A recent announcement by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) has shed light on an exciting new international academic partnership aimed at supporting early academics and funding joint projects. This groundbreaking collaboration was formalized during a meeting between representatives from the RSE and the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony in Germany in Edinburgh this week. With a budget exceeding £1 million, this two-year partnership marks a significant investment in research and innovation.
Partnership Details
The Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme, the brainchild of this partnership, will provide funding through two distinct tracks. The first track, spearheaded by the RSE Foundation and the Caledonian Research Fund, will focus on fostering relationships and research partnerships between early- to mid-career academics in Scotland and their counterparts in Germany. This development track aims to nurture collaborative efforts and create a platform for academic exchange.
On the other hand, the “excellence track” constitutes a second funding stream, offering larger grants to established academics. These grants will support the expansion of ongoing projects, the exploration of new research avenues, and the establishment of fresh partnerships with international colleagues. Funded by the Ministry for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony, with backing from the European Centre for Academic Research (ECAS) and the Volkswagen Foundation, this track is designed to promote scientific excellence and innovation.
While the partnership encourages joint research projects across all academic domains, it places particular emphasis on energy, life sciences, social mobility, and security. Leaders from the RSE and Lower Saxony have underscored their commitment to fostering international research collaborations through this strategic alliance, as outlined in the official partnership memorandum.
Expert Insights and Commentary
Professor Anne Anderson FRSE, the RSE vice president of research, expressed her pride in the collaborative effort between Scotland and Lower Saxony. She emphasized the potential for this partnership to provide researchers with valuable opportunities for collaboration and access to new resources. Professor Joachim Schachtner, the State Secretary for the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the partnership’s role in strengthening the research culture in both regions. He highlighted the shared values of scientific excellence held by the RSE and Lower Saxony, underscoring the potential for mutual growth and advancement.
Professor James Conroy, the Academic Director of the European Centre for Academic Research, lauded the partnership as a testament to the transformative power of international collaborations in research. Professor Markus Reihlen, also an Academic Director of ECAS, emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable academic relations through initiatives like this funding program.
The scheme, which will encompass five distinct funding opportunities catering to various career stages and academic disciplines, is now open for applications. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals before the deadline of noon on 9 April 2025. The Ministry for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony’s excellence track will officially launch on 3 March 2025, offering researchers a chance to secure funding for their innovative projects.
In conclusion, this innovative partnership between the RSE and the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony heralds a new era of scientific collaboration and exchange. By investing in joint research initiatives and fostering international partnerships, both regions are poised to unlock new opportunities for academic growth and innovation in the years to come.
