The Seed Fund for Research Excellence is a grant programme within the UK–Ukraine University Twinning Initiative coordinated by the Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG). Its purpose is to strengthen the research capacity of Ukrainian universities during wartime, deepen international collaboration, and prepare teams for larger funding schemes such as Horizon Europe.
Programme Overview
The fund supports small but strategically significant research initiatives that help universities enhance their scientific output, improve research quality, and increase global visibility. Participants also gain access to mentoring, analytical support, and professional development opportunities for early-career researchers.
What the Fund Supports
- joint research projects between Ukrainian and international universities;
- creation and strengthening of partnerships both within and beyond the Twinning Initiative;
- capacity building for participation in larger calls such as Horizon Europe;
- training, mentoring, and support for early-career researchers;
- development and dissemination of scientific publications.
Funding
- up to £30,000 per project;
- open to all academic disciplines;
- no limit on the number of applications per university;
- priority for Twinning partnerships, but open to all Ukrainian–international collaborations.
Who Can Apply
- Ukrainian higher education institutions in partnership with international universities;
- both Twinning and non-Twinning partnerships are eligible;
- institutions may submit multiple applications.
Important Dates
- Drop-in session: 2 December 2025, 14:00 GMT / 16:00 Kyiv
- Application deadline: 16 January 2026, 20:00 GMT / 22:00 Kyiv
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the official Twinning Initiative portal:
https://www.twinningukraine.com/seed-fund-1
Looking for more international grant opportunities for universities? Visit the GetGrant directory to explore current funding programmes.