Environmental sciences: Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund 2026
Supports UK-led formation of new international research collaborations in environmental sciences, especially with partners in Brazil and Taiwan, to advance scientific knowledge through global partnership.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: July 16, 2026: Full application closing date to NERC/UKRI Funding Service | July 16, 2026: Submission deadline for São Paulo partner to FAPESP
Funding Amounts: Up to £100,000 (80% FEC) per UK project for up to 2 years; São Paulo partners: up to R$400,000; Taiwan partners: up to £15,000/year from NSTC
Summary: Supports UK researchers to establish new, sustainable international collaborations in environmental sciences, with joint funding options for partners in Brazil and Taiwan.
Key Information: International partners are mandatory; only new partnerships are eligible; joint submissions required for Brazil/Taiwan collaborations.
Description
The Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund (GPSF) aims to help UK researchers develop new and sustainable international partnerships and networks in environmental sciences, as defined by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) remit. The fund supports activities such as exchange visits, staff secondments, network-building, feasibility or proof-of-concept studies, and workshops, with an emphasis on building long-term collaborations that will endure beyond the grant period.
The GPSF particularly encourages joint proposals with partners in Brazil (FAPESP) and Taiwan (NSTC), enabling co-funding and coordinated research. Proposals should focus on curiosity-driven research and demonstrate the unique value of international collaboration, especially where expertise is not available in the UK. All collaborations must be new, and applications should show clear plans for sustainable relationships and scientific advancement.
