British Council Springboard Research Grants 2026: France, Germany & Spain Collaboration

The British Council is offering Springboard Research Grants for 2026, supporting collaborative projects between research teams in the UK and France, Germany, or Spain. This opportunity is aimed at early-career researchers looking to build partnerships, leading to joint research proposals, particularly for Horizon Europe, and collaborative publications. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.

Application Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Location: UK, France, Germany, Spain
Programme Duration: Activities start from January 2027
Grant Amount: Up to £10,000
Opportunity Type: Research Grant

About the British Council Springboard Research Grants

The Springboard Research Grants are designed to foster collaboration between researchers in the UK and partner countries. The program focuses on supporting early-career researchers, defined as those who obtained their PhD less than ten years ago. The grants aim to facilitate mobility and joint research activities.

Successful collaborations will work towards submitting joint grant applications, especially under the Horizon Europe framework. They will also focus on producing collaborative publications. Priority is given to projects that align with specific thematic areas within Horizon Europe.

About the British Council

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It works to build connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and other countries. The organisation operates in over 100 countries, delivering programmes in education, English language, arts, and culture.

Available Research Areas

Priority will be given to projects that align with the thematic areas of Horizon Europe. These include:

• Health
• Culture, creativity and inclusive society
• Civil security for society
• Digital, industry and space
• Climate energy and mobility
• Food, bio-economy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.

What the Grants Offer

Successful applicants can receive funding of up to £10,000. This grant supports mobility and collaborative activities between research teams. The primary goal is to enable the development of joint research proposals and the creation of collaborative publications.

The grants provide an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to establish international research partnerships. These collaborations can lead to further funding opportunities and enhance research profiles through joint publications.

Programme Duration and Location

The grants support collaborative projects starting from January 2027. The activities funded by the grant will take place between the UK and one of the participating countries: France, Germany, or Spain. Specific project timelines will be determined by the research teams involved.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Springboard Research Grants, proposals must meet the following criteria:

• Open to higher education institutions and not-for-profit research institutions.
• Each proposal must include one lead institution from the UK.
• Each proposal must include one lead institution from France, Germany, or Spain.
• The proposal must be prepared jointly by leaders from all participating institutions.
• The UK Lead Institution will submit the proposal on behalf of the partnership.
• Each application can include a maximum of ten participants.
• A minimum of six participants must be early-career researchers (those who obtained their PhD less than ten years ago).

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not listed, successful applicants will likely demonstrate:

• Strong research capabilities in their respective fields.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with international partners.
• A clear research plan aligned with Horizon Europe themes.
• Potential for producing high-quality joint publications.
• Commitment to early-career researcher development.

Who Should Apply?

This grant is ideal for early-career researchers based in UK higher education or not-for-profit research institutions who wish to collaborate with colleagues in France, Germany, or Spain. It is particularly suited for those looking to develop joint research proposals for Horizon Europe or to co-author academic papers.

Researchers who are within ten years of obtaining their PhD and are keen to build international networks will find this opportunity beneficial. It offers a chance to gain experience in international research project management and funding applications.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following for their joint proposal:

• A joint proposal prepared by leaders from all participating institutions.
• Details of the lead institution from the UK.
• Details of the lead institution from France, Germany, or Spain.
• Information on up to ten participants, including at least six early-career researchers.
• A clear research plan aligned with Horizon Europe thematic areas.

Specific application forms and submission guidelines will be available through the grant platform.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by the UK Lead Institution on behalf of the partnership. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2026, at 16:00 BST.

Click here to apply for the British Council Springboard Research Grants 2026

For more detailed information, visit the British Council Springboard Research Grants page.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.
• Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline.
• Projects must involve collaboration between UK institutions and institutions from France, Germany, or Spain.
• A minimum of six early-career researchers must be part of each application.

Closing Date

The closing date for the British Council Springboard Research Grants 2026 is September 30, 2026.

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