This ambitious investment aims to strengthen the UK’s research capacity and enhance the long-term sustainability of its research ecosystem.
By supporting the movement of global talent, the programme looks to bolster the UK’s already world-renowned research culture and position it at the forefront of international collaboration and innovation.
Welcoming international talent
Awarded as institutional grants, £54 million in funding will be allocated to around 10 UK research organisations.
These organisations will receive funding based on their organisational strengths in:
- successfully receiving and using competitive international funding
- recruiting and retaining international researchers
These awards will enable institutions to rapidly recruit and embed international research talent, while providing the necessary resources for long-term programme development.
Commitment to global collaboration
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) International Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said:
This government-funded initiative sends a powerful message: the UK is open to the world’s best researchers, and we are ready to invest in their success. It will be a complementary part of the broad array of support available across the UK research system from UKRI programmes to Horizon Europe association, National Academy fellowships, and more.
By providing generous financial support, including full relocation and research costs, and using the Global Talent visa as a key enabler, we are creating a welcoming, flexible, and well-resourced environment where international talent can thrive.
This fund is a clear expression of our commitment to global collaboration and to maintaining the UK’s status as a vibrant, inclusive, and highly respected research destination.
Removing significant barriers
Projects are to deliver on Industrial Strategy priority sectors.
The fund will cover 100% of eligible costs, including both relocation and research expenses, with no requirement for match funding.
The initiative also includes full visa costs for researchers and their dependants, removing significant financial and administrative barriers to relocation.
Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:
Scientific excellence so often relies on international collaboration and the Global Talent Fund, will help carefully selected participating institutes with proven track records to attract outstanding researchers from across the globe to the UK’s world class research ecosystem.
By removing practical barriers around relocation challenges and costs, and through the delivery of a raft of new fellowships from both inside and outside of Government, we are making it easier for talented researchers to build their future here and in turn drive groundbreaking discoveries that attract further investment, helping us deliver on our Plan for Change.
Attracting the brightest minds
Awarded organisations are encouraged to form partnerships, at their discretion, with:
- UK universities
- public sector research organisations
- other funders
- commercial organisations
Over the next five years, this initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world to the UK.
This will significantly boost research capacity across key institutions and lay the groundwork for enduring research and innovation excellence.
Further information
For more information, view the Global Talent Fund or contact globaltalentfund@ukri.org if you have any questions.