LMU Cambridge Strategic Partnership

Cambridge LMU Strategic Partnership provides funding for:

Joint projects in research
Joint projects in teaching

All permanent members of staff are eligible. Funding can cover costs of Cambridge and LMU employees and students only - collaborators from other institutions besides the University of Cambridge and LMU Munich are not eligible for any financial support from either partner institution.

Call for Applications

The application deadline for funding in 2026 has passed. Information on funding opportunities from 2027 onwards is expected to be published from November 2026.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the LMU International Office at network.international@lmu.de or the academic coordinator, Prof. Dr. Thomas Ackermann.

British Council Springboard Programme – UK-Germany Partnerships 2026

The British Council Springboard Programme – UK-Germany Partnerships 2026 offers LMU researchers an opportunity to establish new research collaborations with the University of Cambridge or strengthen existing partnerships. The programme supports bilateral partnerships between one German and one UK institution, with a particular focus on Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and the development of sustainable international research collaborations.

The programme aims to facilitate academic exchange, strengthen international networks and support the development of joint research projects and funding proposals, particularly under Horizon Europe.

Key Information

Funding: Up to £10,000 per project
Duration: 12 months, starting 1 February 2027
Partnership: One German and one UK Lead Institution
Target group: Research teams involving at least six Early Career Researchers (ECRs)
ECR definition: Researchers who obtained their PhD less than ten years ago
Team size: Costs for up to ten participants at the Springboard Meeting can be covered
Disciplines: Open to all disciplines, with priority given to multidisciplinary proposals
Application: Jointly developed by both partners and submitted by the UK Lead Institution
Funding available: Approximately 15 UK–Germany partnerships
Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 17:00 CET

Programme Components

Springboard Meeting: Compulsory two-day in-person meeting to develop or strengthen the collaboration and define priorities for a joint project
Researcher Connect Training: Optional online communication skills training for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with less than two years of experience; two places per selected project
Research Placements: Optional one-week placements with the partner research team for up to two PhD students or postdoctoral researchers per country
Eligible costs: Travel, accommodation and meals for the Springboard Meeting and, where applicable, research placements

Thematic Priorities and Expected Outcomes

The programme is open to all disciplines, with priority given to multidisciplinary proposals and projects aligned with Horizon Europe themes, including health; culture, creativity and inclusive society; civil security; digital, industry and space; climate, energy and mobility; and food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.

Projects should contribute to sustainable international research collaboration. Expected outcomes include joint funding applications, research publications or patent applications, stronger international networks for ECRs, and longer-term forms of collaboration such as joint PhD programmes or co-funded research positions.

Further Information and Application

Full details on the programme, eligibility criteria and application process are available on the British Council website – Springboard Programme for UK-Germany Partnerships 2026.

LMU researchers are encouraged to use this funding opportunity to initiate new collaborations or further develop existing research partnerships with colleagues at the University of Cambridge and to explore potential joint applications at an early stage.