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UK-France research collaboration strengthened through science and innovation schemes
Last updated on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 3:39pm
UK-France Researcher Mobility Scheme awardees announced.
The UK-France Science, Innovation and Technology Pump-Priming Scheme and Researcher Mobility Scheme are designed to strengthen UK-France research collaboration and support UK participation in Horizon Europe. Delivered by Universities UK International (UUKi), and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), the scheme has enabled universities across the UK to develop or strengthen research partnerships with French institutions.
Earlier this year, 12 UK universities were awarded grants through the Pump-Priming Scheme, a competitive funding programme focused on building and strengthening bilateral partnerships. With all projects now completed, activities funded covered a broad range of disciplines, from climate science and biomedical research to AI.
Examples of projects carried out under the scheme include:
- University College London partnered with Sorbonne University to develop machine learning solutions for optimising antibiotic production processes.
- University of Exeter collaborated with the French National Centre for Scientific Research to examine public civility and dialogue in democracies, bringing together civil society partners across both countries.
- University of Nottingham, in partnership with Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, piloted the use of microalgae grown in brewery waste to produce a carbon-negative biofertiliser.
- University of Bristol worked with the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment to co-design a research programme using data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite to better understand and manage global flood risk.
- Coventry University collaborated with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to run technical workshops and develop a Horizon Europe proposal focused on advancing hydrogen energy systems.
The lead researcher from Coventry University’s project highlighted the scheme’s impact, stating:
The UK-France Pump-Priming funding has been instrumental in strengthening Coventry University’s strategic collaboration with CEA, France’s leading energy research organisation. The funding enabled us to form a strong consortium, engage in focused technical workshops, and prepare a competitive Horizon Europe proposal addressing challenges in hydrogen systems. This level of structured bilateral engagement would not have been possible without the flexibility and timely support provided by this scheme.
Coventry University
Building on this momentum, UUKi is pleased to announce the awardees of the UK-France Science, Innovation and Technology Researcher Mobility Scheme. Also funded by DSIT via the ISPF, this scheme supports UK-based researchers and research-related staff to undertake international mobility placements in France for periods of one to eight months.
The Researcher Mobility Scheme awardees are:
- University College London - Ecole Normale Supérieure
- University of Sussex - Toulouse University III Paul Sabatier
- De Montfort University - GREMAN - Université de Tours
- University of Nottingham - University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard
- Newcastle University - University Paris-Saclay
- Heriot Watt University - University of Rennes
- University of Strathclyde - University Paris-Saclay
- University of Nottingham - University of Grenoble Alpes
- University of Essex - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
- Edinburgh Napier University - La Rochelle University
- University of Cambridge - Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques
Edinburgh Napier University’s project lead researcher commented:
The funding from the UK-France Researcher Mobility scheme will help us develop a new partnership that aligns with Edinburgh Napier University's institutional research objectives. This mobility project would contribute to building a new partnership, developing new skills, and sharing knowledge/experience with researchers in an international, world-class research institution, such as La Rochelle Université.
Edinburgh Napier University
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, said:
I’m delighted to see the achievements of our Pump-Priming Scheme awardees in building impactful UK-France research partnerships. These projects highlight the value of international collaboration in addressing a wide range of global challenges. I look forward to continued success through the Researcher Mobility Scheme, which will further strengthen the foundations for sustained bilateral collaboration.
Jamie Arrowsmith
Director, Universities UK International
UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Vallance said:
The UK and France have deep and broad science and research ties, both bilaterally and through Horizon Europe. Today our experts are leading the way in fields like AI, quantum and space, which have great potential to grow both our economies, and improve lives.
“Unlocking the benefits of scientific breakthroughs, in close collaboration with key partners like France, is an important part of our Plan for Change. This new support will only boost those ambitions, bringing our researchers even closer together to address critical challenges in areas like climate, health, and technology.
Lord Vallance
UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation