International Research Funding Circular – 22 May 2026
Please see the latest European and International research funding information, event and opportunity updates.
News
1. NEW: FCDO Global Research & Technology Development (GRTD) platform: https://www.grtd.fcdo.gov.uk/
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have launched their Global Research & Technology Development (GRTD) portfolio, bringing together FCDO-funded R&D under a single strategic framework (set out in new approach paper), brand and website focused on partnerships, impact and UK development priorities. This reflects a shift in their international development thinking from a traditional donor model to long-term investment and partnership models.
Events
2. NEW: ERC Plus Grants Webinar, 2 June 2026, 14:00-15:30 UK time: https://www.youtube.com/live/p92AWykYJqE
The call for the new ERC Plus Grants will open on June 2, and this second webinar will provide further guidance and address outstanding points. Join ERC President Maria Leptin and Philippe Cupers, Head of the Scientific Management Department, for an overview of the scheme, including scope, objectives, eligibility, and evaluation. The webinar will be moderated by Martin Penny, Head of Communications at the ERC Executive Agency. No registration required.
3. NEW: ERC Advanced Grant 2026 Webinar, 8 June 2026, 10:00-12:00: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/erc-advanced-grant-2026-webinar/
The UK National Contact Point for the European Research Council (ERC), is organising a webinar for UK researchers interested in applying for the 2026 ERC Advanced Grant call (ERC-2026-AdG). The webinar will provide information on the submission process, how proposals are evaluated and other elements to consider when designing a project for your research excellence idea. Also joining is Professor Adam Carter from the University of Glasgow, who will share details of his journey towards getting an ERC Advanced grant. Registration for the webinar is required.
4. NEW: Horizon Europe NEB [New European Bauhaus] Festival 2026 Cohort Visit to Brussels, 9-12 June 2026: https://www.ukro.ac.uk/events/horizon-europe-neb-festival-2026-cohort-visit-to-brussels/
The NEB Festival takes place every two years as the European Commission’s flagship conference updating on 5 years of NEB so far and looking forward under the Horizon Europe Work Programme for NEB in 2026-2027 and beyond. Past and current NEB projects and leading experts will be showcasing groundbreaking transdisciplinary NEB projects, ideas and approaches in Brussels across several days at the NEB Festival. These will span all the key NEB touchpoints of sustainability, inclusivity and beauty (aesthetics) in the built environment, common spaces, cultural heritage and communities. Those seeking potential consortium partners for a future NEB project in Horizon Europe would benefit from attending in person and engaging with those presenters from their sub-sector or field of expertise with successful NEB projects. UKRI intend to support a cohort of UK stakeholders to each attend 2 days of this event subject to funding. This is a competitive process, EOI deadline 27 May 2026 (noon)
5. British Academy ERC Advanced Grants Webinar, Friday 19 June 2026, 10:30-12:00 UK time: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mNaqV-vazkuTDP-jhsLUf9kLpzhfw55CkU-5X4zalJVUNDU2RFZUR002MzZHNDEyUzdDR0I5VDhBQy4u
The British Academy will be hosting its next webinar on Friday 19 June 2026, 10:30-12:00 UK time for UK based researchers in the humanities and social sciences interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants. The webinar will focus on the ERC Advanced Grants. If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest on the registration form and send your B1 draft to Barbora Krasova (b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than Thursday, 4 June at 12:00 (midday).
6. Register: COST Info Day – 16 June 2026, Online, 16 June 2026, 10:00 CEST, https://www.cost.eu
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding organisation for research and innovation networks. An online session open to researchers and innovators at any career stage and from all disciplines will take place 16th June. The event will explain how to join or propose a COST Action, outline programme impacts, and highlight the benefits for early‑career researchers.
European related funding
7. NOW OPEN: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call will open in April. Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) target researchers holding a PhD with up to eight years of research experience who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors. If you are interested in hosting (as named supervisor) a MSCA Postdoctoral Fellow currently based overseas we encourage you to reach out to them and get in touch with sarah.urquhart@newcastle.ac.uk. Deadline: 9 September 2026.
8. NEW: SPRIND Launches FUNKE Quantum Challenges for Sensing Data Integration: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges
Bundesagentur fur Sprunginnovationen (SPRIND, German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation) has opened applications for two FUNKE challenges focused on quantum sensing and data use. The FUNKE Quantum-Driven Intelligence Challenge focuses on connecting high-precision quantum sensor data with existing data sources, models and sensor systems to derive decision-relevant information that is not otherwise accessible. Supported projects are expected to develop practical applications or scenarios where quantum sensing integration materially improves existing systems, models or analytical methods. Stage 1 will support 15 teams for four months at €200,000 per project. Stage 2 will support 10 teams for two months at €100,000 per project. The FUNKE Quantumsense Exploration Challenge supports teams developing methods to identify and leverage new quantum sensors or quantum systems for sensing applications more rapidly, systematically and at greater scale. Possible approaches include AI-supported exploration based on physical simulations and systematic, AI-assisted analysis of cross-disciplinary scientific literature. This second challenge will support 10 teams in Stage 1 for five months at €450,000 per project, followed by Stage 2 support for seven teams for two months at €150,000 per project. Deadline: 6 September 2026
9. NEW: SPRIND Launches Orbital Bioworks Challenge: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/orbital-bioworks
Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen (SPRIND – German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation) has opened its Orbital Bioworks Challenge to support the development and validation of the first commercially viable use cases for orbital biotechnology with a clear microgravity advantage. Projects should create experimental and technological foundations in the three focus areas of cell-free peptide manufacturing, differentiation of stem cells and organ-on-a-chip for drug testing. The goal is to implement biopharmaceutical production processes in LEO in a reproducible, scalable, and economically assessable manner. These developments are intended to be the starting point for the build-up of a European, commercially oriented industry in the field of in-space biomanufacturing. Financial support is stated as up to €250,00 in Stage 1 and up to €1.4 million in Stage 2. Deadline: 3 July 2026
10. SPRIND Launches Continuous Hormone Monitoring Challenge for Sensor Technology Teams: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/continuous-hormone-monitoring
Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen (SPRIND – German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation) has launched a Continuous Hormone Monitoring Challenge to fund R&D into sensor technologies capable of continuously measuring at least four key hormones over seven days in biological fluids. Open to research teams, companies and start-ups across Europe, associated countries, Israel and the UK (with a minimum TRL 3), the programme offers up to €6 million per team across three stages. Deadline: 26 June 2026
11. COST Open Call 2026 Announced: https://www.cost.eu/open-call/
COST will launch its 2026 Open Call for new COST Actions 31st July, with funding available for up to 80 new research networks. The call supports innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research networks across all fields. COST Actions enable researchers, innovators, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to collaborate internationally. Updates on what to expect in this year’s call, including any changes and new features. Deadline: 28 October 2026
12. Horizon Europe – FINAL Work Programmes 2026-27 published
The European Commission has 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 linked 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 — while we advise you to already start taking action for the 2027 calls. [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**
Opportunities for Researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in Horizon Europe: https://horizoneuropencpportal.eu/sites/default/files/2026-01/ssh-opportunities_2026-27_final.pdf
A guide that maps all Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) funding opportunities for 2026–2027, including an in‑depth analysis of SSH‑relevant topics across the entire Work Programme has been released.
13. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks 2026: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
MSCA Doctoral Networks fund doctoral programmes, consisting of a European consortium recruiting up to 15 PhD studentships, designed to respond to identified needs in various research and innovation areas. MSCA Doctoral Networks design doctoral programmes to develop entrepreneurial, innovative doctoral candidates. The aim is to equip these candidates with the right combination of research-related and transferable competencies, enhancing their career perspectives both within and outside academia. The funded Doctoral Networks will hold open recruitment procedures throughout the course of the maximum 48-month project and the recruited candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the MSCA Work Programme. Please reach out to jarlath.mckenna@newcastle.ac.uk if interested with the next annual deadline 24 November 2026.
14. European Innovation Council calls 2026
EIC Pathfinder: EIC Challenges, deadline 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).
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).
Applicants must first submit a short proposal, which will be reviewed and if successful applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
15. ZiF Visiting Research Groups Call (Bielefeld Centre for Interdisciplinary Research), https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/(en)/zif/
The Zentrum für interdisziplinäre Forschung (ZiF) at Bielefeld University is inviting applications for its Visiting Research Groups scheme. The programme supports innovative interdisciplinary collaborations, enabling groups of at least three post‑doctoral researchers to explore new topics, develop partnerships, finalise interdisciplinary publications, or conduct small research projects over 1–3 months. The scheme is open to researchers from all disciplines and all countries, with international participation strongly encouraged. ZiF provides €50,000 to cover travel, accommodation, workshops, and conferences. Deadline: 29 October 2026
16. NETIAS Opens Constructive Advanced Thinking Call for 2027-2029 Research Teams: https://netias.science/calls-for-applications/constructive-advanced-thinking-cat/open-call-constructive-advanced-thinking
The NETIAS Constructive Advanced Thinking (CAT) programme supports teams of 3–5 early-career researchers working collaboratively on innovative ideas to address societal challenges. Teams must be international and include members with PhDs awarded from 2017 onwards, with the PI holding a stable position. Successful teams benefit from funded short research stays over up to three years to develop ideas and build networks, with applications for the 2027–2029 call closing. Deadline: 13 September 2026.
17. Global Research Initiative on Open Science Call for Evidence Synthesis Projects: https://www.esf.org/grios-launches-open-call-for-evidence-synthesis-on-open-science/
The Global Research Initiative on Open Science (GRIOS) Call for Evidence Synthesis Projects, managed by the European Science Foundation, offers up to €80,000 in funding over a 12‑month period to support in-depth evidence synthesis reviews on priority Open Science policy topics. The call is open internationally and focuses on incentives for Open Science uptake and the effectiveness of research data‑sharing policies. Deadline: 20 July 2026
18. Total of 29 Positions Available in the FIAS 2026 Fellowship Programme: https://www.fias-fp.eu/fellowships/call-applications-20272028
FIAS administers a Fellowship Programme to strengthen scholarship and mobility in the social sciences and humanities by offering academic residencies in France to experienced international researchers. The programme is now accepting applications for the 2027/2028 academic year, with a total of 29 positions available across the institutions. Researchers from all countries are eligible to apply, as long as they have spent no more than 12 months in France during the three years immediately prior to the application deadline. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD and have at least two years of full-time research experience at the time of the application. Fellows will each receive a minimum net income of €2,200 per month for the duration of the 10-month fellowship. Social security, support for accommodation and travel expenses and a €2,500 research and training budget will also be provided. Deadline: 25 July 2026
General international
19. SHORT DEADLINE: Humanitarian Emergency and Longer-term Planning – Sudan (HELP-S): https://www.gov.uk/international-development-funding/humanitarian-emergency-and-longer-term-planning-sudan-help-s
The FCDO invites expressions of interest by 3 June 2026 for a £30 million programme to strengthen the resilience of communities in more-stable parts of conflict-affected areas of Sudan. The multi‑year programme will look to fill response gaps in areas of high need that are more stable to lay foundations for more sustainable resilient approaches.
20. NEW: National Insitute for Health and Care Research: Tackling bacterial and fungal antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/tackling-bacterial-and-fungal-antimicrobial-resistance-sub-saharan-africa-and-south-asia/2026402
The Global Health Research (GHR) Themed Programme offers annual researcher-led funding opportunities for applied research to prevent, detect and respond to key global health security threats and challenges in low and middle income countries (LMICs) eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The 2026 Global Health Research theme is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a focus on bacterial and fungal pathogens on the World Health Organisation (WHO) priority lists. This choice of theme was informed by existing areas of need, including those identified by the WHO Global Research Agenda for AMR, horizon scanning and a consultation with key stakeholders. It was further refined by experts from an independent scientific advisory group. This is a 2-stage, researcher-led funding opportunity. To apply for the first stage, you should submit an outline application. If invited to the second stage, you will then need to complete a full application.. Deadline: 8 July 2026
21. NEW: Pre-announcement: Enhancing resilience to wildfires in the wildland-urban interface: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/enhancing-resilience-to-wildfires-in-the-wildland-urban-interface/
Apply for funding to deliver collaborative research projects with partners from the US, Canada or both to improve understanding of and resilience to wildfire occurrence and impacts in the wildland-urban interface. The full economic cost (FEC) of the UK component can be up to £1.58 million (for 36 months). Matched equivalent resources are anticipated from participating funders (NSF, NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR) for US and Canada applicants. Deadline: to be confirmed.
22. NEW: NERC Environmental sciences: Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund 2026: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/environmental-sciences-global-partnerships-seedcorn-fund-2026/
Apply for funding to create new and sustainable global partnerships within NERC remit. Applications must: include at least one new international partner, focus on activities that require international expertise, and show long-term potential. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £100,000. NERC will fund 80% of the FEC, for up to two years. Applications including partners in Brazil or Taiwan may be eligible for co-funding from FAPESP or NSTC, respectively. Deadline: 16 July 2026
23. Wellcome and Nature Launch $1 Million Prize for Mental Health Science: https://wellcome.org/insights/articles/worlds-largest-global-prize-mental-health-science-launches
Wellcome has launched the world’s largest global prize for mental health science-a $1 million award recognising breakthrough interventions for conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Open to researchers, teams and SMEs worldwide, the prize aims to accelerate innovations with real-world impact and scalable benefits, judged on criteria including novelty, effectiveness and engagement with lived experience. Three finalists will each receive $250,000. The awards are intended to further the recipients’ research. The prize also includes exposure, networking and hands-on support to assist interventions moving towards adoption and incorporation into policy. Deadline: 18 September 2026
24. Darwin Plus Opens Grants for Environmental Projects in UK Territories: https://darwinplus.org.uk/
Applications have opened for the latest round of Darwin Plus grants supporting environmental projects across the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). The UK government initiative provides financial support for activities focused on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and environmental capacity building. The scheme welcomes applications from UKOT governments, NGOs, research institutions, private sector organisations and other stakeholders. The deadlines for applications are 15 June 2026 for Darwin Plus Main Projects; 25 June 2026 for Darwin Plus Local; 7 September 2026 for Darwin Plus People and Skills; and 14 September 2026 for Darwin Plus Strategic.
25. Up to $300,000 Available Under the Alzheimer’s Association Strategic Fund: https://www.alz.org/research/for_researchers/grants/types-of-grants/vcid-umd
The Association aims to support innovative, high-risk, collaborative team science opportunities that investigate and focus on outstanding questions related to the biological underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including the vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Funding may range between $150,000 and $300,000 depending on the project scope. The maximum project duration is three years, and there is no minimum timeframe. Deadline: 15 June 2026
26. Multiple Myeloma Foundation Research Fellowships for Early Career Researcher: https://themmrf.org/for-researchers/grants-funding-opportunities#fellowship
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Research Fellowship supports early career researchers at the post-doctoral, medical fellow and junior faculty levels conducting basic and clinical research focusing on multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions. The fellowship offers a maximum of $75,000 over 12 months to fund salary of the PI and project staff, consumables, publication costs and essential equipment. Deadline: 15 July 2026.
27. Up to $80,000 Available to Fund Bone Marrow Disorder Research Through AAMDIF: https://www.aamds.org/fund-your-research/grants-program
Eligible applicants include postdoctoral fellows, instructors, and assistant professors within five years of appointment, with preference for those who have not previously received major individual research awards; there are no nationality restrictions. Awards provide $80,000 over two years, supporting investigator and research staff salary, consumables, and essential travel, with research permitted in the US or internationally but not in for‑profit laboratories. Deadline: 30 June 2026.
28. NIHR Launches New Global Health Research Programme with Call on Antimicrobial Resistance: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/tackling-bacterial-and-fungal-antimicrobial-resistance-sub-saharan-africa-and-south-asia/2026402
Projects may address prevention, detection, treatment, stewardship and health‑system strengthening, including research involving maternal and neonatal groups. Grants range from £500,000 to £5 million. The call opened on 22 April 2026, with a webinar on 12 May. Deadline: 8 July 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.