The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) 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 collaborate with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet, health, tech and talent.
By working closely with our international partners, we aim to address global challenges, build knowledge, and develop the technologies of tomorrow.
The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) is an ambitious long-term approach to international research and collaboration. It is a Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)-led fund. It was announced by the Science Minister on 14 December 2022.
The fund aims to foster prosperity by solving shared global research and innovation challenges. This will be done through working closely with international partners to:
UKRI is one of the partner organisations delivering the fund. For more information see the International Science Partnerships Fund on GOV.UK.
International collaboration is integral to the UKRI strategy and has a key role in delivering our six strategic objectives as set out in the UKRI International Strategic Framework.
The scale of the challenges we face globally, whether from tackling and adapting to climate change or ensuring we are ready for the next pandemic, requires strong global partnerships. International collaboration is vital to addressing these questions. It is also critical to maintaining the UK’s position as a world leader in research and innovation.
The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) will help the UK strengthen existing global partnerships, and build new ones.
Through the ISPF, we will support UK-based researchers to:
Minimum award: £150,000
Maximum award: £2,000,000
Closing date: 16 January 2025
Minimum award: £150,000
Maximum award: £1,000,000
Closing date: 16 January 2025
ISPF funding opportunities are aimed at UK-based researchers and innovators.
For more details on current ISPF funding opportunities, please use the funding finder.
To apply, please visit the individual funding opportunity page.
Please note that eligibility to apply may differ between funding opportunities depending on their nature and what they are trying to achieve.
Make sure that you read the funding opportunities in full before submitting an application and refer to our ‘How to apply for research and innovation funding’ page for more guidance.
Some partnerships with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are not open to applications as they are activities with specific partners involving very large infrastructures.
The outcomes of these activities, delivered as part of ISPF, will benefit UK and international users of STFC’s facilities.
Partnerships include:
Aside from UKRI, there are several other organisations delivering ISPF funding.
For information on their funding opportunities, see International Science Partnerships Fund on GOV.UK.
Some examples of programmes with international partners funded under ISPF include:
Examples of awarded grants funded under the International Joint Initiative for Research in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (IIRCC) programme.
Email: ispf@ukri.org
Please include ‘ISPF Investment & Support Enquiries’ in the subject line. We aim to respond within five working days.
Email: international@ukri.org
Last updated: 26 September 2024
