Newton Fund

The Newton Fund is part of the UK’s official development assistance. Its aim is to develop science and innovation partnerships that promote the economic development and welfare of partner countries.

The Newton Fund was launched in 2014 and originally consisted of £75 million each year for 5 years. In the 2015 UK Spending Review it was agreed to extend and expand the Fund. The Newton Fund was extended from 2019 to 2021 and expanded by doubling the £75 million investment to £150 million by 2021, leading to a £735 million UK investment to 2021, with partner countries providing matched resources within the Fund.

The skills and knowledge gained through these awards should lead to changes in the wellbeing of communities and increased economic benefits. The Royal Society is one of several contributing partners to this scheme. For more information, visit the Newton Fund website.

Royal Society grant schemes under the Newton Fund

Newton International Fellowships: For non-UK scientists who are at an early stage of their research career and wish to conduct research in the UK.

Newton Advanced Fellowships: For international researchers who wish to develop the research strengths and capabilities of their research group through training, collaboration and reciprocal visits with a partner in the UK.

Newton Mobility Grants: Funding for international researchers towards travel, subsistence and research expenses for either a one-off short visit to explore opportunities for building lasting networks or for bilateral visits to strengthen emerging collaborations

Overseas Opportunities

The following opportunities are currently available to UK scientists with our Newton Fund partners overseas:

Opportunities in Turkey 

The International Researchers Fellowships Programme and Fellowships for Visiting Scientists and Scientists on Sabbatical Leave provide opportunities for researchers in the UK to develop collaborations or pursue academic research at Universities or Institutions in Turkey. 

Opportunities in China

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) offers the CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) to support highly-qualified international scientists and postgraduate students to work and study at CAS institutions and strengthen their scientific collaboration with CAS researchers.

Opportunities in Brazil

Brazilian State Funding Agencies, articulated by its National Council (CONFAP) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), are launching a call for proposals offering support to researchers based in UK Universities and Research Institutions, who are willing to work in research institutions in Brazil, in collaboration with local colleagues. Application deadline Monday 6 April 2020. Find out details of the call (PDF).