Scope of Prize
The International Research Fund is intended to promote connectivity between Scotland and European research partners with the aim of strengthening existing, and seeding future, research relationships and creating paths to European research funding.
Funding could be sought for the following:
- Visits and exchanges between Scotland and a European partner(s)
- Preparatory activities for Horizon Europe opportunities
Proposed activities and visits will take place between 16th November 2024 and 31st of March 2025.
Researchers can be from any discipline or department within a Scottish University or Research Institute.
For bilateral exchanges, funding can be used to support inbound travel for researchers from EU Member States, EEA and EFTA countries and outbound travel for researchers from Scottish Universities and Research Institutes.
Applicants were expected to demonstrate an alignment to Horizon Europe funding and training opportunities and the development of the upcoming FP10.
Applicants could apply for up to £5,000 for visits and exchanges and up to £2,000 for preparatory activities. Awards cover the full cost of the visit, including travel, accommodation, subsistence, and reasonable additional costs arising from Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) considerations.
Awarded Applicants
The following applicants were awarded under this funding scheme:
Dongyang Sun (Edinburgh Napier University)
Research Exchange Destination: Romania
Julie Cowie (Glasgow Caledonian University)
Research Exchange Destination: Germany
William Johnston (Glasgow Caledonian University)
Research Exchange Destination: Germany
Adam Burgess (Heriot-Watt University)
Research Exchange Destination: Germany
Carlos Moreno-Garcia (Robert Gordon University)
Research Exchange Destination: Spain
Rebecca von Hellfeld (University of Aberdeen)
Research Exchange Destination: Spain
Pengpeng He (University of Dundee)
Research Exchange Destination: Italy
Alessandro Perelli (University of Dundee)
Research Exchange Destination: Denmark
Maria-Chiara Ferrari (University of Edinburgh)
Research Exchange Destination: Italy
Khushboo Pandey (University of Edinburgh )
Research Exchange Destination: Switzerland
Merve Bodur (University of Edinburgh)
Research Exchange Destination: France
Leonidas Doumas (University of Edinburgh)
Research Exchange Destination: Netherlands
Louise Kennefick (University of Glasgow)
Research Exchange Destination: Ireland
Ellen Boeren (University of Glasgow)
Research Exchange Destination: Belgium
Daniela Castro-Camilo (University of Glasgow)
Research Exchange Destination: Spain
Marwa Mahmoud (University of Glasgow)
Research Exchange Destination: Germany
Craig Smeaton (University of St Andrews)
Research Exchange Destination: Ireland
Karen Brown (University of St Andrews)
Research Exchange Destination: Greece
Sanjay Seth (University of St Andrews)
Research Exchange Destination: Portugal
Ale Boussalem (University of St Andrews)
Research Exchange Destination: Italy
Nicole Tausch (University of St Andrews)
Research Exchange Destination: Spain
Christine Ferguson (University of Stirling)
Research Exchange Destination: Spain
Catherine Jones (University of Strathclyde)
Research Exchange Destination: Germany
Edoardo Patelli (University of Strathclyde)
Research Exchange Destination: Germany
Will Shu (University of Strathclyde)
Research Exchange Destination: Poland
Information Session & FAQ
Q – If I am working with multiple collaborators within the application who and how many would I list as Co-I?
If a collaborator is travelling or they are hosting you then you would add them as a Co-I (co-collaborator), this helps us see as reviewers right from the start who is planning to work together and where they are from. You can also add others who are working with you on the activity but if multiple countries consider one collaborator named per county to keep the number of collaborators to a reasonable amount.
Q – If I am planning a preparatory activity but it includes travel inbound or outbound should I apply for preparatory activity (£2,,000) or Exchange/Visit (£5,000)
If your proposal involves international travel such as a visit or exchange then apply for Exchange/Visit (£5,000).
The preparatory activity (£2,000) is an option if travel in the time frame is not feasible but you want to organise something using hybrid methods/UK counterparts, it could include a workshop or sandpit bringing academic together to seed new or existing collaborations for Horizon Europe Funding.
Q – Should I apply for the full amount?
You do not need to apply for the full amount – reviewers will take into account the costings and whether they are reasonable so only ask for the amount you need.
Q – Can I submit an application that is focused on funding that is not Horizon Europe?
A key output we are looking for is increased engagement with Horizon Europe. We appreciate that call timelines may not be feasible and we do not know yet the shape of FP10, however we expect proposals to have a clear pathway to Horizon Europe funding (research or training), if this is via other European funding with your international team this is fine.
Q – How will the review process work?
Applications will be reviewed by a wide range of people from different backgrounds so make sure you write your application as if a non-expert is reviewing it.
Q – How will the funds be administered, do we send receipts to you?
No, the total amount of funds requested will be sent to your host institution for your finance teams to manage. You will submit your receipts to them and provide Research Innovation Scotland with a report of funds spent for the June 30th deadline. Any unspent funds will be reclaimed.
Q – What is “Research Network associated with (Research Pool, ARC or other):”
This is whether you are affiliated with any of the Research Pools or Alliance for Research Challenges. It is ok if you are not, just leave blank, this is for internal use. The list of these organisations is below.
| Brain Health ARC |
| MASTS |
| Quantum ARC |
| SAGES |
| SCAF ARC |
| ScotCHEM |
| SICSA |
| SINAPSE |
| SRPe |
| SULSA |
| SUPA |
How to Apply
This call is now closed for applications. RIS hope to support similar funds in the future.
We are grateful to the Scottish Government and SFC for their support in running this call in 2024.
