Research Development International Collaboration Awards

The new Research Development International Collaboration Awards (RDICA) are designed to catalyse, support and advance collaborative research development between University of Bristol academics and colleagues from around the world, resulting in high quality research outcomes and impacts. Applicants must demonstrate clear and explicit plans for collaborative research funding bids, as well as other outcomes including policy briefings, and/or international co-authored publications. The awards should be viewed as part of the first phase of funding that will enable longer-term research collaborations between the University of Bristol and international collaborators.

Supported activities

• Short international visits, collaborative workshops and similar activities.
• Visits/activities lasting a few days up to a month.
• Activities and related spend for the August 2025 deadline must be completed between 1 November 2025 and 31 July 2026.
• It does not fund conferences or sustained research activity itself. 

Level of funding available

• Normally £2-3k, and up to £4k where fully justified.
• Up to £5k for applications with an International Co-Applicant from a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC), in recognition of additional/higher costs including flights and visa costs, and the lack of financial capacity within some LMIC universities to contribute to project costs. Please check this with us as the RDICAs run in line with UKRI's policy.

Who can apply

• All proposals must have a University of Bristol Academic Lead.
• One or more International Co-Applicant(s).

When to apply

• Applications will be reviewed following quarterly deadlines.
• The next confirmed deadline is:
  • 1 August 2025 - for projects taking place from 1 November 2025 (i.e. Projects must start at least 3 months after the application deadline)
• We normally aim to communicate decisions within eight weeks of the submission deadline. 

How to apply

You must read the call specification document before starting your application, paying particular attention to eligibility requirements, application guidance, and conditions of funding:

• Research Development International Collaboration Awards call specification (Office document, 862kB)
• Research Development International Collaboration Awards application form (Office document, 818kB)
• RDICA Frequently Asked Questions (Office document, 826kB)

 For all queries, please contact the Research Development International team via rd-international@bristol.ac.uk.