Skip to main content

International Research Funding Opportunities

The International Partnerships team currently facilitates the University of Bath Global Chair Scheme and the match funded FAPESP SPRINT calls.

The Global Chair Scheme and the FAPESP SPRINT calls provide University of Bath academics and academics from across the globe the financial support and opportunity to collaborate on research in a number of different fields.

The International Relations Office previously ran schemes such as the IRO Partnership Funding Scheme which provided many opportunities for mobility funding to support international partnership development.

The IRO Funding Schemes

Operational between 2012 and 2021, the IRO Funding Schemes were internal seed-funding schemes that played a role in supporting staff mobility, PhD visits and network-building activities with international partners.

The Funding Schemes underwent significant changes, adapting to changing external contexts and institutional priorities. Originally designed to support research and doctoral training, the schemes expanded to become more inclusive for our staff and support the internationalisation of vital dimensions of our University.

Successfully awarded funding within the Bath International Research Funding Scheme promoted cooperation and collaboration with existing and new international partners. Some of the projects that were funded are detailed below.

Understanding ageing and the end of life care issues between West and East in Shanghai, China

Over the span of four years, Dr. John Troyer, alongside esteemed collaborators from the University of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Social Science, and Shanghai Academy, spearheaded a groundbreaking research initiative.


Funeral casket with white flowers in a church

Focused on the multifaceted dynamics of ageing, end-of-life care, and social policy, the project delved deep into the intricate intersections of public health, economics, grief, and hospice care. Bringing together thirty students from Bath and China, the endeavor not only enriched their understanding but also fostered a remarkable exchange of academic insights and cultural perspectives.

The collaborative funding facilitated an array of impactful outcomes, including academic publications, international workshops, and strategic partnerships, amplifying the discourse surrounding end-of-life care and social policy. Through expertise-sharing fellowships, research collaborations, and scholarly publications, the project left an indelible mark on both academic scholarship and real-world policy implementations. Moreover, by engaging in teaching opportunities, fostering international connections, and expanding the influence of the Centre for Death and Society (CDAS) and the University of Bath, the project's legacy extends far beyond its duration.


From individual stellar explosions to galactic-scale stellar feedback and enrichment

Professor Stijn Wuyts, in collaboration with researchers at the Max Plank Institute for Extra-terrestrial Physics (MPE), investigated the dynamics of stellar explosions and their profound impact on galactic evolution.


Professor Stijn Wuyts

Through an observation and state-of-the-art modeling, the project unveiled the pivotal role of supernova explosions in driving the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium, thus shaping the baryon cycle within galaxies. This endeavor resulted in a prolific output of 19 peer-reviewed publications and garnered international recognition through 20 conference presentations, solidifying Bath Astrophysics' position on the global stage.

Notably, the collaboration's longevity was sustained and enhanced by the seed funding, facilitating essential in-person exchanges amidst pandemic-induced constraints. Moreover, the project's success reverberated in the academic community, contributing to the promotions of Professor Wuyts and Senior Lecturer Ptricia Schady, while also nurturing the professional growth of Bath Astrophysics PhD students.

This synergy between research excellence, international collaboration, and academic advancement underscores the transformative impact of strategic partnerships in advancing the frontiers of astrophysical inquiry.


Dynamic Revetments: Sustainable Coastal Protection

Dr. Chris Blenkinsopp led a collaborative project in civil engineering with partners focusing on coastal sustainability.


A large scale flume to test the impact of waves on revetments

This groundbreaking project aimed to understand dynamic revetment performance and develop tools for robust design, crucial for coastal protection. Seed funding enabled collaborations with key institutions, leading to significant advancements. Dr. Blenkinsopp's involvement in a large-scale experiment funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights the project's impact.

The project's impact has been profound. Dr. Blenkinsopp's leadership in international research on dynamic revetments has made it a primary solution for high-energy coastlines. Successful implementation in Washington State has led to widespread adoption, with dynamic revetments becoming key to coastal defense strategies. Collaborations with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography have solidified Dr. Blenkinsopp's status as a leading authority, yielding innovative techniques and solutions for sustainable coastal protection. The project's tangible outcomes, including the safeguarding of vulnerable communities, lay the groundwork for future Impact Case Studies.


Design and development of new fluid-powered artificial muscles

Dr. Min Pan, in collaboration with Zhejiang University, embarked on pioneering research in the design and development of fluid-powered artificial muscles, addressing a critical challenge in soft robotics.


Dr Min Pan

Inspired by nature, the project aimed to create artificial muscles that offer high-power, high-energy density, and damage tolerance, crucial for advancing soft-bodied robot technology. The outcomes of this research hold promise for diverse applications in healthcare, environmental conservation, and social assistance.

Leveraging existing collaborations between the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control (PTMC) at the University of Bath and the State Key Laboratory for Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems (FPMS) at Zhejiang University, the project has expanded interdisciplinary cooperation between the Materials and Structures (MAST) Centre at Bath and Zhejiang University.