Universities UK International (UUKi) has opened a second round of the UK-France Science, Innovation, and Technology pump-priming grants scheme. The scheme is available to UUK member institutions to use in the context of research and innovation partnerships with France. It's funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) via the Tactical Fund. Applications for this scheme closed on Monday 13 October 2025 at 5pm GMT.
About the scheme
Following the UK-France bilateral research dialogue which took place on 29 February 2024 in London, the UK Government and the French Government each committed funding to support the establishment and development of research collaborations on a bilateral basis between the UK and France. In line with this objective, Universities UK International (UUKi, an operating unit of Universities UK (UUK)) launched call one of the UK-France Science, Innovation, and Technology pump-priming scheme in November 2024 which received funding via the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).
Following the success of call one, UUKi is now launching a second call of the UK-France Science, Innovation and Technology pump priming scheme. This programme of competitive grants is available exclusively to UUK member institutions and UUKi subscribers to use in the context of research and innovation partnerships with France.
We welcome creative applications from institutions for activities that support the development of new, recently established or dormant partnerships between the UK and France as they relate to research and innovation, with a goal of developing and submitting a Horizon Europe application building on their grant idea for the first time. Priority will be given to those with a particular focus on energy transition and hydrogen, space and earth observation, artificial intelligence including ethics, and quantum, as defined by the two countries during recent bilateral dialogues.
The funding for this pump-priming scheme has been provided by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) via the Tactical Fund. The Tactical Fund is an international science and technology fund which enables DSIT to respond agilely to political science commitments and new science and technology opportunities.
Objectives and aims of the scheme
Successful institutions will be expected to demonstrate how the targeted activities will support or enable researchers to develop collaborative activity between the UK and France, with a goal of working towards a submission of a Horizon Europe application, building on their grant idea when a relevant call opens. Applications from lead researchers who have previously not received any Horizon Europe (or predecessor) funding are particularly encouraged.
Project activity could include:
- feasibility studies
- project development workshops
- application advice and training
- partnership building
- resource to develop an application for Horizon Europe participation
In line with UUK’s charitable objectives, the primary beneficiaries of the funding programme must be UK higher education institutions.
The outcomes that this second call will deliver include:
- UK universities will have resources to build long-term strategic partnerships that support both institutional and UK-wide research and innovation priorities.
- shared resources and capabilities that will better position UK universities to participate in Horizon Europe, and particularly within the areas of:
- energy transition and hydrogen
- space and earth observation
- artificial intelligence including ethics
- quantum
- partnerships between the UK and French research ecosystem that advance existing, and develop new, research and innovation collaborations, with a particular focus on Horizon Europe
- applicants who have never received EU Framework Programme funding will be supported to develop Horizon Europe applications, including Early Career Researchers
Eligibility
The second call of the UK-France Science, Innovation and Technology pump-priming scheme is open to all UK HEIs that are UUK members and UUKi subscribers, and eligible to receive grant funding from one of the UK higher education funding bodies (such as UK Research and Innovation). It is expected that the lead applicant from the UK HEI will lead the relationship with the existing or new partner in France.
Completed application forms must be submitted online by a designated lead applicant from a UK HEI and signed off by an appropriate senior representative of the institution. A senior representative might constitute a head of department, school or faculty. Please note that the lead applicant must obtain the appropriate level of institutional sign-off (this will depend on the UK HEI’s internal approval processes) before submitting the application.
To be eligible to apply the lead applicant must:
- be a researcher
- hold a PhD or equivalent qualification
- be a permanent employee or treated as one throughout the proposed research project
- be employed at an institution which receives grant funding from one of the UK higher education funding bodies
- devote a set amount of their working hours to delivering this project
- be proposing to establish either a new partnership, or nurture a recently-established or dormant partnership with academic institutions, organisations or companies in France
- confirm that the proposal has been discussed with their French counterparts
- not have received any funding via the first call of the UK-France pump-priming scheme
- have identified a Horizon Europe cluster or call they would like to apply to
If your French counterpart has received funding via the Sophie Germain Funding Scheme by the French Embassy in London, please share this with us in your application.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is Monday 13 October 2025 at 5pm GMT.
All applications must be submitted via the dedicated call webpage using the designated online application form. See below for links to all documentation related to the scheme.
Application form and accompanying documentation
Frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions will be updated to ensure that answers to questions are as transparent as possible. Please check back regularly or get in touch with us at [email protected] if you can’t find the answer to your question.
Application
I’m having trouble viewing the online application form.
The application form has been created using Microsoft Forms. If you are having trouble viewing this, please try to open the form in a different web browser (for example Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer). If the form does not load immediately, please click the refresh button; this sometimes resolves the issue. If you have tried multiple browsers, and have refreshed the page but still cannot see the online application form, please email our Strategic Partnerships Team: [email protected].
Who should submit the application and who is the responsible signatory?
The lead applicant, namely the person who will be most closely involved with the delivery of the proposed project at the UK higher education institution (HEI), should complete and submit the application form. However, please note that the lead applicant must obtain the appropriate level of institutional sign-off (this will depend on the UK HEI’s internal approval processes) before submitting the application.
Will there be any further calls for proposals?
There is not currently any plan to run further UK-France calls.
Do I need to confirm the details of the individual researchers planning to be included in the scheme as part of my application?
You need to provide the name, role and a very brief explanation of the research profile of the lead contact at the partner organisation.
What is covered under travel costs?
You can claim for standard class/economy rail and flight fares. Any other class will not be covered.
What is the Sophie Germain scheme?
The Sophie Germain scheme is run by the French Embassy, with a focus on fostering scientific and technological collaboration between the UK and France. Call one of the scheme was launched in June 2024 and call two in June 2025. If your French counterpart has received funding via the Sophie Germain Funding Scheme by the French Embassy in London for either call one or two, please let us know in your application.
Eligible partner organisations
Is there a list of eligible/recognised partner organisations? Are there any that are out of scope?
The partner organisation must be based in France and are eligible to bid for Horizon Europe funding.
Applications are open to UK HEIs to apply with new, recently established, or dormant partners that are academic institutions, organisations or companies in France.
If I have previously been awarded funding under the first call of the pump-priming scheme but am now applying with a new project, am I eligible?
Yes. If you have been involved or have led on a project that has previously received pump-priming funding, but are now applying with a different project, you are still eligible to apply. When asked on the application form if the project or partnership has previously been a recipient of pump-priming scheme funding, please tick no.
Are there set criteria for what would constitute a ‘partner organisation’, ie does there need to be a formal agreement in place (e.g. MoU)?
Having a formal agreement in place is not necessary but a certain level of prior relationship between the Lead applicant at the UK HEI and the counterpart at the partner organisation is required. In the context of new partnerships, these would be those where the work is in its formative stages, but conversations about a project idea have taken place. It is for institutions to determine what constitutes a ‘partner’ for their institution and purposes, and therefore which of their French partnership(s) they would want to further develop through the use of the funding. Lead applicants are, however, encouraged to take note of the selection criteria (new, recently established or dormant partnership), when considering which organisations to engage with through this scheme. For example, you will need to showcase as part of the application form how this funding will help increase the activity in the short-term and how this funding will contribute to longer term partner activity and engagements (see selection criteria ‘Strategic partnership fit’).
Are the travel costs only for lead or partner institution staff, or can we also cover costs for other non-French partners who would be involved in developing a Horizon application?
We acknowledge that within Horizon Europe collaborative calls there are often opportunities for projects with more than two institutions or organisations to take part. In the case of applying for this funding with a project that has an additional non-French partner(s), please use the following guidance. Travel costs must be used for travel between the lead UK institution and their French partner. However, if you are holding a workshop or meeting with your whole project team and part of your funding is being used for room hire and subsistence, this can be covered for all participants involved.
Travel arrangements
Who is responsible for arranging travel and accommodation?
Should travel be required for the project the lead UK HEI will be the award holder and will be responsible for administering the funding in accordance with the offer of award letter (which includes terms and conditions); this includes arranging travel and accommodation.
UUKi would strongly advise flexible tickets being purchased as if arrangements need to be amended for any reason (including those due to unforeseen circumstances) then no further funding will be granted to replace the lost costs. Receipts should be kept in case of any future programme audit by DSIT.
Will researchers need a visa? Which process should I follow?
Should travel be required for the project, the lead applicant at the UK HEI will take responsibility for ensuring that all appropriate visa and immigration requirements are fully complied with. If researchers require a visa to travel to France, the UK HEI will ensure that they meet all relevant immigration requirements.
Who is responsible for arranging insurance for my trip in the case that the application is successful?
Lead applicants need to ensure that their UK HEI and partner have adequate insurance as appropriate as UUKi cannot take responsibility for any issues which may occur during the visit. Lead applicants will accept full responsibility for all aspects of the visit and ensure appropriate insurance for any risks associated with taking part in travelling abroad, including all unexpected and uncontrollable events. UUKi will not be liable for the consequences of any such risks, or any costs incurred.
Researchers
How are the costs allocated?
Proposals should be for up to a maximum of £10,000. UUKi expects to make around 20 awards altogether, but this is highly dependent on the number of applications and the amount of funding requested. Costs beyond this limit are not covered.
Is there a maximum number of researchers that can be funded as part of the scheme?
There is no cap on the number of researchers that can be included in a bid. It is therefore up to institutions to determine the activities that can feasibly be delivered within the time available, and that will most likely achieve the desired outcome/impact. UUKi will be looking to award a diverse range of institution types/models as part of this scheme so institutions are expected to prioritise applications that are most closely aligned to the call’s objectives.
Affiliation: must researchers be employed permanently by the UK HEI applying?
Researchers must be employed at the applicant’s UK HEI throughout the duration of the project. This may be on a permanent or other contractual basis but must cover the full funding period.
Which activities are in scope as part of the pump priming; are there any activities that are out of scope?
Any activity that is undertaken should aim to respond to the objectives set out for the scheme which is to support the development of new, recently-established or dormant partnerships between the UK and France as they relate to research and/or innovation, with an end goal of submitting a Horizon Europe application building on the pump priming activities.
Activities may include but are not limited to feasibility studies, project development workshops, application advice and training, partnership building, resource to develop an application for Horizon Europe participation.
The budget template includes a list of eligible and ineligible costs.
If we are the lead applicant, are we expected to be the project coordinator on the upcoming Horizon calls?
The lead applicant from the UK HEI is expected to take the lead on the project and devote a set amount of their working hours to delivering this project. This should be in collaboration with a French partner, and it is for the lead applicant at the UK HEI to lead the project and initiate the contact/ensure cohesiveness of the partnership and the project’s work. In relation to the Horizon Europe application process that would follow this funding, it is up to the project team themselves to determine how best to structure the governance of their bid, in accordance with Horizon Europe eligibility criteria.
Payments
Will the payment be made to the lead HEI or to the researcher directly?
Award funding will be transferred to the lead UK HEI, who will make local arrangements with their researchers for administering and managing the funding. One invoice will be required to be sent by the UK HEI after approval of the final project report and budget. The invoice must be issued on or before 31 March 2026.
Will the UK HEI be expected to continue to pay the researchers their regular salary?
Yes. The funding is designed to support an activity run through a UK HEI and its partner. Salary costs for permanent members of staff are not eligible to be funded through this scheme.
When do I need to spend the funds by?
All funds need to be spent by 16 March 2026.
Reporting
How often will I need to submit reports and invoices to UUKi and what accompanying documentation is needed?
The UK HEI that receives the funding will be responsible for submitting a mid-project report to update on progress and a final report to confirm that activities have taken place. The mid project report will be required by 15 January 2026, and the final report will be required by 16 March 2026, after the project has been completed. A reporting template will be available on the scheme webpage. Grantees will be required to provide further reporting on their award after the final report, including in relation to the outcome of their application to Horizon Europe.
Do receipts have to be provided alongside the budget template to show proof of spend?
We do not require you to provide receipts as proof of spend. However, in the event of an audit we will require this, so please do keep them securely stored should we ask you to provide them. We also encourage you to check with your institution what is required internally for them to sign off on your spend.
What is the responsibility of the partner organisation?
There is no set requirement for the partner organisation to submit separate reports, but they will be expected to input into the reporting carried out by the lead UK HEI as and when necessary to contribute to the project outcomes.
Is there anything to consider/be aware of in order to satisfy the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion requirements as part of my application?
Please follow the guidance set out in the application form. To help with addressing EDI (including gender) please refer to this Gender Equality Framework.
What are the Trusted Research principles that I need to be aware of?
Trusted Research is advice and guidance published jointly by NPSA and the NCSC which supports the integrity of the system of international research collaboration. Designed in partnership with the sector, it provides guidance to researchers, university staff and funding organisations to help keep sensitive research and intellectual property secure from theft, misuse or exploitation. You should be familiar with the principles and frameworks, which can be found using NPSA's website.
Successful partnerships
Following the call for applications, 20 partnerships were awarded grants:
- Northumbria University, École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture Paris Vel de Seine
- Heriot-Watt University, Université de Lorraine
- Brunel University of London, EM Normandie Business School
- The University of Edinburgh, Université de Lorraine
- University of Portsmouth, University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
- Edinburgh Napier University, CentraleSupélec
- University of Bristol, CEA Grenoble
- University of Nottingham, Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est
- Imperial College London, Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées
- The University of Edinburgh, CEA, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
- Coventry University, FEV France
- University of Sheffield, Sorbonne University
- Brunel University of London, Université d'Orléans
- University of Birmingham, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur
- University of Bath, Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel
- Birkbeck, University of London, Université Paris-Saclay
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Université de Haute-Alsace
- University of Sussex, CNRS - Systemes de Reference Temps-Espace (SYRTE) laboratory
- University of Exeter, France Energies Marines
- Lancaster University, Aix-Marseille Université
The UK-France Science, Innovation and Technology Pump-Priming scheme — call two is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through its Tactical Fund.
Previous schemes under UUKi’s programme to build a strategic research and innovation ecosystem between the UK and France have also been funded by DSIT through the International Science Partnerships Fund.