Expanding opportunities for Ukrainian researchers: Seed Fund for Research Excellence grant now open
As part of the UK–Ukraine University Twinning Initiative, coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG), the launch of the Seed Fund for Research Excellence programme has been announced. The initiative aims to strengthen the research capacity of Ukrainian universities during this difficult period of war and support their readiness to participate in larger international programmes, such as Horizon Europe.
Despite the challenges posed by the war, Ukrainian higher education institutions continue to advance science, create innovations, and strengthen international partnerships. The Seed Fund programme aims to help expand the research capabilities of universities, deepen cooperation with foreign partners, support young scientists, and increase the global visibility of Ukrainian higher education institutions.
Priorities of the grant programme: support for small but highly effective joint research projects; development and strengthening of international academic partnerships; preparation for participation in large-scale grant programmes, in particular Horizon Europe; mentoring support, training events and development of young researchers; preparation of scientific publications and dissemination of research results.
Funding: up to £30,000 per project; the programme is open for all fields of study; there's no limit on the number of applications from one university; preference is given to partnerships within Twinning, but applications are open for any international collaboration.
Key dates: Drop-in session: 2 December 2025, 14:00 (GMT) / 16:00 (Kyiv time).
Registration is available at: https://forms.gle/guHZBKbL39aQ6Bs17
Submission deadline: 16 January 2026, 20:00 (GMT) / 22:00 (Kyiv time).
Who can apply: Ukrainian universities in partnership with international higher education institutions; partnerships both within and outside the Twinning Initiative. Multiple applications from a single institution are permitted.
Documents (Application Form, Budget Proposal and additional materials, if necessary) are available on the Twinning initiative website at: https://www.twinningukraine.com/seed-fund-1
University communities are invited to actively participate and submit projects to expand international cooperation and develop scientific potential.