UK-France Science, Innovation, and Technology Pump-Priming Grants

Support for UK-France research partnerships

This scheme is aimed at UUKi member institutions to develop or strengthen research partnerships with French institutions, with a focus on preparing for Horizon Europe applications.

Deadline: 29 November 2024, 5pm GMT

The University of Edinburgh is connected to Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne through its membership of Una Europa. Funding can be used to initiate new activity with Paris1 or any other French Institution.

If you want to be connected to peers at Paris 1 contact:una.europa@ed.ac.uk

About the scheme

Following the UK-France bilateral research dialogue in February 2024, both governments have committed funding to support UK-French research collaborations. The scheme encourages creative applications from UK institutions to foster new, revived, or dormant partnerships with French counterparts. Successful projects will aim to build partnerships that can eventually lead to Horizon Europe submissions.

Priority will be given to activities like feasibility studies, project development workshops, application advice, and partnership building.

Objectives

  • Foster long-term UK-France partnerships aligned with research priorities, particularly those connected to Horizon Europe.
  • Develop collaborative activities that will lead to successful Horizon Europe submissions.
  • Support UK HEIs in building capabilities and resources to engage in international research funding, especially for institutions and researchers new to EU Framework Programme funding.

Eligibility

  • Lead Applicants: Must be from UK HEIs that are UUK members, eligible for funding from UK Research and Innovation, and hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.
  • Applicants should propose to establish or revive partnerships with French HEIs and demonstrate collaboration with French counterparts.
  • Partnership focus: Projects must aim to build collaborations targeting Horizon Europe, especially for institutions and researchers who have not previously received Horizon Europe funding.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form by Friday 29 November 2024.

Find out more and apply