Deadline: 5 pm UK time (BST) on Wednesday 15th October 2025 

Webinar and online networking: 5pm UK time (BST) Tuesday 30th September. Register here for the webinar and online networking session. 

Elemental is pleased to announce the Catalysing New UK-US Critical Minerals Research Partnerships Funding, a targeted travel grant scheme designed to catalyse new research partnerships between UK and US researchers and industry in the field of critical minerals and materials (CMM). This funding is provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered in partnership with the UK Science and Technology Network. 

Purpose of the Funding 

Access to critical minerals and materials underpins a wide range of civilian technologies, including energy systems, manufacturing, and defence. Both the UK and US are heavily reliant on imports, and the competitive supply chain environment creates strategic and economic vulnerabilities. 

This funding aims to overcome barriers to bilateral collaboration by supporting short-term researcher visits between UK and US organisations. By supporting transatlantic collaboration, the programme seeks to strengthen networks and accelerate research on sustainable, cost-efficient, and circular methods of CMM recovery, particularly through engineering biological approaches. 

Who Can Apply 

• This funding is available for exchanges between the UK and the US in both directions. 
• This fund supports short term exchanges between researchers, as well as researcher-to-industry travel (and vice versa) working in the field of critical minerals and materials.  
• This funding does not cover industry-to-industry travel. 
• Projects must focus on short-term exchanges resulting in engineering biology solutions to improve CMM supply chains. 
• Applications that demonstrate potential for bilateral collaboration, scientific advancement, and future joint proposals will be prioritised. 

Funding Available 

• Up to £5,000 for travel and subsistence costs. 

Expected Outcomes 

• New bilateral research projects or proposals, advancing science and engineering breakthroughs. 
• Stronger networks of UK and US researchers, enhancing the UK’s position as a trusted science and technology partner. 
• Potential expansion into future funding rounds covering additional areas of critical minerals R&D or multilateral partnerships. 

How to Apply 

Applications will be assessed on the quality of the proposed collaboration, relevance to critical minerals research, potential impact on UK-US partnerships, and alignment with sustainable and circular approaches. 

Application Questions Include: 

• Abstract, and alignment with critical minerals research. 
• Details of proposed activities, including travel, objectives, and expected outcomes. 
• Information about collaborators, networking plans, and future joint research potential. 
• Estimated travel costs and any other funding sources. 

Applicants will be asked to provide supporting documentation, such as CVs and letters of support from collaborators. 

Applications are open to Elemental members. Exact opening dates and deadlines will be announced soon. 

For further details, including guidance on completing your application, please contact elementalmetalhub@kent.ac.uk