A group stands in front of a lawn and a red brick building at the Queen's University Belfast

UC Davis and Queen’s University Belfast Partner to Launch Joint Research Seed Fund

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and Queen’s University Belfast have partnered to launch the Queen’s University Belfast–UC Davis Joint Seed Grant, creating opportunities for researchers at both institutions to develop collaborative projects and address shared global challenges.

Building on existing connections, the two universities have joined forces to strengthen ties in research, education and global engagement, bringing together their complementary strengths and expertise.

Supported by an Agreement of Cooperation, the partnership provides a framework for closer institutional cooperation and engagement between the two university communities. Both institutions envision a growing relationship that will foster interdisciplinary research, encourage connections among faculty, staff and students, and support long-term partnerships.

Initial areas of shared interest include Climate, Environment, and Sustainable Futures; Health, Wellbeing, and Society; Digital Futures, AI, and Cybersecurity; and Food, Agriculture, and Resilient Communities. Collaborations may address one or a combination of these themes, connecting expertise across disciplines to tackle challenges with both local and global relevance.

“UC Davis is delighted to formalize this partnership with Queen’s University Belfast,” said Simon Atkinson, vice chancellor for research at UC Davis. “By connecting the strengths and expertise of our two universities, we see tremendous opportunities to develop meaningful collaborations and accelerate progress toward solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

A group smiles in front of a brick building at the Queen’s University Belfast

“We are delighted to formalise our partnership with UC Davis, an institution with an outstanding research reputation. We share a commitment to tackling major global challenges through research,” said Professor Archie Clements, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Queen’s University Belfast. “This is a real opportunity to combine our complementary expertise and support new ideas and collaborations, and I look forward to seeing the partnerships that develop.”

As an early investment in the partnership, the Queen’s University Belfast–UC Davis Joint Seed Grant will help researchers establish connections and develop promising projects across the four areas of shared interest.

Offered through the UC Davis Global Affairs Seed Grants for International Activities program and jointly supported by both universities, the initiative will provide up to US$20,000 in total funding per project over a period of up to two years. This amount will be divided equally between the two institutions, with up to US$10,000 awarded to the UC Davis principal investigator and an equivalent amount in British pounds awarded to the Queen’s principal investigator.

Managed on the Queen’s side by Queen’s Research, and a collaboration between Grand Challenges, Office of Research and Global Affairs at UC Davis, the fund aims to support collaborations that grow beyond the initial seed funding. Both universities will help research teams develop sustained partnerships and pursue larger external funding opportunities, with institutional research support teams assisting researchers to identify funding opportunities and develop competitive proposals.

The joint fund represents an important step towards a lasting institutional relationship that connects academic communities, fosters innovation and expands research and education links between the two universities.

Applications for the joint funding opportunity are due December 14, 2026. Additional information about eligibility, funding and application requirements is available through the UC Davis Global Affairs Seed Grants for International Activities program.