Scotland Asia Partnerships Higher Education Research Fund (UK)

Deadline: 21-Oct-2026

The SAPHIRE Fund supports Scottish universities and research institutes in developing or strengthening international research partnerships focused on climate change, biodiversity and renewable energy with partners in selected Asia-Pacific countries. The fund provides £5,000 to £10,000 for projects lasting up to six months. Funding is intended to support research activities that strengthen collaboration between Scottish and Asia-Pacific researchers, develop practical applications from research and create opportunities for broader partnerships. Projects are encouraged to involve industry and may expand existing collaborations to include other Scottish universities, research organisations or consortia.

About the SAPHIRE Fund

The SAPHIRE Fund is designed to help Scottish researchers establish new international research relationships or further develop existing partnerships with researchers and institutions in selected Asia-Pacific countries. The programme focuses on research collaboration around major environmental and energy challenges, particularly: - Climate change. - Biodiversity. - Renewable energy. The fund also encourages projects to move beyond academic collaboration by exploring practical applications, industry engagement and opportunities to broaden partnerships. How Much Funding Is Available?

Eligible projects can receive between:

£5,000 and £10,000 Projects can run for a maximum of: Six months Applicants should ensure that the requested funding is appropriate for the proposed research activities and collaboration objectives. The grant is intended to support activities that contribute meaningfully to the development or enhancement of the international research partnership. What Research Themes Are Supported? The SAPHIRE Fund focuses on research related to three key themes: Climate Change Projects can explore research challenges and opportunities related to climate change, particularly where international collaboration can strengthen research outcomes or practical applications. Biodiversity Biodiversity-focused projects can examine issues where collaboration between Scottish and Asia-Pacific researchers can contribute to better research, knowledge exchange or practical solutions. Renewable Energy The fund also supports research partnerships focused on renewable energy and related challenges and opportunities. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project directly relates to the applicable annual research theme. International Research Partnerships A central objective of the SAPHIRE Fund is to strengthen connections between Scottish and Asia-Pacific research partners.

Projects can:

- Establish a new international research partnership. - Further develop an existing partnership. - Expand an existing collaboration. - Build broader research networks. - Explore opportunities for future collaborative research. - Involve additional international partners where appropriate. The fund is therefore suitable for researchers who want to develop international relationships that can potentially support longer-term research collaboration. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are researchers from Scottish universities and research institutes. Applicants should be seeking to establish new or further develop existing peer-reviewed research projects. The proposed project must also involve a partner from one of the specified Asia-Pacific countries. Peer-Reviewed Research Requirement The proposed project must be connected to peer-reviewed research.

Projects must either:

- Already be receiving peer-reviewed funding, or - Be led by applicants who have a track record of receiving such funding. Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate appropriate research experience and evidence of peer-reviewed research funding. Asia-Pacific Partnership Requirement Projects must involve a research partner from one of the specified Asia-Pacific countries. The international partnership should be relevant to the proposed research and contribute meaningfully to the project’s objectives. Applicants should clearly explain the role of the Asia-Pacific partner and how the collaboration will strengthen the proposed research. Industry Participation Industry participation is welcomed as part of project consortia. This creates opportunities for research teams to connect academic research with practical applications and potential real-world use. Applicants should explain how industry partners will contribute to the project where industry participation is included. Practical Applications of Research Projects are encouraged to develop practical applications for research. This means applicants should consider how their research collaboration could contribute to practical solutions, technologies, approaches, knowledge or other outcomes relevant to climate change, biodiversity or renewable energy. Applications should clearly communicate the potential value and practical relevance of the proposed research activities. Expanding Existing Partnerships The SAPHIRE Fund can support researchers who want to broaden existing international partnerships. Existing collaborations may potentially be expanded to include: - Other Scottish universities. - Research institutes. - Consortia. - Industry partners. - Additional international partners. The ability to broaden a partnership can help create larger and more diverse research networks. Additional International Partners Projects may include additional partners from other countries. However, the core international partnership must involve a partner from one of the specified Asia-Pacific countries. Applicants should clearly explain the contribution and relevance of any additional international partners included in the project. Project Duration Projects supported by the SAPHIRE Fund can last for up to: Six months Applicants should develop a realistic work plan that can be completed within this period. The proposed activities should be achievable with the requested funding