ESRC International Partnership and Networking Scheme 2011

ESRC is pleased to invite applications for the first round of its International Partnership and Networking Scheme (IPNS), aimed at fostering the development of long-term relationships with overseas social scientists in areas of interest that are of direct relevance to ESRC's current strategic priorities.  International Partnership and Networking Scheme Awards are intended to provide flexible support for a programme of activity with the objective of establishing sustainable collaborations, leading to the development of joint research proposals. Activities which might constitute an IPNS programme of activity might include (but not limited to): visiting fellowships, scholar exchanges, workshops and summer schools. While some modest research costs can be requested (ie for data exploration) it is not intended that IPNS awards will be used to fund collaborative research. Applicants seeking support for collaborative research funding can submit applications to standard ESRC research calls by making use of our International Co-Investigator Policy or via one of our bilateral or multilateral agreements. Such applications may be one of the outcomes of an IPNS. Applications must be submitted by a UK Research Organisation eligible for Research Council Funding. This year the ESRC expects to make approximately 15-20 awards of up to £25,000 (100 per cent fEC) each for a period of between two and four years. Applicants are encouraged to seek both institutional and additional funding from the partnering country. The deadline for receipt of applications is 16.00 on 12 October 2011. Successful grants will be announced in February 2012 to start on or after 1 April 2012.