In view of the Comprehensive Spending Review in 2010, the Royal Society has unfortunately had to streamline its mobility grant portfolio. The International Travel Grants and International Joint Projects schemes are no longer active and have now been replaced by the International Exchanges Scheme. This is a new and more flexible travel scheme, which combines elements of both former programmes.
The Royal Society is grateful for the support of the Daiwa Anglo Japanese Foundation, which has funded 20 joint scientific projects between the UK and Japan since 2007.
Eligibility requirements
The scheme covers all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine.
Both the UK applicant and overseas applicant must:
- have a PhD, or be likely to have a PhD by the time the funding starts
- hold a fixed or permanent contract at an eligible organisation for the duration of the project (ineligible organisations include industrial, private and commercial organisations, university spin-out companies, government bodies and research institutes and research councils)
- be based in the respective countries at the time of the application
Collaborations should be based on a single project and travel can only take place between the UK and a country where the overseas collaborator is based. In the case of cost share applications (see below), a relationship between both parties should already be established prior to making an application.
The International Exchanges Scheme is available for travel to all countries outside of the UK.
Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes (PDF).
Value and tenure
The funding available is dependent upon the length of the visit. Applicants may request:
- up to of £3,000 for one-off travel lasting up to 3 months
- up to £6000 for multiple visits to be completed within 1 year (including a maximum of £1000 for research expenses)
- up to £12,000 for multiple visits to be completed within 2 years and cost share projects fixed at 2 years (including a maximum of £2000 for research expenses)
Cost-share programme
If you intend to collaborate with partners in Taiwan, France, Ireland, China or Russia, your proposal can also be considered as a cost share application. This entails the UK applicant submitting a proposal to the Royal Society for up to £12,000 AND the overseas applicant simultaneously submitting a proposal for an additional amount up to/equivalent to £12,000 to a partner organisation, with whom the Royal Society has a funding agreement. For further details about the countries covered, application process and eligibility requirements please read the cost share programme scheme notes (PDF).
Application process
Applications are initially reviewed by members of the International Exchanges Scheme panel with the most appropriate scientific expertise. Following this a shortlist is drawn up which is reviewed by the panel Chair before a decision is made. Results are available approximately 4 months after the round closes.