Scotland-Asia Partnerships Higher Education Research (SAPHIRE) Fund
SAPHIRE is a grant that aims to enhance the existing international research partnerships between Scottish universities and partners in Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea (projects can include additional partners from other countries).
The RSE Scotland Asia Partnerships Higher education Research (SAPHIRE) Fund is a grant scheme funded by the Scottish Government aimed at developing new, as well as enhancing and adding value to existing international research partnerships between Scottish universities, research institutes and partners in Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Funding is available to Scottish universities and research institutes, with the stated objectives of enabling research to include a focus on environmental issues and climate change; developing new or expanding existing research partnerships (e.g. to other Scottish universities/consortia); developing a practical application for the research and engagement with industry, and widening the scope of the existing partnership.
Research themes
This year’s SAPHIRE scheme invites applications which address the theme of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Renewable Energy, as an international strategic interest identified by the Scottish Government.
Applicant eligibility
The SAPHIRE scheme is open to researchers from all Scottish universities and research institutes that wish to establish new or further develop existing peer-reviewed research projects which:
- relate to the research theme;
- are already receiving peer-reviewed funding (from UK or international funding bodies). For new projects, the applicant needs to have experience/ track record of being awarded peer-reviewed funding;
- include a partner from either Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea. Projects can include additional partners from other countries;
- industry participation is welcomed as part of consortia.
Application process
This award is open from noon on 2 September to noon on 21 October 2026.
Please follow these steps to apply:
- Create a profile or log in here.
- Once in your profile, access and complete the online application – access to the application form is only available if you are logged in. Google Chrome is the recommended browser.
Resources for applicants
RSE SAPHIRE Fund terms and conditions
RSE Research Awards general terms and conditions
What makes a good RSE application?
Contact us
For more information regarding the award, please contact the Research Awards team at Awards@theRSE.org.uk.
Case studies
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Amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, the increased use of electronic tools by journalists has enhanced their work, but also left them vulnerable when it comes to cyber security.
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Dr John Nugent, RSE SAPHIRE Fund awardee discusses his project ‘Neutrino Cross-section Measurements with the Novel WAGASCI Near-detector at T2K’
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Dr Joanne Ingram, RSE SAPHIRE awardee, examines the effects of different approaches to lockdown restrictions in Scotland and Japan.
