Global Research Fund
LSE offers a number of funding schemes to help researchers build and grow international collaborations. Together, these funds help LSE researchers connect globally, co-create high-impact research, and strengthen strategic international alliances.
About the Global Research Fund (GRF)
The GRF provides seed funding for individual LSE academics to develop international collaborations with nominated research partners. It offers targeted support for establishing or strengthening research links, enabling collaborative activities that lead to joint publications and future grant applications.
Funding available:
- Tier 1 awards, for bridging existing collaborations: up to £2,500
- Tier 2 awards, for developing new collaborations: up to £5,000
Sample activities:
- Joint research development activities that often do not receive financial support at the earliest stages, e.g. on-site meetings, seminars and, workshops
- Inbound and outbound visits as part of reciprocal agreement; Invited lectures and seminars to establish or enhance contacts between groups and individuals
- Proposal development targeting external funding opportunities
- New network membership that further raises the departmental/institutional international profile through targeted engagement with specialist alliances or networks
View the GRF guidance
Download the application form
Contact global@lse.ac.uk if you have any questions.
New for 2026/27
Alongside the core scheme, we are pleased to launch two new spotlight opportunities:
- Interdisciplinary Spotlight
For projects combining expertise from across disciplines to tackle the complex global challenges affecting societies and the planet - Africa Spotlight
For joint submissions with research partners in Africa, where we are committed to building mutually beneficial long-term collaborations
Enabled by additional funding, these spotlights support areas of growing strategic importance for LSE. Funding for the core GRF scheme remains unaffected, and proposals not related to the spotlight themes are equally encouraged.
Further details are below.
Key dates
| Term | Opening date | Closing date | Outcomes announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter term | 13 October 2026 | 30 January 2027 | March 2027 |
| Spring term | TBC | TBC | TBC |
If funding is fully allocated in the Winter Term, no further Spring Term round will open.
This scheme is administered by the International Strategy and Academic Partnerships (ISAP) team in Philanthropy and Global Engagement (PAGE), and overseen by Professor Susana Mourato, LSE's Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research).
Spotlights
What?
The Africa Spotlight supports partnership-building activity with institutions across Africa through the Global Research Fund. Applications should focus on developing sustainable and mutually beneficial research collaborations that have the potential to lead to joint research outputs, future funding bids, and long-term institutional relationships.
Why?
This spotlight builds on LSE's growing engagement with partners across Africa and reflects the importance of strengthening research collaboration in the continent. It supports the delivery of LSE's international ambitions by encouraging new and deeper research partnerships, helping to create sustainable and equitable academic networks and opportunities for future collaborative research.
How?
Applicants who wish to be considered for this spotlight should select the Africa Spotlight option in the application form. Applications will be assessed against the same selection criteria as the core Global Research Fund scheme. The panel reserves the right to reallocate applications to a more appropriate strand where necessary. This will not affect the validity of an application.
You may not hold more than one project on the same scheme at any one time, either as PI or Co-I.
What?
The Interdisciplinary Spotlight supports research on the complex challenges facing societies and the planet. Issues such as sustainable development, inequality and technological change require expertise from multiple disciplines. Drawing on its world-leading social science research, policy engagement and global partnerships, LSE is uniquely placed to foster this work. This spotlight will support innovative collaborations within LSE and with international partners, generating new knowledge and solutions to pressing global challenges.
Why?
Many of today's most pressing challenges require perspectives from multiple disciplines. This spotlight is designed to encourage researchers to develop innovative collaborations across disciplinary boundaries, while supporting LSE's commitment to interdisciplinary research and strengthening the visibility, reach and impact of research that connects expertise from different fields. By fostering more interdisciplinary collaboration, the spotlight will create opportunities for impactful research partnerships and future high-impact research activity.
How?
Applicants who wish to be considered for this spotlight should select the Interdisciplinary Spotlight option in the application form. Applications will be assessed against the same selection criteria as the core Global Research Fund scheme. The panel reserves the right to reallocate applications to a more appropriate strand where necessary. This will not affect the validity of an application.
You may not hold more than one project on the same scheme at any one time, either as PI or Co-I.
GRF Panel
We work with a comprehensive panel of senior faculty members from different areas across LSE to review applications and provide expert advice. The 2026/27 panel members are:
- Dr Tim Hildebrandt
- Professor Armine Ishkanian
- Professor Paul Kelly
- Professor Alvaro Mendez
- Professor Leigh Gardner
Frequently asked questions
PIs and CoIlaborators:
- You must be a member of Faculty, Research and Policy Staff, and LSE Fellows as listed in LSE HR Role Profiles, including in practice roles. *Education Career Track (ECT) staff are not eligible.
- You must have a contract of employment with their Academic Unit at LSE in place for the entire project duration and be able to demonstrate continued links with LSE into the future. Projects cannot be used to extend LSE contracts of employment.
- Current Students, Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), Emeritus, and Guest Teacher role holders may not apply.
- You may only apply once per round across both schemes.
- Applicants must confirm that they have the full support of their host academic unit as part of their application.
- You may not hold more than one project on the same scheme at any one time (either as PI or Co-I).
Yes, domestic partners may be included if the consortium has an international dimension.
Yes, non-academic partners can participate, provided academic institutions are also involved in the collaboration.
No, this grant is not intended to fund conference attendance as the primary project activity. The costs of presenting at conferences are expected to be met through researchers’ individual research allowances or other appropriate sources. While conference participation may form part of a project, the principal focus must remain on collaborative engagement and the proposed outcomes.
This seed fund is intended to support collaboration and partnership development rather than direct research activities. While fieldwork or data collection may be considered, they must clearly contribute to the collaborative objectives and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For funding focused on direct research, please refer to other schemes available through LSE and external sources.
No, written approval is not required. However, you should explain any existing links with partner institutions in your application.
Recommended outcomes include joint publications and joint funding proposals. Refer to the scheme guidance for more details.
Your application will still be valid. The panel reserves the right to reallocate applications to the appropriate strand or funding tier.