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Stage 3 - Pilot Studies

Where relationships are more mature it may be the case that researchers need financial support to carry out pilot research. This can facilitate the generation of data to underpin development of a more substantial research activity. This pilot research may also be valuable in terms of highlighting the strategic value of this collaboration to funding organisations in each country. In some cases there will be support from partner countries for small scale joint research activities. This type of research may also be supported by a variety of responsive mode approaches including lead partner agreements. Researchers are encouraged to approach individual Councils for more details.

Schemes offered by the Research Councils include:

EPSRC	Responsive Mode Research Grants	Worldwide
BBSRC, MRC	Human Frontiers Science Program (HFSP) Short Term Fellowships	Worldwide
BBSRC, MRC	European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Short Term Fellowships	Worldwide
BBSRC, MRC	European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Young Investigators	Worldwide
BBSRC, MRC	European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Installation grants	Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Portugal, Poland and Turkey.
EPSRC	EPSRC First Grants	Worldwide
MRC	MRC Collaboration Grant, Fellowship and Research Grants	Worldwide

Note that funds to support pilot research may also be requested by submitting a grant proposal through responsive mode.

Where appropriate, NERC's Research Programmes issue Announcements of Opportunity in partnership with overseas funding agencies, providing further opportunities for collaborative working. A list of current NERC funding opportunities is available from http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/news/.