Overview:
The AIchemy Collaborative Travel Fund will support academics and research staff to undertake short-term, collaborative activities that bridge the gap between AI and chemistry. The fund aims to foster new partnerships, develop new or existing skills, and increase the visibility of researchers through travel and engagement.
Important Dates:
There will be two funding calls this year.
| Round 1 (Spring/Summer 2025) | Call Opens: 16th June 2025 Call Closes: 15th August 2025 |
| Round 2 (Autumn/Winter 2025) | Call Opens: 3rd November 2025 Call Closes: 9th January 2026 |
For Round 1, decisions will be announced on the 29th August 2025.
Visits to be completed and all expenditure claims received by 31st August 2026.
Funding Details:
Maximum award: £7,500 per applicant
Eligible Costs:
- Standard economy travel (UK or international)
- Reasonable subsistence and accommodation. All travellers must adhere to their own institution’s expenses policy.
- Visa fees (up to £500; note: AIchemy cannot offer visa advice).
- Any other justified costs that directly support the proposed collaboration.
Ineligible costs include:
- Event registration fees
- Laboratory research consumables or reagents and bench fees
- Premium travel (business class, lounges, etc)
- Personal expenses unrelated to the collaborative activities
Please note, if you are unsure of any eligibility, then please contact funding@aichemy.ac.uk to discuss your ideas prior to submission.
Who can apply:
The fund is open to research staff based at UK institutions eligible for EPSRC funding.
Applicants must:
- Align the proposed collaboration activity with AIchemy’s mission
- Hold a continuing research role post-activity
- Collaborative (joint) applications are permitted, provided a single lead applicant is clearly identified for administrative purposes
What we’re looking for:
Purpose:
The fund is designed to support:
- Travel & subsistence costs for short-term collaborative visits (up to 3 months)
- National or international travel to academic institutions and/or industry partners for research-related visits
Scope:
- Establishing new or enhancing collaborations, with the aim of co-developing research proposals for future funding
- Foundational activities to support future fellowship applications
- Skills development through lab exchanges or technique-sharing placements
- Activities that contribute to long-term career development
- Translation of knowledge and techniques to industry
How to Apply:
Applications should be completed using the standard application form available to download and emailed to funding@aichemy.ac.uk by 17:00, Friday 15th August 2025.
The application form has the following sections:
- Objectives, and expected outcomes (500 words max)
- Budget breakdown and justification
- CV for all applicants (2 page max)
- Support letter from line manager (PDRAs and research staff only)
- Confirmation of host support (email/letter)
- EDI monitoring form (separate online form)
Application Documents
Please download the Document Pack, it will include the following:
- Funding Call Guidance document
- Application Form
- Final Report Form