EPSRC working with overseas scientists: Nov 2023: responsive mode

About this grant

This is an opportunity for you to work with researchers in Ireland, Luxembourg, Brazil, Germany and the US through EPSRC's lead agency agreements. The majority of the UK research must fall within EPSRC remit. We will award 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) of the UK costs of the project. Your overseas partners are funded by the relevant overseas agency. The aim is to reduce current barriers to working internationally by allowing researchers to submit a single collaborative application with a joint funding decision, informed by a single lead agency review.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding
• EPSRC standard eligibility rules apply
• To work with US: must submit expression of interest and be invited to submit full application
• To work with Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, or Brazil: no expression of interest needed
• Majority of UK research must fall within EPSRC remit
• Project co-lead (international) can be based in Norwegian institution under UKRI-RCN agreement
• Do not use International Co-Lead role for collaborators outside UKRI-RCN agreement
• No uninvited resubmissions accepted

What the funding covers

• 80% of FEC of UK costs
• Overseas partners funded by their relevant agency (not EPSRC)
• All standard research costs for UK team
• Equipment up to £25,000
• Staff costs
• Travel and subsistence
• Consumables

How to apply

1. 1Apply through UKRI Funding Service. For US collaboration: first submit expression of interest, then invited to full application. For Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, Brazil: apply directly. No fixed closing dates - batched internally. Applications processed throughout 2025 and 2026. Note: Processing timelines may be longer than usual if applying to work with US. Before applying to work with US, read NSF's statement on priorities and guidance on executive orders. For FAPESP (Brazil) collaboration, specific application process steps apply.

Application tips