Springboard 2026 Research Grants: Up to £10,000 for UK-France, UK-Germany, and UK-Spain Research Collaborations

The British Council has officially opened applications for the Springboard 2026 Research Grants, an exciting funding opportunity designed to strengthen international research partnerships between the United Kingdom and research institutions in France, Germany, and Spain.

The programme specifically supports early-career researchers by funding collaborative projects that encourage international mobility, research networking, joint publications, and the preparation of competitive international research proposals, particularly under the Horizon Europe framework.

With grants of up to £10,000, the Springboard programme offers research teams the opportunity to establish long-term collaborations while enhancing the professional development of emerging researchers across Europe.

About the Springboard 2026 Research Grants

The Springboard Research Grants are part of the British Council’s commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration and research excellence.

The programme aims to bring together research teams from the UK and one partner country—France, Germany, or Spain—to build sustainable collaborations that can evolve into larger international research projects.

Rather than funding large-scale research itself, Springboard provides seed funding that helps research teams establish partnerships, exchange expertise, develop innovative ideas, and prepare competitive joint funding proposals.

The programme places a strong emphasis on supporting the next generation of researchers by ensuring early-career academics play a central role in every funded collaboration.

Objectives of the Programme

The Springboard grants seek to:

• Strengthen international research collaboration.
• Support the career development of early-career researchers.
• Encourage collaborative research between UK and European institutions.
• Promote researcher mobility.
• Facilitate the preparation of competitive joint research proposals.
• Increase collaborative scientific publications.
• Foster sustainable long-term institutional partnerships.

Priority Research Areas

Priority will be given to collaborative projects that align with the thematic priorities of Horizon Europe.

These include:

1. Health
2. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
3. Civil Security for Society
4. Digital, Industry and Space
5. Climate, Energy and Mobility
6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Projects outside these areas may receive less priority during evaluation.

Grant Value

Successful applicants may receive funding of up to £10,000.

This funding is intended to support collaborative activities rather than full research implementation.

What the Grant Covers

The Springboard grant supports several activities designed to strengthen research partnerships.

1. Springboard Team Meeting (Compulsory)

Each funded project must organize a collaborative meeting involving researchers from the UK and the partner country.

The meeting aims to:

• Initiate or strengthen collaboration.
• Exchange scientific ideas.
• Define shared research priorities.
• Develop plans for future joint projects.
• Prepare collaborative funding applications.

2. Online Communication Skills Training (Optional)

Early-career researchers participating in the project may benefit from optional online communication training designed to improve:

• Scientific communication
• Presentation skills
• International collaboration
• Professional networking

3. One-Week Research Placements (Optional)

Funding may also support one-week research placements in the partner institution’s laboratory.

These placements are available for:

• Up to two participating PhD students from each participating country.

The placements help strengthen collaboration while giving doctoral researchers valuable international research experience.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to research teams from:

• Higher education institutions
• Not-for-profit research institutions

Each proposal must include:

• One UK lead institution.
• One lead institution from France, Germany, or Spain.

The proposal must be jointly prepared by all participating institutions.

However, only the UK Lead Institution is permitted to submit the final application.

Applications submitted by institutions outside the UK will automatically be considered ineligible.

Team Composition Requirements

Each application may include:

• Maximum of 10 participants.
• Minimum of 6 early-career researchers.

An early-career researcher is defined as someone who obtained their PhD within the last ten years.

Activities Timeline

Successful projects are expected to begin from January 2027.

Applicants should therefore plan collaborative activities accordingly.

Why This Grant Matters

International collaboration has become increasingly important for addressing global challenges.

Through this programme, research teams can:

• Build lasting international partnerships.
• Develop stronger proposals for Horizon Europe funding.
• Increase research visibility.
• Publish collaboratively.
• Strengthen institutional networks.
• Support the next generation of academic leaders.

The programme also provides an excellent opportunity for universities and research institutions to expand their international engagement while increasing competitiveness in global research funding.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the British Council’s online grant platform.

Before submitting an application, institutions must register on the platform.

After registration, applicants should complete the application titled:

“Going Global Partnerships – Multi Country – Springboard 2026”

Only the UK Lead Institution may initiate and submit the application.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Application Guidance document before beginning the submission process.

Application Documents

Applicants can download several important documents, including:

• Springboard 2026 Application Guidance
• Reference Application Form (offline sample)
• Grant Agreement Template
• Scotland Grant Agreement Template

Reviewing these documents before submission will help applicants prepare a stronger proposal.

Country-Specific Information

Additional guidance is available for collaborations with:

• France
• Germany
• Spain

Applicants are encouraged to consult the relevant British Council country webpages for detailed information.

Contact Information

For further enquiries:

UK–France Collaborations
education@britishcouncil.fr

UK–Germany Collaborations
studyuk.germany@britishcouncil.org

UK–Spain Collaborations
education@britishcouncil.es

Application Deadline

Deadline: 30 September 2026 (16:00 BST)

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their applications well before the closing date to allow sufficient time for institutional approvals and submission.

Final Thoughts

The Springboard 2026 Research Grants represent an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers and their institutions to establish meaningful international collaborations with leading research partners across Europe.

By supporting networking, mobility, proposal development, and collaborative publications, the programme helps researchers build the foundations for larger international projects while strengthening Europe’s research ecosystem.

Institutions interested in expanding their international partnerships and supporting emerging researchers should take advantage of this funding opportunity before the application deadline.

Apply here 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here  

• More global Grants opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here