Application Deadline:
15 October 2026
About Organisation
The World Universities Network (WUN) is a global partnership of 25 leading research-intensive universities working together to advance research and higher education on major global challenges. With member institutions spanning six continents, WUN promotes international collaboration by connecting researchers with diverse expertise and perspectives. The network supports interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, academic mobility, and capacity building to generate innovative solutions for issues of worldwide importance. Through funding programmes, strategic partnerships, and collaborative initiatives, WUN enables universities to combine their strengths, foster global research excellence, and contribute to scientific discoveries that benefit societies and inform evidence-based policymaking.
About the Grant
The WUN Research Development Fund 2026 provides grants of up to £10,000 to support collaborative research projects involving WUN member universities. The programme aims to strengthen international research partnerships, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop innovative solutions to global challenges. Since its launch in 2009, the fund has invested more than £3.45 million in research initiatives across the network. The 2026 funding round will support a limited number of high-impact projects as WUN transitions to its new strategic plan. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate strong collaboration, research excellence, and meaningful global impact.
Who can Apply?
Applications are open to researchers affiliated with World Universities Network (WUN) member universities. Each proposal must receive endorsement from the institution’s local WUN Academic Advisory Group representative. Project teams must include researchers from at least three WUN member universities located across two or more WUN regions. Collaborations may also involve non-WUN universities and external organizations, provided WUN institutions remain the project’s core partners. Researchers at all career stages are eligible to apply, with early-career researchers strongly encouraged to lead projects. Each lead member university may submit only one application during the 2026 funding round.
How to Apply?
Applicants should first contact their institution’s WUN Coordinator to confirm internal submission requirements and deadlines. Eligible researchers must prepare a collaborative project proposal and submit the completed application through the official online portal. Each proposal should include participating institutions, research objectives, collaboration plans, and expected outcomes. Applications must also obtain endorsement from the local WUN Academic Advisory Group representative before final submission.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 15 October 2026.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
