ISPF International Research Empowerment Programme

About the Grant

The International Research Empowerment Programme (IREP) is supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology's International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) under the ISPF thematic priority ‘Tomorrow’s Talents’.

Aligning with the British Council’s mission to connect the UK with international partners through meaningful people-to-people connections across borders, the opportunity aims to address several critical priorities within the realm of international research collaboration through capacity strengthening.

Countries initially joining this call include Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, and Viet Nam.

Grants up to £80,000 will be available for funding capacity strengthening activities under four priority areas:

Foster better engagement and management practices in international research collaborations.
Support Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in international research endeavours.
Promote capacity strengthening and knowledge exchange in interdisciplinary research.
Create opportunities for researchers and institutions to engage with communities, policymakers, and translate research into societal benefits.

Who can apply

Both UK and international partner project leaders must hold permanent positions (research/academic/professional) at eligible institutions and have relevant expertise and capacity to lead the project.

Collaborations should include one project leader from the UK and a project leader from the international partner. We will allow only one application per project leader, from either side.

Indicative timelines

Activity	Date
Call opens	26 July 2024
Deadline for applications	6 October 2024, 12.00 mid-day BST
Review panels	November 2024
Outcome of selection	January 2025
UK project starts	March 2025

About the International Science Partnerships Fund

The International Science Partnerships Fund is designed to enable potential and foster prosperity. It puts research and innovation at the heart of our international relationships, supporting UK researchers and innovators to work with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet, health, tech, and talent. The fund is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and delivered by a consortium of the UK’s leading research and innovation bodies, which includes: UK Research and Innovation (comprising the 7 research councils, Innovate UK and Research England), the UK Academies, the British Council, the Met Office, the National Physical Laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and Universities UK International.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

British Council are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to continuing to attract and nurture talented people from the widest pool to remain internationally competitive in research and innovation. We believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed. This includes avoidance of bias due to disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex (gender), and age.

The British Council is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for support to encourage underrepresented groups to engage in ISPF activity, so long as sufficient justification is provided.