Guidance

UK-Japan science and innovation funding opportunities

Published 19 December 2023

UK-Japan joint funding schemes

1. UK-Japan civil nuclear research programme

Organisations

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Field

Joint research on advanced nuclear science including decommissioning relevant to Fukushima and Sellafield.

Overview

The UK-Japan civil nuclear research programme is a bilateral funding opportunity to address research challenges in civil nuclear energy relevant to Fukushima and Sellafield. Applicants must be a UK-based researcher employed by an eligible research organisation and intending to collaborate with Japanese researchers. Japanese partners also need to submit application to the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science (CLADS). More details on the UKRI website.

2. International Exchange Programme – Cost Share Programme

Organisation

The Royal Society and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

Natural Sciences.

Overview

International Exchange Programme – Cost Share Programme is for scientists based in the UK who want to stimulate collaborations with leading scientists overseas through either a one-off visit or bilateral travel. JSPS will cover the costs of the Japan team, and the Royal Society will cover the costs of the UK team. Applicants for this scheme (both UK and the Japanese co-applicant) must hold a PhD or have equivalent research experience, and hold a fixed or permanent contract at an eligible organisation. More details on the Royal Society website.

Funding schemes administered in Japan

1. AMED Interstellar Initiative

Organisation

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

Field

Health and medical sciences.

Overview

• The Interstellar Initiative programme connects Early Career Scientists (ECIs) with peers. The programme enables ECIs to form a team and receive expert guidance from leading senior scientists on the preparation of a compelling research proposal, as well as network with exceptional researchers from around the world and build international research collaborations. More details on the AMED website.

2. Hokkaido University MANABIYA Academic

Organisation

Hokkaido University.

Field

Computational, information and experimental science.

Overview

MANABIYA is a system to develop the new interdisciplinary academic field of “Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (CReDD)” worldwide. Under the MANABIYA Academic scheme, early-career researchers and graduate students from overseas research institutes and universities are invited to stay at the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD) for 2 weeks to 3 months. The programme covers accommodation and travel expenses.More details on the Hokkaido University website.

3. Kyoto University Hakubi Project (global type)

Organisation

Kyoto University.

Field

Humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, from basic to applied).

Overview

The Hakubi Project fosters future world-class researchers at Kyoto University. Researchers with a doctoral degree are eligible. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome. Successful applicants will be hired as program-specific faculty members on an annual salary basis as stipulated in the Kyoto University Rules of Employment for Fixed-Term Program-Specific Faculty Members and will be paid in accordance with the university’s payment standards. More details on the Kyoto University website.

4. JSPS 4. JSPS Overseas Research Fellowships

Organisation

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Overview

Overseas Research Fellowships give excellent young researchers in Japan an opportunity to carry out long-term research at an overseas university or research institution. Postdoctoral researchers employed in Japanese universities or research institutions who have received a doctoral degree within 5 year or have had less than 5 years of experience in a permanent full-time research position at the time of starting fellowship are eligible. Roundtrip international airfare, maintenance allowance (living and research costs) and child allowance (only for Restart Research Abroad Programme) are covered. More details on the JSPS website.

5. JSPS Core to Core programme

Organisation

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

Research topics considered to be cutting-edge and internationally important in Japan (all fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences).

Overview

The Core to Core Programme is designed to create world-class research hubs in Japan with long-term partnerships with other core research institutions around the world. The programme supports core institutions in Japan and their counterparts to deliver joint research projects and seminars under the programme. More details on the JSPS website.

6. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan – Summer Programme

Organisation

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Overview

JSPS’s Summer Programme provides opportunities for young PhD students and PhD researchers from North America and Europe including the UK to receive an orientation on Japanese culture and research systems as well as to pursue research under the guidance of host researchers at a Japanese university or research institute for two months during the summer. The programme covers roundtrip international airfare, maintenance allowance, overseas travel insurance and research support allowance. More details on the JSPS website.

7. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan – Short-term Programme

Organisation/s

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Overview

The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan Short-term Programme provides PhD students or PhD researchers in North America and Europe including the UK with opportunities to conduct collaborative research under the guidance of their hosts in universities and other Japanese institutions for 1-12 months. The programme covers roundtrip international airfare, maintenance allowance, overseas travel insurance, and settling-in allowance. The host researcher can also apply for a research support allowance through the institution to cover cooperative research-related expenses. More details on the JSPS website.

8. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan – Standard Programme

Organisation/s

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Overview

The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Standard Programme provides researchers who have obtained their PhD within six years with opportunities to conduct collaborative research under the guidance of hosting researchers in Japanese universities and other research institutions for 12-24 months. The programme covers roundtrip international airfare, maintenance allowance, settling-in allowance and overseas travel insurance. The host researcher can also apply for “Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Research Fellow” via their institution to cover cooperative research-related expenses. More details on the JSPS website.

9. JSPS Invitational Fellowship for Research in Japan – Long-term Programme

Organisation/s

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Overview

The JSPS Invitational Fellowship for Research in Japan – Long-term Programme provides overseas researchers (associate professor level or above) who have an excellent record of research achievements with an opportunity to conduct collaborative research with researchers in Japan for 2-10 months. The programme covers roundtrip international airfare, maintenance allowance and overseas travel insurance. The host researcher can also apply for a research support allowance through their institution to cover cooperative research-related expenses. More details on the JSPS website.

10. JSPS Invitational Fellowship for Research in Japan – Short-term Programme

Organisation/s

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

Field

All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Overview

The JSPS Invitational Fellowship for Research in Japan – Short-term Programme provides overseas researchers (associate professor level or above) who have an excellent record of research achievements with an opportunity to conduct collaborative research, discussions, and opinion exchanges with researchers in Japan for 14-60 days. The programme covers roundtrip international airfare, maintenance allowance and overseas travel insurance. The host researcher can also apply for a research support allowance through their institution to cover cooperative research-related expenses. More details on the JSPS website.

11. JST Sakura Science Exchange Programme – Sakura Invitation Programme

Organisation

Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Field

Science and technology (natural sciences, humanities and social sciences).

Overview

The Sakura Science Exchange Programme invites young overseas talent for short-term visits (for 7-21 days), giving them an opportunity to experience Japan’s cutting-edge science, technology and culture. Students, researchers and others engaged in science and technology aged 40 and under are eligible. JST will provide the required expenses (travel, sojourn and others) to the Japanese host organisation. More details on the JST website.

12. Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarship

Organisation

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Field

Any fields.

Overview

MEXT Postgraduate Scholarships are open to those with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, who are under the age of 35 who wish to continue their studies in Japan. Any foreign national from a country with diplomatic relations with the government of Japan is eligible. All application procedures are conducted through Japanese embassies or consulates in the UK, or institutions of higher education in Japan. More details on the Embassy of Japan in the UK website.

13. NEC C&C Foundation Grants for Researchers

Organisation

NEC C&C Foundation.

Field

C&C technology, including information processing, communications, electronic, ICT fields, data science, AI, sensing, recognition, robotics, automatic control, information security, and virtual reality.

Overview

the Grants for Researchers support doctoral students of any nationality based in Japan who are conducting research into C&C technology. Applicants must be a doctoral student at graduate school or an equivalent institution in Japan under the age of 40 at the start of the grant period. More details on the NEC C&C Foundation website.

14. NEDO Japan Trust International Research Cooperation Programme

Organisation/s

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO).

Field

Basic mining and manufacturing technologies.

Overview

The Japan Trust International Research Cooperation Programme offers overseas researchers the opportunity to carry out basic research on mining technology, invited by NEDO and hosted by a private sector company in Japan. Direct expenses (airfares, maintenance allowance, and domestic business trip allowance) are provided by the investment profit of Japan Trust, a charitable trust founded by the donations of individual and corporate benefactors. More details on the NEDO website (only in Japanese).

15. NICT International Exchange Programme

Organisation

National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

Field

Information and Communication Technology; advanced telecommunications and broadcasting technology.

Overview

NICT’s International Exchange Programme supports Japanese research organisations (university, business and public interest corporation etc) to invite a foreign researcher to conduct R&D relating to advanced telecommunications and broadcasting. This fund covers the costs of inviting the foreign researchers to Japan including airfare and maintenance allowance. More details on the NICT website.

16. NICT Japan Trust International Research Cooperation Programme

Organisation

National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

Field

Information and Communication Technology; advanced telecommunications and broadcasting technology.

Overview

The Japan Trust International Research Cooperation Programme offers overseas researchers the opportunity to conduct fundamental R&D relating to telecommunications and broadcasting, invited by NICT and hosted by a private company in Japan. Direct expenses (airfares, maintenance allowance, and domestic business trip allowance) are provided by the investment profit of Japan Trust, a charitable trust founded by the donations of individual and corporate benefactors. More details on the NICT website.

17. Tohoku University RIEC Nation-wide Cooperative Research Projects (International Cooperative Research)

Organisation

Tohoku University Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC).

Field

Information and Communication Technology.

Overview

RIEC Nation-wide Cooperative Research Projects call for cooperative research projects relevant to technologies and systems in the information and communication sector between researchers in Japan and overseas. The programme covers expenses required to conduct research, participate in or hold workshops (travel expenses and others). More details on the RIEC website.

18. RIKEN International Programme Associate (IPA)

Organisation

RIKEN.

Field

Natural Sciences.

Overview

The International Programme Associate (IPA) aims to identify and foster talented young scientists capable of contributing to the advancement of science for the global community for up to three years. IPA is a non-Japanese doctoral candidate attending a Japanese or overseas graduate school, as part of RIKEN’s Joint Graduate School programme of partnered institutions. IPAs conduct research at RIKEN under the supervision of RIKEN scientists whilst working towards a PhD. More details on the RIKEN website.

19. Suntory Foundation Grant for Collaborative Research in Humanities and Social Sciences

Organisation

Suntory Foundation.

Field

Humanities and Social Sciences.

Overview

The Grant for Collaborative Research in Humanities and Social Sciences aims to promote ground-breaking group-based research projects that take a fresh look at conventional humanities and social sciences. Applications are accepted from people of all nationalities, institutions, and places of residence, but applications must be submitted in Japanese. More details on the Suntory Foundation website.

20. Suntory Foundation Grant for Ground-breaking Young Researchers

Organisation/s

Suntory Foundation.

Field

Humanities and Social Sciences.

Overview

The grant aims to support young researchers with a Master’s degree under 35 years old who aspire to redefine the boundaries of scholarship in the fields of humanities and social sciences. Applications are accepted from people of all nationalities, institutions, and places of residence, but application information and forms are provided only in Japanese and applications must be submitted in Japanese. More details on the Suntory Foundation website.

21. TEPCO Memorial Foundation Support for International Technological Interaction

Organisation

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) Memorial Foundation.

Field

Electronics and Energy (including relevant environmental studies).

Overview

TEPCO Memorial Foundation’s Support for International Technological Interaction covers expenses for travel, conference registration and accommodation for international conferences and meetings with an aim to improve technology in electricity-related fields. Any researcher or graduate school student under the age of 40 affiliated with a Japanese university, graduate school or equivalent research institution is eligible. More details on the TEPCO Memorial Foundation website.

22. The Kajima Foundation - Support Programme for International Joint Research Activities

Organisation

The Kajima Foundation.

Field

Improvement of the urban and residential environment, Effective use of land and resources, Promotion of disaster prevention and risk management, or Preservation of the cultural and natural environment.

Overview

The Kajima Foundation’s Support Programme for International Joint Research Activities supports research groups conducting international collaborative research with overseas partners. Research groups in universities / research institutes in Japan who are working together with overseas research partners are eligible and successful teams receive up to JPY 10 million. More details on the Kajima Foundation website.

23. The Kajima Foundation Researcher Exchange Support - Short-term / Long-term Research Programme for Researchers in Japanese Universities

Organisation

The Kajima Foundation.

Field

Natural Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Cross-disciplinary research contributing to social good.

Overview

The Research Programme supports researchers in designated Japanese universities to conduct their research overseas. The short-term programme targets senior researchers (professor equivalent) and mid-career researchers (associate / assistant professor and lecturer equivalent), while the long-term programme only does mid-career researchers. Airfare and maintenance allowance are covered. More details on the Kajima Foundation website.

24. The Kajima Foundation Researcher Exchange Support - Short-term / Long-term Research Programme for International Researchers

Organisation

The Kajima Foundation.

Field

Natural Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Cross-disciplinary research contributing to social good.

Overview

The Short-term / Long-term Research Programme supports international researchers to conduct their research in Japan. The short-term programme targets international senior researchers (professor equivalent), while the long-term programme does international mid-career / young researchers (associate/assistant professor and lecturer equivalent). Researchers in designated Japanese universities can apply as hosts. Airfare and maintenance allowance are covered. More details on the Kajima Foundation website.

25. The Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship Programme

Organisation

The Matsumae International Foundation.

Field

First priority given to natural sciences, engineering and medicine

Overview

The Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship Programme supports outstanding, young researchers to carry out research in Japan. Foreign national applicants at the age of 49 or younger who hold a PhD are eligible. Applicants must obtain an invitation letter from a host institution in Japan prior to application. Airfare, monthly allowance, relocation expense, and travel insurance are covered. The foundation also organise a domestic study trip. More details on the Matsumae International Foundation website](https://www.mif-japan.org/en/fellowship/announcement/#overview).

26. The Murata Science Foundation Grant for Overseas Research Activities

Organisation

The Murata Science Foundation.

Field

Natural sciences with particular focus on electronics; Humanities and social sciences with a focus on legal, economic, social, cultural and other issues associated with internationalisation.

Overview

The Grant for Overseas Research Activities covers research expenses for overseas research activities or for participation in international conferences. Researchers in Japan regardless of nationality who (are likely to) receive approval from an overseas host to conduct research or to participate in international conferences are eligible. More details on the Murata Science Foundation website (only in Japanese).

27. Toshiba Fellowship Programme (TFP)

Organisation

Toshiba.

Field

Engineering, physical sciences (different research topics every year).

Overview

TFP offers a unique opportunity for UK based early career researchers to deliver R&D in designated research topics at Toshiba, as well as to explore and live a new cultural experience in Japan initially for one year. The Fellow receives a generous package, including a fixed salary and relocation assistance to and from Japan, together with support and advice prior to and during their stay. More details on the Toshiba website](https://careers.toshiba.eu/fellowship/Pages/Page1.aspx).

Funding schemes administered in the UK

1. AHRC International Fellowships for doctoral and early career researchers

Organisation

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Field

Arts and Humanities.

Overview

A Fellowship programme for AHRC funded doctoral students, early career researchers and doctoral level research assistants. Winners will receive £1,000 for travel and visa costs and £1,925 for each month of the fellowship. Each placement will last between two and six months at one of the following institutions:

(a) Harry Ransom Center, US
(b) The Huntington Library, US
(c) The Library of Congress, US
(d) National Institutes for the Humanities (NIHU), Japan
(e) Smithsonian Institution, US

More details on the AHRC website.

2. BBSRC International Workshops

Organisation

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Field

Biotechnology, Bioscience.

Overview

BBSRC’s International Workshops programme enables UK research groups to run a workshop with participants from any country and in any area within the BBSRC’s remit. The programme can cover up to £10,000. Workshops can be held either in the UK or abroad. This opportunity is open to proposals involving collaborations with any other country, although BBSRC is particularly interested in promoting further links with: Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, European countries, India, New Zealand, Taiwan and the US. More details on the BBSRC Website.

3. BBSRC Japan Partnering Award

Organisation

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Field

Biotechnology, Bioscience.

Overview

BBSRC’s Japan Partnering Award funds UK research groups to help establish partnerships with Japanese research institutions, exchanges with researchers in Japan (in particular early career researchers) and visits to laboratories overseas. The full economic cost of your project can be up to £50,000. More details on the BBSRC website.

4. BBSRC International Travel Award Scheme

Organisation

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Field

Biotechnology, Bioscience.

Overview

BBSRC’s International Travel Award Scheme is for BBSRC-supported researchers making visits to initiate or prepare proposals with international partners, attending consortia-building events or visiting overseas facilities for up to one month. Funding of up to £3,000 is limited to travel and subsistence costs. More details on the BBSRC website.

5. British Academy / Leverhulme Small Grants

Organisation

British Academy.

Field

Humanities, Social sciences.

Overview

The British Academy / Leverhulme Small Research Grants aim to support postdoctoral scholars (or equivalent) to conduct primary research in the humanities and social sciences. The Principal Applicant must be ordinarily resident in the UK and co-applicants may be from anywhere in the world. Up to £10,000 is available for direct research expenses. More details on the British Academy website.

6. British Academy Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Project

Organisation/s

British Academy.

Field

Humanities, Social sciences.

Overview

The Knowledge Frontiers programme provides UK-based early career postdoctoral researchers (up to 7 years excluding any career breaks) with an opportunity to develop and lead interdisciplinary research projects, active in any discipline within the social sciences and the humanities. The involvement of overseas-based co-applicants is required. Awards of 24 months in duration and up to £300,000. More details on the British Academy website.

7. British Academy Visiting Fellowships

Organisation/s

British Academy.

Field

Humanities, Social sciences.

Overview

The British Academy’s Visiting Fellowships enable academics from any country overseas to be based at a UK higher education or other research institution of their choice for up to six months and develop collaborative projects with UK colleagues. The visiting fellow must be of postdoctoral level or above, or have equivalent research experience at the time of application, and can be active at any career stage and in any discipline within the humanities and the social sciences. More details on the British Academy website.

8. Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation - Daiwa Foundation Small Grants

Organisation

Daiwa Foundation.

Field

Academic, professional, arts, cultural, scientific and educational fields.

Overview

The Daiwa Foundation’s Small Grants aim to promote and support interaction between the UK and Japan. Grants of £2,000-£9,000 are available to individuals, societies, associations or other bodies in the UK or Japan for various activities such as educational exchanges and research travel. Applicants must be resident in either the UK or Japan and demonstrate a long-term commitment to UK-Japan relations. More details on the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation website](https://dajf.org.uk/daiwa-foundation-small-grants-and-awards/daiwa-foundation-small-grants).

9. Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation – Daiwa Foundation Awards

Organisation

Daiwa Foundation.

Field

Academic, professional, arts, cultural, scientific and educational fields (Any project which involves a significant level of collaboration between British and Japanese partners can be considered).

Overview

The Daiwa Foundation’s Awards (£9,000-£18,000) support institutional relationships between British and Japanese partners.  Applicants must be resident in either the UK or Japan and demonstrate a long-term commitment to UK-Japan relations. More details on the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation website.

10. EPSRC Open Fellowship

Organisation

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Field

Any topic in the EPSRC portfolio - a project can include one or a combination of

(1) discovery science
(2) innovation
(3) instrumentation and technique development
(4) software engineering

Overview

A fellowship focusing on any topic in the EPSRC portfolio. The fellowship can be up to five years long. There is no limit on how much funding can be requested (EPSRC covers 80% of full economic costs, and the applicant’s research organisation must fund the remaining 20%). Either a PhD or at least four years’ experience in a relevant field by the start of the fellowship is a requirement for application. There are no restrictions on nationality. The applicant must be hosted and supported by an eligible UK research organisation during the fellowship. More details on the EPSRC website.

11. EPSRC Overseas Travel Grants

Organisation

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Field

Any area within the remit of EPSRC (including the following: Digital economy, Energy, Engineering, Manufacturing the future, Mathematical sciences, Physical sciences, Quantum technologies, or Research infrastructure etc.)

Overview

EPSRC’s overseas travel grants provide funding for visits overseas to learn new techniques, or form and develop collaborations. Costs supported include travel, subsistence, salary of project lead and indirect costs. Applicants must be based at an eligible UK research organisation. More details on the EPSRC website.

12. Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Grants

Organisation

Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Field

Arts and Culture, Humanities and Social Issues, Japanese Language, Medicine and Health, Science, Technology and Environment,  Sport, Youth and Education.

Overview

The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation’s Grants seek to promote cooperation between the UK and Japan in the above fields through financial support. Both Japanese and UK organisations and groups are eligible. Projects originating in the UK should be submitted through the London office and those originating in Japan through the Tokyo office. Applications for UK-Japan collaborations or exchanges should be submitted as a single project through Tokyo or London, not as separate applications. The London Office accepts applications three times a year and Tokyo twice a year. More details on the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation website.

13. Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Butterfield Awards

Organisation

Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Field

Medicine or health.

Overview

Butterfield Awards aim to encourage and facilitate UK-Japan joint projects in medicine and health. The grants may be used for travel expenses or to contribute to other costs as appropriate except for laboratory consumables. Up to £10,000 for a maximum of three years is available.  The London Office accepts applications once a year. More details on the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation website.

14. Leverhulme Trust International Fellowships

Organisation

Leverhulme Trust.

Field

All subject areas except studies of disease, illness and disabilities in humans and animals, or research that is intended to inform clinical practice or the development of medical applications.

Overview

The Leverhulme Trust’s International Fellowships are for established researchers to develop new knowledge, skills and ideas in one or more research centres outside the UK. Applicants must be a resident in the UK at the time of application and must hold a post in a UK institution of higher education, and have held such a post in the UK for at least the last three years. Fellowships are tenable for between 3 and 24 months. The maximum value of a Fellowship is £50,000. More details on the Leverhulme Trust website.

15. NIHR Funded Programmes

Organisation

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Field

Health research.

Overview

All NIHR-funded programmes will consider funding awards for international studies where the contract is held in the UK. Terms vary so please contact individual programmes to check eligibility before applying. More details on the NIHR website.

16. NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme

Organisation

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Field

Health research.

Overview

The Health Technology Assessment Programme funds independent research about the effectiveness, costs and broader impact of healthcare treatments and tests for those who plan, provide or receive care in the NHS. NIHR funds studies via a number of routes including commissioned and researcher-led workstreams. More details on the NIHR website.

17. RAEng Distinguished International Associates

Organisation

Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng).

Field

Engineering, in particular an area that contributes to at least one of the Academy’s strategic goals – sustainable society or inclusive economy.

Overview

The Distinguished International Associates programme supports international engineers in any sectors, who are at the cutting edge of engineering research or innovation, and have existing collaborations or connections to the UK which they would like to intensify. All lead applicants must be based outside of the UK. The programme is aimed at experienced researchers with approximately 10-25 years postdoctoral or equivalent experience and a significant international track record in their discipline. Successful awardees will receive funding of up to £10,000 for up to 24 months. More details on the RAEng website.

18. RAEng Frontiers Programme

Organisation

Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng).

Field

Engineering.

Overview

The Frontiers Programme connects and empowers enthusiastic researchers, innovators and practitioners from the UK and around the world to work together to solve complex global challenges through symposia and funding opportunities. Frontiers symposia participants are eligible to apply for three different types of funding to implement or sustain projects conceived through a symposia or to develop collaboration opportunities:

(i) Seed Funding for successful collaboration bids from each symposium
(ii) Follow on Funding for scaling up seed funded projects into fully formed collaborative research projects
(iii) Frontiers Champions for previous participants to help build a network around a challenge

More details on the RAEng website.

19. Newton International Fellowships

Organisation

The Royal Society and British Academy.

Field

Natural Sciences (except for clinical medicine), engineering, humanities and social sciences.

Overview

Newton International Fellowships are for scientists from outside of the UK who are at an early stage of their research career, and wish to conduct research in the UK. Funding is provided for three years to cover basic salary, research expenses, relocation and visa costs, estate costs and indirect costs. Applicants must have a PhD and no more than seven years of active full-time postdoctoral experience at the time of application. Applicants must not hold UK citizenship. More details on the Royal Society website.

20. Royal Society International Exchange Scheme – Standard Programme

Organisation/s

The Royal Society.

Field

Natural Sciences (except for clinical medicine).

Overview

The International Exchange Scheme – Standard Programme is for scientists based in the UK who want to stimulate new collaborations with leading scientists overseas through a one-off visit or reciprocal travel.  This is available for travel to/from all countries outside the UK. The funding available is scaled relative to the length of the visit. Applicants and overseas co-applicants must hold a PhD and a fixed or permanent contract at an eligible organisation for the duration of the project. More details on the Royal Society website.

21. Royal Society ISPF International Collaboration Award 2023 Japan

Organisation

Royal Society.

Field

National Sciences (expect for clinical medicine).

Overview

TO FOLLOW

22. Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship

Organisation

The Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation.

Field

All areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering but excluding clinical medicine.

Overview

The Wolfson Fellowship is a five year programme which focuses on recruitment, enabling UK institutions to enhance their offering with an up to £300,000 fellowship award to international research leaders wishing to relocate to the UK. To be eligible to apply applicants can be of any nationality, and must be currently based overseas as well as be nominated by the Vice Chancellor or the Institute Director. More details on the Royal Society website.

23. Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship

Organisation

The Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation.

Field

All areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering but excluding clinical medicine.

Overview

The Wolfson Visiting Fellowship provides an opportunity for outstanding international researchers to undertake a flexible 12 month period of sabbatical leave in a UK university or research institution. To be eligible to apply applicants must be currently based overseas and have received a firm offer from a UK university or research institution to take effect from the start of the appointment. Candidates can request up to £125,000 for bursary for visiting fellows and research expenses. More details on the Royal Society website.

24. STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship: research core science independently

Organisation

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Field

The remit of the STFC core science programme, including: Astronomy, Solar and planetary science, Particle physics, Particle astrophysics, Cosmology, Nuclear physics, or Accelerator physics.

Overview

The Fellowship will support researchers to run an independent research project for up to five years. Applicants must hold a PhD, be an early career researcher without a permanent academic position, and have clear leadership potential. Applications must be hosted and supported by an eligible UK research organisation. Fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality. More details on the STFC website.

25. Wellcome Trust Wellcome Early Career Awards

Organisation

Wellcome Trust.

Field

Any discipline.

Overview

Wellcome Early-Career Awards provide funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Applicants must have sponsorship from an eligible host organisation in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or low- or middle income country (apart from India and mainland China). Those with at least four years’ equivalent research experience, or who have completed a PhD or an equivalent higher research degree are eligible. For up to five years, the funding covers the candidate’s salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses. More details on the Wellcome Trust website.

26. Wellcome Trust Wellcome Early Development Awards

Organisation

Wellcome Trust.

Field

Any discipline.

Overview

Wellcome Career Development Awards provide funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who can demonstrate the potential to be international research leaders. Applicants must have sponsorship from an eligible host organisation in one of the following: UK, Republic of Ireland, or low- or middle income country (apart from India and mainland China). For up to eight years, the funding covers the candidate’s salary and research expenses. More details on the Wellcome Trust website.

27. Wellcome Trust Wellcome Early Discovery Awards

Organisation

Wellcome Trust.

Field

Any discipline.

Overview

Wellcome Discovery Awards provide funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. The lead applicant must have sponsorship from an eligible host organisation in one of the following: UK, Republic of Ireland, or low- or middle income country (apart from India and mainland China). Applicants must have a permanent, open-ended or long-term rolling contract or equivalent guarantee. Co-applicants can be at any career stage and based anywhere in the world apart from mainland China. For usually eight years, the funding covers research expenses. More details on the Wellcome Trust website.

27. Wellcome Trust Wellcome Springboard Awards

Organisation

Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS).

Field

Biomedical research.

Overview

Springboard Awards provide small grants to support basic biomedical scientists as they develop their independent research careers. Applicants must be based in UK research organisations within three years of being appointed to their first independent post (such as a lecturer position). Up to £100,000 is funded to cover research assistance and expenses for two years. More details on the Wellcome Trust website.

Funding schemes administered in Europe

1. COST Actions

Organisation

European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).

Field

Interdisciplinary research.

Overview

COST funds interdisciplinary research networks called COST Actions. These Actions bring together researchers, innovators and other professionals including industry specialists, who are based in Europe and in international partner countries including Japan. Researchers collaborate on research topics for a period of 4 years. The funding covers the expenses of networking activities including organising meetings, training schools, short term scientific missions, and other networking activities. More details on the COST website.

2. Canon Foundation in Europe Research Fellowships

Organisation

Canon Foundation.

Field

All fields.

Overview

The Canon Foundation in Europe annually grants up to 15 Fellowships to highly qualified European and Japanese researchers. European Fellows are expected to pursue a period of research in Japan whereas Japanese Fellows are expected to do their research in Europe. Fellowships are for a minimum period of three months up to maximum of one year. All European nationalities including the UK are eligible to apply. Applicants should have obtained at least a Master’s or PhD degree within the last ten years. More details on the Canon Foundation website.

Multilateral funding programmes

1. BELMONT FORUM Collaborative Research Action

Organisation

BELMONT FORUM.

Field

TO FOLLOW

Overview

The Belmont Forum has conducted Collaborative Research Actions (CRAs - often including a call for proposals) which support multilateral collaborative research projects since 2012. Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) as well as the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) are members of the Belmont Forum. Not all Belmont Forum members participate in every CRA. More details on the BELMONT FORUM website.

2. HFSP Research Grants – Programme

Organisation

International Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO).

Field

Basic research into the complex mechanisms of living organisms.

Overview

Funding is provided for international collaborations between scientists aiming to address fundamental biological questions that cannot be elucidated in a single laboratory. Particular emphasis will be placed on new collaborations that focus on biological science problems and combine scientists from different research disciplines. A team of 2-4 independent researchers from different countries with less than five years of independent research experience and less than 10 years since they obtained PhD is eligible. More details on the HFSPO website.

2. HFSP Research Grants – Early Career

Organisation

International Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO).

Field

Basic research into the complex mechanisms of living organisms.

Overview

Funding is provided for international collaborations between scientists aiming to address fundamental biological questions that cannot be elucidated in a single laboratory. Particular emphasis will be placed on new collaborations that focus on biological science problems and combine scientists from different research disciplines. A team of 2-4 independent researchers from different countries with less than five years of independent research experience and less than 10 years since they obtained PhD is eligible. More details on the HFSPO website.

3. HFSP Long-Term Fellowships (LFT)

Organisation

International Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO).

Field

Basic research into the complex mechanisms of living organisms.

Overview

LTF are for applicants within 3 years of receiving a PhD in the biological sciences who want to embark on a novel project in life sciences. A national of any HFSP member country can apply to work in a research institution in any country. Applicants must have at least one lead author publication by the submission deadline that is either (i) published in a recognized OA preprint repository, (ii) accepted for publication, (iii) in press or (iv) already published by a peer reviewed journal. More details on the HFSPO website.

3. HFSP Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF)

Organisation

International Human Frontier Science Programme Organisation (HFSPO).

Field

Basic research into the complex mechanisms of living organisms.

Overview

CDF are for applicants who wish to work in life sciences but within 3 years of receiving a PhD in a non-biological discipline (e.g. physics, chemistry). A national of any HFSP member country can apply to work in a research institution in any country. Applicants must have at least one lead author publication by the submission deadline which is either (i) published in a recognized OA preprint repository, (ii) accepted for publication, (iii) in press or (iv) already published by a peer reviewed journal. More details on the HFSPO website.

This collection of information on funding opportunities is regularly updated. The information contained in this publication is intended for researchers in the UK and Japan to find research funding opportunities to collaborate with partners. While all due care and efforts have been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and funding information may occasionally change.

Last updated: September 2023