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Newton Fund call for proposals for UK-Malaysia research partnerships

Malaysian researchers tackling global challenges have until November 20 to apply for grants under the Newton – Ungku Omar Fund.

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Newton Fund

Malaysian researchers focusing on tackling global challenges like urbanisation; food and energy security; and meeting the social and economic needs of a growing and ageing population have until November 20 to apply for the first wave of grants under the newly launched Newton – Ungku Omar Fund.

The Newton-Ungku Omar Fund is a jointly funded initiative between the UK and Malaysian governments which aims to strengthen research and innovation partnerships. For the first year of its five year duration, the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund has allocated up to RM41.6m (£8m) to help strengthen links between higher education and research institutions and businesses. The first round will be delivered by the British Council Malaysia, and will provide funding to:

  • Initiate new research and innovation partnerships between groups, departments and institutions in Malaysia and the UK

  • Develop existing partnerships at group, departmental and institutional levels

  • Identify areas of expertise that could lead to the creation of research hubs, enabling engagement with the wider research community

Deputy British High Commissioner Paul Rennie said, “Discovering the laws of motion and gravity made Sir Isaac Newton one of the most influential scientists in history while Professor Dato’ Ungku Omar bin Ahmad made great contributions to the advancement of medical science. The Newton-Ungku Omar Fund will create new opportunities to enhance our bilateral relationship and for UK and Malaysian scientists to work together on potentially life-changing research and innovation initiatives.”

The Newton – Ungku Omar programme is intended to make a substantial impact to the overarching theme of climate change and sustainability. It will support building skills and knowledge amongst scientists and researchers through study tours and exchanges, collaborative research programmes and the application of research into the market. In this way the Newton – Ungku Omar Fund is expected to advance the Science to Action initiative undertaken by the Government of Malaysia, intensifying the application of science and technology for development, people’s well-being and governance of science, technology and industry.

Director of the British Council Malaysia Gavin Anderson said, ‘We are delighted to be one of the key delivery partners supporting this new world-class collaboration. For many years the British Council has supported the development of science and research education and international collaboration across the region. We are confident that the Newton – Ungku Omar Fund will become a major new platform for sustainable and mutually beneficial collaboration between our two countries.”

The Newton Fund is administered by the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and contributes to the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment. The fund allows the UK to use its strength in research and innovation to promote the economic development and social welfare of partner countries. The Malaysia element, the Newton – Ungku Omar Fund, is coordinated by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and the British High Commission on behalf of the UK Government and delivery partners.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 20 November 2014. For further details and guidance please click here

Published 17 October 2014