CFAs: Ireland–Scotland Bilateral Network Grant Programme

Deadline: 21-Oct-2026

The Ireland–Scotland Bilateral Network Grant Programme 2026 supports joint research projects involving academic researchers in Ireland and Scotland under the theme “Culture, Language and Sport.” Grants of up to £15,000 per project are available for collaborative projects lasting 3 to 6 months, with funding designed to build new partnerships, strengthen existing networks, and support research and policy dialogue between both countries. What Is the Ireland–Scotland Bilateral Network Grant Programme? The Ireland–Scotland Bilateral Network Grants support collaboration between researchers and institutions in Ireland and Scotland.

The programme aims to deepen:

- Academic collaboration. - Knowledge exchange. - Research partnerships. - Cross-border networks. - Policy discussion. - Collaboration between academia and other sectors. The scheme supports both new partnerships and the development of existing collaborations. It operates within the wider Ireland-Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030, helping strengthen long-term relationships between Ireland and Scotland. What Is the 2026 Grant Theme? For the 2026 call, all applications must address the theme: Culture, Language and Sport Projects are encouraged to explore this theme from different disciplinary perspectives and develop collaborations that cross traditional academic boundaries.

The programme welcomes researchers from:

- Sciences. - Humanities. - Social sciences. - Other relevant academic disciplines. Projects can also include industry partners within the project consortium where their participation strengthens the proposed collaboration. What Types of Projects Are Encouraged? The programme is particularly interested in collaborative projects that: - Establish new Ireland–Scotland research partnerships. - Strengthen existing academic networks. - Bring researchers from different disciplines together. - Connect academic research with wider communities or sectors. - Contribute to policy discussion. - Address culture, language, or sport from innovative perspectives. - Demonstrate inclusion and diversity. - Encourage meaningful knowledge exchange. - Create opportunities for longer-term collaboration. Applicants are encouraged to push disciplinary boundaries rather than limiting projects to a single traditional field. Why Is Inclusion and Diversity Important? The 2026 call encourages projects that demonstrate inclusion and diversity.

This can be reflected in:

- The researchers involved. - The disciplines represented. - Community participation. - Research subjects or beneficiaries. - Partnership structures. - Approaches to knowledge exchange. Projects that bring together different perspectives and disciplines can help generate broader insights into culture, language, and sport. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum grant is £15,000 per project, equivalent to approximately US$19,100 based on the information provided.

Projects must run for between:

- Minimum: 3 months

- Maximum: 6 months

The grant is intended to cover eligible costs directly associated with carrying out the collaborative research and network-building activities. What Costs Are Eligible? Grant funding can be used for a range of research and collaboration expenses.

Eligible costs include:

- Research time. - Administrative assistance. - Research consumables. - Library fees. - Copyright fees. - Publication services. - Translation services. - Research-related travel. - Dissemination costs. Dissemination costs can account for up to 10% of the total project budget. Applicants should ensure that every requested cost is directly connected to the proposed project. What Costs Are Not Eligible?

The following costs are not eligible:

- Salary on-costs. - Institutional overheads. - Equipment purchases. - Costs associated with profit-making initiatives. - Costs for activities that have already been undertaken. Applicants should therefore distinguish clearly between eligible project expenses and normal institutional or previously incurred costs. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Each application must be led by a qualifying academic researcher based at a higher education institution or research institute in Scotland or Ireland.

The lead researcher must:

- Be a full-time or part-time academic researcher. - Be a tenured and/or salaried staff member. - Be based at a higher education institution or research institute. - Be located in Scotland or Ireland. - Have a co-investigator based in the other country. Northern Ireland is excluded from the geographic eligibility for this programme. For example, a researcher based in Ireland must have a co-investigator based in Scotland, while a Scottish lead researcher must have a co-investigator based in Ireland. Are Early Career Researchers Eligible? Yes. Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to lead or participate actively in proposed projects. This makes the programme relevant not only to established researchers but also to researchers developing international research networks and collaborative experience. Can Industry Partners Participate? Yes. The programme allows industry partners to be included in project consortia where their involvement contributes meaningfully to the proposed project. Industry participation can potentially strengthen connections between academic research and practical or policy applications. Required Supporting Statements Applications must include key institutional and partnership documentation.

These include:

- An Institutional Statement of Support. - A Statement of Agreement from the co-investigator. These documents demonstrate institutional backing and confirmation that the collaborating researcher agrees to participate in the proposed project. Low-Carbon Research and Travel Applicants are encouraged to consider low-carbon approaches when designing their projects.

For example, researchers may consider:

- Online meetings. - Virtual workshops. - Online networking. - Hybrid events. - Other altern