UCL-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Strategic Partner Funds 2025-26

UCL and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are contributing matching funds to support collaborative education and research initiatives through a joint call for proposals.

Projects

This call invites proposals for partnership development activity in areas of mutual interest and complementary strengths that will deepen collaboration between UCL and SJTU. 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.

Proposals from all fields are welcome but those related to the following fields are particularly encouraged:
•    Sustainability and climate crisis 
•    Global Health and Wellbeing
•    Life sciences
•    Healthcare engineering
•    Physics and astronomy
•    Computing science and artificial intelligence (AI) 

Up to eight 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 staff members with the following roles.  Applications from Early Career Researchers, or staff with equivalent professional training are welcomed: 
•    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

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 and duration  

Up to eight successful proposals will receive up to approximately £10,000. Funding will be jointly provided by UCL and SJTU, 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 SJTU.
4. All applications must be submitted online via the UCL submission portal. Access here.
5. Only complete submissions will be considered.
6. Late applications will not be considered.

Apply now

Contact

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

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

Shanghai Jiao Tong University:
Yan Xiuxing
Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange 
simonayan@sjtu.edu.cn

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