International Travel Award Scheme for the Biological Sciences

The BBSRC International Travel Award Scheme is a funding opportunity delivered by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), designed to support short-term international travel that adds value to ongoing BBSRC-funded research.

This scheme enables UK researchers to initiate and strengthen international collaborations by visiting overseas partners, preparing joint funding proposals, accessing facilities or expertise not available in the UK, or attending European consortia building events. It focuses on one-off visits, each typically lasting up to one month, where direct engagement with international counterparts can significantly enhance the applicant’s research trajectory.

Funding of up to £3,000 (100% full economic cost) is available per award and is limited to travel and subsistence costs for the visit. This support helps researchers overcome the financial barriers often associated with establishing new global connections, exploring specialised resources or preparing robust proposals for broader international research programmes.

Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the intended travel date, and the award must be tied to an active BBSRC grant with at least six months remaining. Only researchers supported by current BBSRC funding including, principal investigators and eligible researchers based at BBSRC-funded institutions can lead applications. Students are not eligible to apply directly.

By enabling targeted international engagement, the International Travel Award Scheme supports the UK’s bioscience community to broaden research horizons, foster strategic collaborations and enhance the global impact of UK-funded research.