GCRF Networking Grants

The Academy of Medical Sciences in partnership with the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society, is delighted to announce the fourth call for applications to this scheme which allows researchers from developing countries and the UK to forge new links and hold networking events to generate innovative and interdisciplinary research ideas to address global challenges. This support will enable these new networks to be better equipped to apply for larger grants offered by the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) programme and other funding initiatives.

About the GCRF Networking Grants

The Academy of Medical Sciences is delighted to be working with the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society to offer GCRF Networking Grants, available through the Global Challenges Research Fund, which is part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). The GCRF is an initiative that aims to support cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that addresses the global issues faced by developing countries. The GCRF is administered through 17 delivery partners including the Research Councils, the UK National Academies, the UK Space Agency and funding bodies.

The UK National Academies will work collaboratively across the GCRF delivery partners to ensure that these grants provide opportunities for researchers, drawn from a wide spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds, to develop new collaborations, improve interaction between UK researchers and those in developing countries, and build communities of researchers that can submit high quality applications for other GCRF funding calls.

What is offered

This scheme is targeted at experienced researchers who are looking to form new international collaborations. The maximum amount available is £25,000, of which £5,000 can be used for consumables for pilot experiments, archival research or fieldwork. The remainder can be used to contribute towards travel and subsistence costs, costs associated with networking events, administrative support and access to technical support. Grants cannot be used to pay for salary costs or to employ research assistants, PhD students or postdoctoral staff.

Eligibility requirements

Applications should focus on building a collaborative network and therefore should be submitted jointly by a lead overseas researcher from a developing country and a lead researcher based in the UK.

To be eligible to apply, both applicants must:

• Have completed a PhD or have experience at an equivalent level
• Have proven research experience in their field
• Hold a permanent position at an eligible institution (in the UK or a DAC-listed country), or a fixed-term contract for the duration of the award

Lead applicants must not be affiliated to a private or commercial organisation. Applications will not be considered if there is more than one UK co-applicant or an overseas applicant not from a DAC-listed country.

This grant forms part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), which promotes economic development and welfare in developing countries. In order for applications to be eligible for this grant, applicants must clearly show that their proposal’s aims are in-line with those of the ODA. These include strengthening global peace and security, promoting global prosperity, and tackling extreme poverty. The delivery partners for this scheme have provided some ODA guidance for applicants.

The funding for projects will last for one year. Full details of eligibility for this scheme are outlined in the guidance,  please see the scheme notes, terms and conditions, sample form, and FAQs. Please read this carefully before submitting an application. 

How to apply

Visit the Academy of Medical Sciences' portal homepage.

Deadline for applications: 17:00 (UK time) 31 March 2020.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 02031413246