We value collaborations and positively encourage UK researchers working with other organisations including:
- UK businesses
- third sector
- government bodies
We also promote collaboration between UK researchers and those in other countries, where this will help to ensure that UK research is at the international leading edge.
Inclusion of project co-leads from UK business, third sector or government bodies on applications
Project co-leads from business, third sector or government bodies based in the UK can be included in the majority of our research funding opportunities. Check guidance for individual funding opportunities where we will provide details if this is not the case.
Inclusion of project co-leads (international) on applications
We invite UK project leads to include international project co-leads from anywhere in the world on proposals to the majority of our research funding opportunities, excluding fellowships and unless otherwise stated by the funding opportunity guidance.
For guidance on the inclusion of project co-leads (international), including eligible costs, see our project co-leads (international) policy.
For further information, see:
Bilateral agreements
For guidance on ESRC bilateral agreements, see ESRC international partnerships and programmes.
Last updated: 10 April 2025