BBSRC International Institutional Awards Tranche 1 IBERS

BBSRC has recently undertaken an evaluation of their International Partnership Awards scheme, in which award holders asked for greater flexibility in using these awards (for example, being used for multinational engagement, and greater autonomy in how awards are spent): in response to this, they are simply allocating the International Partnering Awards scheme budget to institutions directly. This means BBSRC will not be running any specific calls for International Partnering Awards for the next two years at least. These allocations aim to provide targeted support for biosciences and biotechnology to support engagement across the globe, including with partners in Europe, as our research community re-engages fully with Horizon Europe. The amount that UKRI-BBSRC has offered Aberystwyth University (IBERS) is £333,330, of which £270,830 is a one-off allocation for spending before 30 June 2024 (tranche 1), and £62,500 (tranche 2) in lieu of International Partnering Awards, to be spent between 1 July 2024 – 31 March 2026. Scope The intention is to provide additional in-year support for research at Aberystwyth University (IBERS) with the theme of strengthening and initiating international partnerships across the world. •IBERS will have the flexibility to utilise the money within this theme for research, staff and associated activities (including travel) within UKRI-BBSRC normal grant conditions, adhering to EDI and TR&I principles. •Funds can be used to initiate and/or strengthen existing international partnership activities, bilaterally or multilaterally, within the UKRI-BBSRC remit. In doing this, BBSRC request that you are: (a) mindful of the UK Government’s Integrated Review, and 2023 Refresh, including the countries identified and the context in which those countries are highlighted; and (b) leading research nations and international organisations (e.g. CGIAR) that offer the opportunity to advance the UK’s world-class bioscience research through international collaboration. Timescale Tranche 1 spending totalling £270,830 must be reported by 30th June 2024 with no option to extend beyond this date, outside of extenuating circumstances linked to our public sector equality duty, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and sickness leave. The allocation of tranche 2 £62,500 in lieu of International Partnering Awards can be reported through regular reporting mechanisms. Reporting A short return will be required to capture intended usage and relevant metrics, e.g. thematic areas, partner countries, and types of activity, as well as standard FES and Research Fish submissions.