UCL-Chinese University of Hong Kong Strategic Partner Funds 2025-26

UCL and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) are contributing matching funds to support collaborative education and research initiatives through a joint call for proposals.

Projects

This call invites research proposals in areas of mutual interest and complementary strengths that will strengthen the partnership between UCL and CUHK. The initiative seeks to build on existing links and stimulate new ones between UCL and CUHK. Successful applicants will clearly outline in their proposal a specific project or joint research activity that they would like to explore with their counterparts.

Proposals from all fields are welcome. Proposals should be co-led by a Lead Applicant at each institution and can involve a wider team of participants from each institution, as appropriate to the activities proposed.

Up to three joint projects will be selected for funding. Proposals will be assessed by a committee composed of members from both institutions. 

Eligibility

Applications are open to UCL and CUHK staff members in the following roles:

UCL: 
•    Professor or equivalent
•    Associate Professor / Reader or equivalent
•    Senior Lecturer / Principal Researcher / Principal Research Associate or equivalent
•    Lecturer / Senior Research Associate or equivalent
•    Post Doc / Researcher / Research Associate or equivalent

CUHK:

• Faculty members ranked at Research Assistant Professors or above holding full-time employment from all disciplines and at all levels are welcome to apply. Award holders are required to remain in university service for not less than a year upon completion of the activities in the proposal.

Applicants from UCL must have an open-ended UCL contract or a fixed-term contract which lasts until at least July 2026. 

Proposals are to be prepared jointly but only one joint proposal should be submitted by the UCL Lead Applicant through the submission link.

Principal Investigators from UCL should be aware of the rules stipulated in the Partner Funds webpage here.

Value

Up to three successful proposals will receive up to approximately £20,000. Funding will be jointly provided by UCL and CUHK, with 50% going to the academics at each respective institution. 

Timeline 

How to apply

1. Download a copy of the full guidance and read it carefully.
2. Use the application form.
3. All applications must be jointly developed by a Principal Investigator from UCL and CUHK.
4. All applications must be submitted online via the UCL portal. Access here.
5. Only complete submissions will be considered.
6. Late applications will not be considered.

Apply now

If you are interested in connecting with a potential research partner at CUHK, please fill in this form.  

Contact

If you have any questions about the UCL-CUHK Strategic Partner Funds, please contact:

UCL: 
Zhou Kuang
Global Engagement Manager
zhou.kuang@ucl.ac.uk

CUHK: 
Olivia Kwok
Programme Manager, Office of Academic Links
oliviakwok@cuhk.edu.hk

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