU Funding and Tenders Portal or upload a Work Programme> and see if there are any calls relevant to my proposal. Create a table of results from the possible options, include call title, code, link, budget per proposal, submission deadline, and a short 30 word summary of the call”

Fill the blanks and AI tool will do a full search for you.

European related funding

 

10. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Horizon Europe – FINAL Work Programmes 2026-27 published – UPDATED SUMMARY CALL TOPICS ATTACHED

The European Commission have now published the final versions of the 2026-27 call topics for all the clusters and missions and a number of the other main funding instruments (to download work programmes see here: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-work-programmes_en ). For convenience, we have put together summary tables of all call topic titles in the attached Excel spreadsheet which has been updated to reflect the final work programmes – please use these to browse any topics that are of interest to you and that you may be able to contribute to (if you have looked at earlier versions, please check in case of changes). Once you have identified a topic(s) of interest, please search their call reference within the relevant full Work Programme PDF for full details. Many of the 2026 call topics have deadlines in March-April with some later around September — so we advise to take action asap, if not already. [For reference, you can find historic and future draft work programmes at: https://sciencebusiness.net/horizon-papers] They include:

• Cluster 1 – Health: FINAL
• Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society: FINAL
• Cluster 3 – Civil security for society:  FINAL
• Cluster 4 – Digital, industry, space: FINAL
• Cluster 5 – Climate, energy and mobility: FINAL
• Cluster 6 – Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment: FINAL
• Missions: FINAL
• New European Bauhaus Facility: FINAL
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: FINAL
• European Research Council: 2026 (2027 is expected around May 2026)
• European Innovation Council: FINAL
• European Innovation Ecosystems: FINAL
• WIDERA (Widening, European Research Area): FINAL
• Research infrastructures: FINAL
• Horizontal activities: FINAL

For reference: General Introduction and General Annexes

**Please do reach out to the Research Funding Development team for support: jarlath.mckenna@newcastle.ac.uk or sarah.urquhart@newcastle.ac.uk**

SUMMARY of 2026-27 updates:

Covering the final two years of the €95.5 billion Horizon Europe programme, the Work Programme 2026-27 is designed to be simpler, shorter and more impactful, introducing a number of measures to simplify processes, enhance transparency and boost inclusiveness. These include:

• Less prescriptive topic descriptions – The average length of topic descriptions has been reduced, making these less prescriptive and thereby allowing applicants more flexibility in how they approach the topics. This includes more open topics introduced across clusters in Pillar II. The length of Work Programme 2026-2027 has therefore been reduced by 33% compared with the Work Programme 2023-2024.
• Fewer topics – The number of topics has been reduced by 35% compared with the Work Programme 2023-2024. This is intended to focus resources on fewer but larger topics, thereby increasing the potential impact. The number of topics funding only one project has also been decreased by 50%.
• Increased use of lump-sum funding – 50% of the call budget of the work programme will be implemented through lump sums. This particularly concerns topics intended to result in grants below € 10 million.
• ‘Newcomer-friendly’ and SME-friendly topics – The work programme includes topics that are specifically designed to be newcomer-friendly, encouraging participation by SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups, civil society organisations and small public administrations. These topics can, for instance, use the Fast Track to Research and Innovation Scheme. Similarly, there are more topics that allow for financial support to third parties than in previous work programmes.
• Use of two-stage calls – The programme includes 41 call topics with two-stage evaluation. These will allow applicants to submit a shorter summary proposal and only submit a full proposal if successful at the stage of the short proposal evaluation.
• Reduced complexity of proposal template – Standard templates for the most common type of actions have been updated, simplifying the requirements for the impact and implementation sections and reducing the overall page limits.
• Introduction of horizontal calls, which are designed to connect different parts of Horizon Europe in support of key strategic areas. By combining efforts and pooling resources, they aim to create critical mass and deliver greater impact. These topics are intentionally non-prescriptive, giving applicants the flexibility to propose different approaches for achieving the expected outcomes.

 

11. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) 2026 calls: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-2-marie-sklodowska-curie-actions_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) 2026 work programme has been published, and the associated calls for proposals will open in late 2025 and throughout 2026. The work programme supports international research collaboration and researcher mobility across Europe and beyond.

Programme	Purpose	Opening Date	Deadline
Staff Exchanges 2026	International, inter-sectoral, interdisciplinary collaboration via staff exchanges	16 Dec 2025	16 Apr 2026
COFUND 2026	Co-funding doctoral/postdoctoral programmes to spread MSCA best practices	16 Dec 2025	8 Apr 2026
Postdoctoral Fellowships	Support for postdocs to gain new skills through mobility and training	9 Apr 2026	9 Sep 2026
Doctoral Networks	Partnerships to train doctoral candidates and boost innovation/employability	28 May 2026	24 Nov 2026

 

For full details of this call, visit the call page on the EU Funding & Tenders portal

12. ERC Plus Grants: https://thesciencetalk.com/news/erc-plus-grants-2026-everything-scientists-need-to-know/

ERC Plus Grants are a new funding instrument aimed at empowering outstanding principal investigators to pursue high-risk, high-reward research. These grants focus on the breakthrough-oriented projects that challenge conventional paradigms and open new directions in science and innovation.

The key features of the ERC Plus Grants are:

• Funding: Up to €7 million (lump sum)
• Duration: 4-7 years
• Number of Grants: ~30 per year
• Open to all disciplines, with no quotas
• No pro-rata allocation
• No additional funding
• Opening Date: Tentatively end of June 2026, Deadline: 2nd September 2026 (to be confirmed)

Watch the webinar for more details: Webinar on the new ERC Plus Grants

 

 

13.  European Innovation Council calls 2026

Advanced Innovation Challenges: Deadline: Stage 1- 26 February 2026

A two-stage funding model for two challenges:

• Developing disruptive Physical AI and;
• New Approach Methodologies to replace, reduce or refine animal use in the testing of medicinal products.

This pilot will support high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation with transformative potential especially in areas where there is extensive research but lack of commercial uptake (€300,000 lump sum).

EIC Pathfinder: Deadline: EIC Pathfinder- 12 May 2026; EIC Challenges- 28 October 2026

Through both open and challenge calls: For multi-disciplinary research teams to undertake visionary research with the potential to lead to technology breakthroughs (grants up to €4 million). Challenges cover:

• A new generation of advanced materials to deliver miniaturised integrated energy harvesting devices;
• Translating ageing research into tangible biopharmaceutical solutions for healthy ageing; and
• Deep Reasoning, Abstraction & Planning towards trustworthy Cognitive AI Systems.

EIC Transition: Deadline: 19 September 2026

To turn research results into innovation opportunities, following up on results generated by EIC Pathfinder, European Research Council Proof of Concept, Horizon Europe Pillar 2 (societal challenges) collaborative projects and Research Infrastructures projects (grants up to €2.5 million).

EIC Accelerator: Deadline: Rolling until November 2026

Through both open and challenge calls:  For start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones (UK applicants eligible for grants only, worth up to €2.5 million). Challenges cover:

• Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems;
• Alternative Concepts and Key Enabling Technologies for Fusion Power Plants;
• Biotech for Regenerating Agricultural Soils;
• Boosting the European Critical Raw Materials value chain; and
• Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation.

Applicants must first submit a short proposal, which will be reviewed and if successful applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

 

14. NEW: Updates and support Cluster 6, Soil & Oceans Missions https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_en

Please see below for links to the Innovate UK briefings, EC Information Day and Matchmaking opportunities:

EC Cluster 6 Information Days (22-23 January 2026)

See here to rewatch the detailed sessions on each Destination and call topic as well as  how to prepare a strong proposal and Q&A on each session.

EC Missions Information Days (20-21 January 2026)

See here to rewatch the detailed sessions on each Destination and call topic as well as  how to prepare a strong proposal.  The 2026/2027 work programme can be found  here.

For a quick overview of the Soil & Oceans Mission check here . The briefing was delivered prior to the WP launch so do check the work programme once you have identified a call topic.

CARE4BIO Cluster 6 Matchmaking and consortia building – register here for consortia building opportunities

 

15. NEW: €100,000 International Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award 2026 Open for Nominations https://www.uarctic.org/activities/awards-grants/action-award/

The annual award recognises innovative concepts that have the potential to turn research-based knowledge into practical interventions, with a particular emphasis on approaches that prevent, mitigate, adapt to or reverse the effects of climate change across the region. The call is open to individuals and small groups, including community organisations. Alongside established researchers, UArctic especially encourages applications from emerging and mid-career professionals, Indigenous knowledge holders and teams working in close partnership with Arctic and Indigenous communities. The award provides €100,000 in unrestricted funding to help recipients develop their ideas and expand their impact through outreach, engagement and communication. Deadline: 30 April 2026.

 

16. NEW: Upcoming Deadline for 2026 EURAMET Calls: https://www.euramet.org/

The EURAMET European Partnership on Metrology funds cutting-edge research projects which help provide effective metrological solutions to technological and societal challenges, as well as increase collaborative research between industry and academia. Stage 1 of EURAMET Call 2026 is open to submit potential research ideas. Anyone can submit a potential research topic (PRT) corresponding to one of the four themes for the Call:

• Industry.
• Fundamental.
• Research Potential.
• Normative.

Deadline: 16 February 2026

 

17. NEW: Open Science for Biodiversity Research: GBIF Ebbe Nielsen Challenge 2026 Open for Applications: https://www.gbif.org/article/1G82GL7jw08kS0g6k6MuSa/ebbe-nielsen-challenge

The Challenge invites individuals, teams and organisations worldwide to submit new or enhanced tools, techniques and functional prototypes that advance the accessibility, quality and value of biodiversity data available through the GBIF network. Eligible submissions may include novel applications of data, improvements to existing tools, or entirely new approaches that support the needs of multiple GBIF communities, including data users, data holders and data managers. A total prize fund of up to €20,000 is awarded to two to three winning entries each year. Deadline: 26 June 2026

18. NEW: SAF€RA 10th Joint Call Open to Applications: https://www.safera.eu/

SAF€RA is a partnership between research funding organisations working in the field of industrial safety in Europe. Its 10th joint call for transnational, collaborative research projects is titled Innovative Solutions and Technologies to Improve Safety of Workers and Emergency Responders. The call aims to fund mainly applied research and innovation projects carried out in universities and research institutes, though proposals from industry may also be eligible if they contain a significant research component. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged. Most projects funded within this call will include two to four partners for a duration between 12 and 36 months, and funding between €20,000 and €200,000 per project partner. On 12 March 2026, an online brokerage session will be held to help applicants to find partners. Deadline: 31 March 2026.

 

19. NEW: Wolfgang Hevert Prize 2026 Supports Planned or Ongoing Projects in Holistic Medicine https://hevert-foundation.org/2026/02/02/dr-wolfgang-hevert-preis-2026/

The biennial Dr Wolfgang Hevert Prize (Dr. Wolfgang Hevert-Preis) recognises innovative approaches and ideas in naturopathy and integrative medicine. Scientific work such as basic research, clinical trials and therapy concepts in the field of holistic medicine will be considered. The award provides a sum of €10,000 to support the implementation of the proposed or ongoing research project. Deadline: 31 July 2026.

NEW: NATO investment fund https://www.nif.fund/

A standalone venture capital fund backed by 24 NATO allies, deploying €1 billion+ in deep tech. The aim of the fund is to empower deep tech founders to address challenges in defence, security, and resilience.

20. Roullier Endowment Fund Opens Applications for Research Projects in Agricultural Soils https://www.fondsdedotationroullier.org/en/call-for-projects/

The Roullier Endowment Fund’s call for projects, Soil Research 2026-29: Towards Better Understanding and Sustainable Management of Soil: Ecosystem Services and Innovations, forms part of the Fund’s mission to support sustainable and efficient agriculture, with a particular focus on improving the quality of agricultural soils This call for is aimed at French and European project leaders. The administrative project leader signing the agreement must be French or European, but the scientific leadership may be international. The project may be carried out primarily in the following areas: France, Europe, North Africa, Latin America, India and/or North America. Funding per project will range from €200,000 to €400,000 for projects with a total budget of between €200,000 and several million euros. Deadline: 6 April 2026

 

21. Opportunities for Researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in Horizon Europe: https://horizoneuropencpportal.eu/repository/fe369bb2-b2b1-47ff-81ec-590b17d5b021

To assist SSH researchers in identifying funding opportunities, the European Commission (EC) has established a search engine within its online Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal. Certain topics with substantial SSH aspects have been “flagged” by the EC as SSH-relevant, and the search engine offers the option to quickly search for the specific priority ‘Social sciences and humanities’. It also allows for keyword and full-text search.

 

22. European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare Launches Second Call for Proposals: https://eupahw.ptj.de/call2

EUPAHW has launched its second call for proposals titled ‘Shaping the Future of Animal Health and Welfare’. It aims to tackle critical challenges in the health and welfare of terrestrial and aquatic animals as part of a broader strategic effort to accelerate the transition towards sustainable, resilient, and ethically responsible livestock and aquaculture systems across Europe. Proposals should primarily focus on livestock, including farmed or managed animals, both terrestrial and aquatic, as well as bees. Companion animals and wildlife may also be considered when they pose a potential threat to livestock and welfare health or public health. The call will be supported by funding organisations across the following countries: Austria (FWF), Belgium (FRS-FNRS, FIO, FPS Health, FWO), Denmark (IFD), Estonia (ETAG), Finland (MMM), France (ANR), Germany (BMLEH/BLE), Ireland (DAFM), Italy (MoH), Latvia (LZP), Lithuania (LMT, ZUM), Netherlands (MINLNV), Norway (RCN), Romania (ANC, ANSVSA), Slovakia (CVTISR), Spain (AEI, CDTI), Türkiye (TAGEM, TUBITAK), UK (BBSRC, DEFRA). Pre-proposals should be submitted by 30 March 2026 (15:00 CEST) 

23. ERC Proof of Concept Grant 2026 now open for applications: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/news/erc-proof-of-concept-grant-2026-now-open-for-applications/

The 2026 ERC Proof of Concept Grant call has just been published on the Funding & Tenders portal (europa.eu) and is now open for submissions. Information on the call is available on the ERC webpage, together with the Information for Applicants to the Proof of Concept Grant Call and the call timeframe. Deadline: 17 March and 17 September 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time).

 

24. €50,000 for Catalysis Research: Dr Karl Wamsler Award Now Open for Nominations: https://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/facts-and-figures/awards-and-honors/awards-presented-by-the-technical-university-of-munich/dr-karl-wamsler-innovation-award

The annual Dr Karl Wamsler Innovation Award of the Technical University of Munich honours scientists who have created innovative momentum with industrial potential in the field of catalysis research. The award is presented on the basis of a research publication or patent. Eligible recipients are scientists who have authored ground-breaking work which has been published in scientific journals or patent literature. The research must originate in an academic or industrial research environment. Deadline: 31 March 2026

 

25. EIC Launches Pilot Advanced Innovation Challenges to Accelerate Physical AI and Translate NAMs into Practice: https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/advanced-innovation-challenges-pilot_en

The pilot aims to support high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation with transformative potential, especially in areas where extensive research has been conducted but commercial uptake is lacking. There are two predefined challenge topics 1. Accelerating Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AI-Powered Robotics, 2. Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice. The awards follow a two-stage procedure. At the first stage, applicants will receive a lump sum of €300,000 to prepare and benchmark breakthrough solutions Following this, the most promising stage one solutions will apply for additional funding of up to €2.5 million to develop solutions and test them in real world environments over a two a half year period. Deadline: 26 February 2026

 

26. Launch of Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) Call 12: https://www.ihi.europa.eu/apply-funding

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) has launched Call 12 with topics aligned with the specific objectives of the IHI Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda:

• Boosting innovation for a better understanding of the determinants of health.
• Boosting innovation through better integration of fragmented health R&I efforts.
• Boosting innovation for people-centred integrated healthcare solutions.
• Boosting innovation through exploitation of digitalisation and data exchange in healthcare.
• Boosting innovation for better assessment of the added value of innovative integrated healthcare solutions.

For IHI Call 12, the maximum financial contribution from IHI JU for the topics is €163.1 million. At least 45% of total project costs must be covered by contributions provided by project participants. Any organisation established in the EU or a country associated to Horizon Europe is eligible to receive IHI funding. To note, UK legal entities are eligible to receive funding under topics 1, 2, 3 and 5, but not eligible to receive funding under topic 4. Deadline: 21 April 2026.

27. €50,000 Ernst Schering Prize Announced to Recognise Pioneering Basic Research in Biology, Medicine and Chemistry: https://scheringstiftung.de/en/programm/lebenswissenschaften/ernst-schering-preis/

The Ernst Schering Prize for Pioneering Basic Research in Biology, Medicine and Chemistry honours scientists worldwide whose pioneering research has yielded new, inspiring models or led to fundamental shifts in biomedical knowledge. Eligible nominees are both individual scientists and collaborative teams worldwide. Nominations may be made by well-established scientists, scientific societies and scientific organisations. The prize consists of a monetary award of €50,000. Deadline: 16 February 2026

 

 

General international

 

28. NEW: The BIRAX Healthy Ageing Call for Research Proposals 2025 is now open for applications: https://opportunities-insight.britishcouncil.org/short-articles/opportunities/funding-opportunity-birax-healthy-ageing-call-2025

(Britain–Israel Research and Academic Exchange) is a multi-million-pound initiative of the British Council and the British Embassy in Israel, together with the Pears Foundation, supporting world-leading research jointly undertaken by scientists in Britain and Israel.

29. NEW: Huo Family Foundation Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology on Brain Development, Social Behaviours and Mental Health in Children and Young People: https://huofamilyfoundation.org/our-grants/funding-opportunities/

HFF is establishing a research portfolio on the Effects of the Usage of Digital Technology on Brain Development, Social Behaviours and Mental Health in Children and Young People. This is its second annual call with a total budget of up to £6M/~$8.1M. Applications are welcome for Huo early-career fellowships and junior faculty research grants. Multi-disciplinary applications and research that seeks to understand mechanisms, causal pathways, and directions of effect are strongly encouraged. A key aim of this call is to help train and support the next generation of exceptional scientists working in this area. Deadline: 1 May 2026

 

30. NEW: Wellcome Opens 2026 Climate Impacts Awards to Advance Evidence on Health Effects of Climate Change: https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/climate-impacts-awards-unlocking-urgent-climate-action-making-health-2

For the 2026 call, Wellcome will fund research that develops robust evidence on the health effects of climate change while engaging key stakeholders to amplify impactful narratives and accelerate climate action. A central priority is addressing the unequal distribution of climate-related health burdens: vulnerable populations in both low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries often face heightened exposure and complex intersecting vulnerabilities. Grants of up to £2.5 million for up to three years are available to support a wide range of eligible costs.

Deadline: 8 April 2026 with a webinar scheduled for 23 February 2026 to guide prospective applicants.

 

31. UK-Japan joint funding schemes: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-japan-science-and-innovation-funding-opportunities/uk-japan-science-and-innovation-funding-opportunities

These opportunities provide a platform for collaboration and innovation between the UK and Japan, contributing to advancements in various fields of research. Researchers interested in these programs should check the respective websites for more details and application procedures.

32.  International Placement Scheme 2026: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/international-placement-scheme-2026/

Apply to undertake a placement at an international cultural institution. You must either be:

• a PhD student funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) or Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• an early career researcher based at a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding

Award range: £6,000 – £16,200. Deadline: 19^th March 2026.

33.  2026 International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges: https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/international/2026/competition-concours-eng.aspx

The International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges represents a collaboration among research funders from the Åland Islands, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom to support international, interdisciplinary and transformative research aimed at harnessing disruptive technology to address major global societal challenges. In this call, “disruptive technology” is defined as “an innovation whose application replaces or radically alters systems, processes and/or behaviours to have transformative economic or societal impacts. The impact may be localised or far-reaching. Disruptive technology may include cutting-edge and novel innovations, or the application of an existing innovation in a new context, bringing about substantial change or paradigm shifts.” Funding is available for 3-year projects, must be interdisciplinary and the project team must include a minimum of three principal investigators, each eligible to receive funding from a different participating funding organization (one of whom should be Canadian). The UK funding available per project is still to be announced. There will be information webinars in February with notices of intent due 3 March 2026 and first stage letters of intent (assessed) deadline 9 June 2026.

 

34.  NIH funding opportunities for which foreign organizations and/or foreign components of U.S. organizations may apply: https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/3df028f3-f97a-4cdf-9359-1c6515d091ce/attachments/32095b88-f093-488f-aa71-1b39ce517067/PA-26-002-Full-Announcement.html

• NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional) (PA-26-002)

 

35.  LEO Foundation Opens 2026 Grants Programme for Dermatological Research Projects: https://leo-foundation.org/en/grants-and-awards/research-grants/

The LEO Foundation is one of Denmark’s largest commercial foundations. It provides Research Grants to support high-quality dermatology research projects worldwide. Applications are invited for research projects that improve the understanding of skin biology as well as the underlying medicinal, biological, chemical, or pharmacological mechanisms of dermatological diseases (excluding skin cancer) and their symptoms. The foundation also supports projects that address clinical issues among people who are at risk of developing, or have developed, a skin disease, including how it impacts their quality of life and the societal costs involved. Typically, research grants are between DKK 2-4 million for a period of one to three years. Funding may be used to cover salary, running costs/operating expenses, equipment, publication costs, travel and conference expenses, tuition fees for PhD students, and overheads up to 5%.

Applications to the 2026 programme must be submitted by one of the following three call deadlines: • Call 2: 19 March 2026 (16:00 CET). • Call 3: 25 August 2026 (16:00 CET).

 

36. BIRAX: Healthy Ageing Call 2025: https://opportunities-insight.britishcouncil.org/short-articles/opportunities/funding-opportunity-birax-healthy-ageing-call-2025

BIRAX (Britain–Israel Research and Academic Exchange) is a multi-million-pound initiative of the British Council and the British Embassy in Israel, together with the Pears Foundation, supporting world-leading research jointly undertaken by scientists in Britain and Israel. This new phase focuses on one of today’s most pressing global challenges: healthy ageing. We invite joint proposals from British and Israeli scientists that deepen understanding of ageing and its impact on health and well-being. Projects should take a holistic approach, using pioneering techniques, state-of-the-art technologies, and interdisciplinary methods. Up to £400,000 available per project over a period of three years. Deadline 01 March 2026.

37. 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.

38.  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.

39. 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.

  

40. 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.

 

41. 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.

42. 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.

43.  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.

• 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.

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.