The British Council has officially opened applications for the Springboard 2026 Research Grants, providing an exciting opportunity for research institutions and early-career researchers to establish strong international collaborations across Europe. The programme supports partnerships between the United Kingdom and research institutions in France, Germany, and Spain, helping research teams build long-term collaborations, increase researcher mobility, prepare competitive international funding proposals, and produce joint scientific publications.
With grants of up to £10,000, the Springboard programme serves as seed funding for collaborative activities that strengthen international academic partnerships rather than funding full-scale research projects. It places particular emphasis on supporting early-career researchers, ensuring they play a central role in building future research networks and advancing international scientific cooperation.
Successful projects will begin from January 2027, offering institutions an opportunity to strengthen their global research profile while preparing for larger funding opportunities, particularly under the Horizon Europe framework.
About the British Council Springboard 2026 Research Grants
The Springboard Research Grants form part of the British Council’s commitment to strengthening international research collaboration and academic excellence.
The programme is designed to help research teams establish sustainable partnerships between universities and research institutions in the United Kingdom and one partner country—France, Germany, or Spain. Rather than supporting large research implementation projects, Springboard provides funding that enables researchers to build relationships, exchange expertise, develop innovative research ideas, and prepare future collaborative funding proposals.
The programme recognizes that successful international research partnerships require time, networking, mobility, and shared planning. By providing financial support for these activities, Springboard helps research teams lay the foundation for long-term international collaboration.
Objectives of the Programme
The Springboard 2026 Research Grants aim to:
- Strengthen international research collaboration between the UK and European research institutions.
- Support the professional development of early-career researchers.
- Promote researcher mobility across participating countries.
- Encourage collaborative scientific publications.
- Assist research teams in preparing competitive international funding proposals, particularly for Horizon Europe.
- Build sustainable institutional partnerships.
- Increase research excellence through international cooperation.
Priority Research Areas
Priority consideration will be given to collaborative projects that align with the thematic priorities of the Horizon Europe programme.
These priority areas include:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
- Civil Security for Society
- Digital, Industry and Space
- Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Projects outside these themes may still be considered but may receive lower priority during the evaluation process.
Grant Value
Successful research teams may receive funding of up to £10,000.
The funding is intended to support collaborative partnership-building activities rather than financing the full implementation of research projects.
What the Grant Covers
The Springboard grant supports several collaborative activities that help research teams establish stronger international partnerships.
1. Springboard Team Meeting (Compulsory)
Each funded project must organize a collaborative meeting involving researchers from both participating countries.
The meeting is designed to:
- Initiate new research collaborations.
- Strengthen existing partnerships.
- Exchange scientific knowledge and expertise.
- Identify common research priorities.
- Develop future collaborative research projects.
- Prepare joint international funding applications.
2. Online Communication Skills Training (Optional)
Early-career researchers participating in the programme may take part in optional online communication skills training designed to improve:
- Scientific communication.
- Presentation skills.
- International collaboration.
- Professional networking.
- Research dissemination.
3. One-Week Research Placements (Optional)
Funding may also support one-week research placements at the partner institution.
These placements are available for up to two PhD students from each participating country and provide opportunities to:
- Gain international laboratory experience.
- Strengthen collaborative research.
- Build professional networks.
- Enhance practical research skills.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to research teams from:
- Higher education institutions.
- Not-for-profit research institutions.
Each proposal must include:
- One lead institution from the United Kingdom.
- One lead institution from France, Germany, or Spain.
Although the proposal should be jointly prepared by all participating institutions, only the UK Lead Institution may submit the final application.
Applications submitted by institutions outside the United Kingdom will be considered ineligible.
Team Composition Requirements
Each application must include:
- A maximum of 10 participants.
- At least 6 early-career researchers.
For this programme, an early-career researcher is defined as an individual who obtained their PhD within the last ten years.
Activities Timeline
Successful projects are expected to begin from January 2027.
Applicants should ensure their proposed activities align with this implementation timeline.
Why Apply?
The Springboard Research Grants provide numerous benefits for participating institutions and researchers.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:
- Build lasting international research collaborations.
- Strengthen institutional partnerships across Europe.
- Increase opportunities for Horizon Europe funding.
- Publish collaborative research.
- Expand professional research networks.
- Improve international research visibility.
- Support the career development of emerging researchers.
- Gain valuable international research experience.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the British Council’s online grant platform.
Applicants must first register on the platform before accessing the application form titled:
“Going Global Partnerships – Multi Country – Springboard 2026.”
Only the UK Lead Institution is permitted to initiate and submit the application.
Applicants are encouraged to review the official Application Guidance document before beginning the submission process to ensure all eligibility and application requirements are met.
Visit HERE to learn more about the British Council Springboard 2026 Research Grants
Country-Specific Information
Additional guidance is available for collaborations involving:
- France
- Germany
- Spain
Applicants are encouraged to consult the relevant British Council country webpages for detailed information and country-specific guidance.
Contact Information
For additional enquiries, applicants may contact:
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 at 16:00 BST
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early to allow sufficient time for institutional approvals and submission.
Conclusion
The British Council Springboard 2026 Research Grants offer an outstanding opportunity for higher education institutions and research organizations to build meaningful international collaborations while supporting the next generation of research leaders. By funding networking activities, researcher mobility, proposal development, and collaborative publications, the programme helps institutions establish strong partnerships that can lead to larger international research projects and increased success under Horizon Europe. Eligible institutions are encouraged to submit competitive proposals before the 30 September 2026 deadline and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to expand their international research impact.
For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.
