Seed funding

To ignite innovation through global partnership, we have developed a range of seed funding opportunities for academic staff.

Current seed funding opportunities

Una Europa FU Berlin Starter Fund

Open to applications from lecturers and heads of departments at the University of Edinburgh to work on joint teaching and research projects, digitalisation or joint applications for research funding.

Maximum funding amount: 10,000€

The funding will be allocated and managed by the FU Berlin lead, but participating students and academics from Una partners will be able to use the funding for travel and accommodation expenses, guest activities etc. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Find out more about the Una Europa Starter Funds


International Strategic Partnership Seed Fund (2026/27)

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) has launched a new International Strategic Partnership Seed Fund to support collaborative projects with strategic partner institutions, including the University of Edinburgh. The initiative aims to stimulate new partnerships and deepen existing collaborations across research, education and innovation activities.

Edinburgh academics can access funding through their UCPH counterparts as part of the strategic funding track, which aims at developing and strengthening existing collaboration between UCPH and Edinburgh. The call supports projects that:

  • strengthen international collaboration and global engagement
  • develop innovative research, education or innovation activities
  • create opportunities for longer-term strategic partnerships
  • support future external funding applications
  • foster new collaborations between Edinburgh and Copenhagen researchers

The call supports pilot projects with a maximum funding of 100,000 Danish krone per project (approximately £11,600). Preference will be given to projects demonstrating strong strategic potential, excellence, and opportunities for future collaboration and external funding.

Applications must be submitted by UCPH staff by 11 August 2026.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh interested in submitting a proposal are encouraged to contact existing collaborators at UCPH who will be responsible for submitting the application for funding. If you are interested in applying for the fund but need help identifying potential UCPH collaborators, contact una.europa@ed.ac.uk.


UZH Global Funding 2026

Application timeline: 19 May to 31 July 2026

These funds foster partnerships that advance research, enhance teaching, and generate meaningful impact. Three funding lines are available: 

  • Global Outreach Fund
  • Global Seed Fund
  • Global Champion Fund

Up to 60,000 Swiss Francs (about £57,000) are available per project. Funding applications are open to the researchers at the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with UZH researchers.

Note: Applications need to be submitted by a UZH staff member. UoE colleagues are encouraged to contact UZH colleagues to discuss their proposal. To be connected to potential collaborators, contact Una Europa at Edinburgh at una.europa@ed.ac.uk.

Learn more about the Global Funding Scheme


Funding outcomes

We have been deepening and strengthening key partnerships in North America, to access funding and build links to research and industry. Combining expertise and resources through partnerships has grown the opportunity for Edinburgh to contribute to solving global challenges more effectively and impactfully. 

Find out more about our seed funding collaborations in North America


Seed funding toolkit

The Edinburgh Global Partnerships & Community team have developed a seed funding toolkit.

This is a guide for people who are leading, managing and delivering academic partnership development seed funds. 

Users of the toolkit can build their strategic and operational understanding of the topic by exploring the full lifecycle of seed funds and accessing a wide range of example documentation.

View our seed funding toolkit on our partnerships resources webpage

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