There are two streams for International Joint Projects: Stream one is for applicants who wish to apply with a partner institute of their choice. Stream two is for applicants who wish to apply in conjunction with a Sister Academy with which the RSE holds a Memorandum of Understanding. For the autumn 2025 round, applications are welcomed with collaborators associated with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and The National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan (NSTC).

Stream one provides up to a maximum of £6,000 per year and up to a maximum of £12,000 over two years. Stream two offers funding in collaboration with Sister Academies. Under DAAD applications may seek up to EUR 7,500 per year and EUR 15,000 over two years. Under NSTC, applicants to the RSE may apply for up to £6,000 per year and £12,000 over two years.

For Stream one, Scotland-based project leads apply directly through the RSE, while overseas partners secure match-funding from their own institutions. The Principal Investigator must be of at least postdoctoral status or equivalent, and both the PI and collaborators must be employed by a Scottish higher education institution, further education institution, research institute, or cultural institution. International partners must also hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and be employed by an eligible institution. Applicants may only submit one application per round and may revise a previously unsuccessful proposal after 12 months if key changes are demonstrated.

For Stream two, both the Scotland-based lead applicant and the international partner must submit applications to their respective academies. The Scotland-based applicant applies to the RSE, while the international partner applies to DAAD or NSTC according to their guidelines. Applications will only be accepted if submitted to both academies within the set deadlines. Principal Investigators must be of postdoctoral status or equivalent, and both Scottish and international collaborators must be employed by eligible institutions. Current holders of an RSE International Joint Project are not eligible to apply, though holders of other RSE awards may do so. Applicants may reapply if unsuccessful, provided they demonstrate how their new submission has developed from the original proposal.

Projects under both streams are open to all academic disciplines and must be bilateral, involving one team based in Scotland and one team based overseas. Visits are expected to take place in both directions, usually involving one return journey each way, though multiple trips may be justified under exceptional circumstances. Projects may last up to two years with no minimum duration, and any changes must be approved by both the RSE and the international partner.

Applications must be accompanied by supporting documents. For Stream one, this includes a statement of support from the international partner’s institute confirming match-funding, a letter of support from the international partner, and, if successful, an institutional statement of support from the Scottish applicant’s institution. For Stream two, applicants must provide a statement of support from the international partner’s institute at submission and, if successful, an institutional statement of support from the Scottish applicant’s institution. DAAD awardees must also provide acceptance forms and institutional support between 16 and 23 December 2025. Applications missing required documents at the deadline cannot be considered.

For Stream two, the RSE and the Sister Academy will independently assess applications, and final funding decisions will be based on their evaluations. Successful applicants may only begin projects once they have received formal confirmation from both organisations. The application closes on 22 October 2025.

For more information, visit RSE.

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