Japan-UK Joint call for collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies (Grant)

For support under this funding opportunity, applicants and organisations must be eligible to apply for funding from their respective country’s funding agency.

To be eligible for funding from this opportunity, you must have a project partner from Japan. For UK applicants, this opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) eligibility

EPSRC standard eligibility rules apply to this funding opportunity, applicants in the UK must meet the EPSRC eligibility requirements. For full details, visit EPSRC’s eligibility page.

National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) eligibility

Applicants in Japan must meet the NICT eligibility requirements (PDF, 3.2MB). For further details, please refer to the forthcoming press release on the launch of the Call for applications; Fund Project for Beyond 5G/6G (PDF, 3.2MB). The application should be submitted by one or more research institutions seeking to undertake the commissioned work. For applications submitted by universities or other academic institutions, submission in the form of an industry-academia consortium is recommended.

To apply researchers and research institutions must register via the Cross-Ministerial Research and Development Management System (e-Rad) prior to application. Please follow NICT application guidelines in addition to this funding opportunity template before applying.

To use e-Rad, the research institution must complete its registration in advance. At the time of application, the representative applicant must be affiliated with a registered institution, while co-applicants are not necessarily required to do so. Please note that the institution’s registration process in e-Rad may take several days. We therefore recommend allowing at least two weeks to complete all submission procedures.

Should an application be declined for funding, you should refer to each participating agency’s individual resubmission policies.

Who is not eligible to apply

• project team members who are not eligible for EPSRC and NICT funding

Please note:

• applicants may act as the project lead in only one application, but may participate in additional applications in other roles (for example, co-lead)

• only for UK applicants: project partners (industry) can be part of the application and can provide in-kind or costed support but cannot receive funding from this funding opportunity

International researchers

The UKRI-RCN Money Follows Cooperation Agreement does not apply to this funding opportunity. As such grants submitted to this funding opportunity cannot include a Norway-based international co-project lead.

Resubmissions

We will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects that have been submitted to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or any other funder.

Find out more about EPSRC’s resubmissions policy.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.

We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:

• career breaks

• support for people with caring responsibilities

• flexible working

• alternative working patterns

UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.

Demand management

Demand management is not currently being applied to this funding opportunity. However, should the level of interest exceed what can be managed within the assessment process, UKRI may introduce limits on the number of applications that can be submitted. Further details will be clearly communicated where this is the case. UKRI encourages organisations to support applicants in preparing well-planned, high-quality applications that are competitive for funding relative to the funding opportunity.

Aim

This partnership programme aims to support internationally competitive collaborative research projects between Japan and UK in the field of Advanced Connectivity Technologies.

This UK-Japan joint collaboration in Advanced Connectivity Technologies is a key investment through partnership between UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI EPSRC) and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), with direct support from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to achieve the ambitions outlined in both the UK Government and Japan Government strategy.

UKRI EPSRC

Advanced Connectivity Technologies is one of the frontier technologies set out in the UK government’s Digital Technologies and Sector Plan, which outlines the following interventions in terms of securing international partnerships:

• building new international partnerships in digital and technologies

• investing in critical supply chains

• supporting UK regulators, expert bodies and our overseas trade teams

We recognise that research is a global endeavour; working with international partners to address shared priorities and collaborating on global challenges, ensures that we remain a world leader in engineering and physical sciences. We aim to support applications within our remit that will advance research and innovation in advanced connectivity technologies.

NICT

The Innovative ICT Fund Project for Beyond 5G/6G, under which this activity is implemented, includes the Elemental Technology and Seeds Creation Program (including international collaborative research projects). This programme mainly supports research and development aimed at establishing foundational technologies and generating new technological seeds from a medium- to long-term perspective.

The programme focuses on early-stage research corresponding to Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) one to three at the start of the project and recognises that a certain period is required before social implementation can be achieved.

Through this initiative, NICT seeks to promote internationally collaborative research that strengthens scientific and technological capabilities and contributes to the future development of advanced ICT, including Beyond 5G/6G technologies.

Funding opportunity theme

Research related to Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital networks, non-terrestrial networks and advanced optical and photonics which will contribute towards a drive in economic growth, improves lives and strengthens resilience in an increasingly connected world.

Scope

Applications related to one or more of the following scope areas are encouraged and submissions should be limited to these areas.

Scope area one: the integration of AI in digital networks

This area is centred around developing AI driven communication networks built on robust, trustworthy and traceable AI architecture and orchestration frameworks that support distributed and federated AI.

It involves designing data-centric, AI-native networks capable of managing and optimising themselves automatically, underpinned by reliable measurement methodologies that keep datasets continuously up to date, which is an essential requirement for effective machine learning based optimisation.

Progress in this area relies on advanced edge technologies that enable real time operation, supported by collaboration across network operators. Long term success further relies on open standards, sustainability, security, AI interoperability, and trustworthy governance. This is alongside cross-cutting enablers such as inclusive user participation, assurance, privacy, regulation, and energy efficient, physics informed, interpretable AI to ensure resilient and future proof networks.

Scope area two: non-terrestrial networks

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) such as satellites, drones and high-altitude platforms, depend on advanced hardware, quantum technologies, AI, experimental testbeds, and strong security to deliver reliable communication, and several foundational challenges underpin this.

These include developing new, reliable communication methods (for example, new waveforms, hybrid optical/RF links, AI-driven optical tracking) that can operate under rapidly changing channel conditions creating smaller, low-power, high-performance hardware and antenna systems for fast-moving NTN platforms. This also contributes to the advancement of next generation satellite and quantum communication systems for sensing and connectivity that can function globally without causing interference, supported by appropriate spectrum management.

Another key challenge is ensuring interoperability across space, air, and ground networks through shared standards and securing the supply chains on which these systems depend on.

AI and machine learning must support real-time optimisation, digital twin based prediction, and performance management while keeping virtual and physical systems synchronised in dynamic environments. AI is also needed to enhance complex, multivendor Open RAN and NTN architectures for greater automation and efficiency.

Additional challenges include developing scalable Internet of Things (IoT) platforms that operate across oceans, satellites, and embedded systems creating shared testbeds and global field trials to validate emerging AI-enabled NTN and IoT solutions and strengthening resilience and security across land, undersea and satellite networks in the face of evolving threats, legacy weaknesses and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Scope area three: advanced optics/photonics

This area is centred around developing the next generation optical and wireless networks, addressing challenges from designing scalable, resilient and energy efficient optical infrastructures, supported by physics informed AI, to advancing ultrawideband fibre technologies, supported by energy efficient digital signal processing.

It also includes integration of optical and wireless systems for global-scale sensing and enabling end-to-end photonic networks through utilisation of emerging All Photonics Network (APN) concepts.

Another key element is the development of quantum enabled communication links to provide secure, reliable operation and seamless integration with classical optical networks. This priority further emphasises the importance of building sustainable, interoperable systems, including APN-based architecture, with shared standards across data centres, mobile networks and operators, aligned by international frameworks.

Finally, there is the need for highly resilient networks capable of withstanding new technologies, cyber-physical threats, variable traffic patterns, and integration with space-based systems, while balancing cost, energy efficiency and global standardisation to ensure long-term, futureproof connectivity.

Expected outcomes

In this joint funding opportunity, researchers from Japan and the UK are asked to leverage each other’s strengths and address their weaknesses by collaborating internationally. The goal is to accelerate progress in advanced connectivity technologies and deliver new technologies that will drive the field forward.

This funding opportunity specifically aims to encourage the development of collaborative research partnerships that help build research ecosystems for the benefit of the next generation of researchers working in the area of Advanced Connectivity Technologies. These connections will strengthen the existing landscapes within each country and will form the foundation for research in Advanced Connectivity Technologies that drives economic growth, improves lives and strengthens resilience in an increasingly connected world.

For more information on the background of this funding opportunity, go to the ‘Additional information’ section.

Duration

All grants must start on 1 April 2027 and finish by 31 March 2030 (unless agreed by EPSRC or NICT).

The duration of this award can be up to three years.

Funding available

EPSRC has a total of £3.37 million (100% FEC) for this activity and the NICT has a total of ¥600 million for this activity. Funding will be available for approximately three research projects.

Applications must comply with country-specific requirements which are that:

• UK applicants may request up to £897,000 (80% of the FEC) per application from EPSRC

• Japan applicants may request up to ¥200 million per application from NICT

We aim to fund approximately three collaborations through this activity for projects of three years’ duration. Applications may consist of a single research project, or a suite of related research activities in a defined research area.

What we will fund (UK applicants only)

You can request funding for costs such as:

• a contribution to the salary of the project lead and co-leads

• support for other posts such as research, project management and technical

• research consumables

• travel and subsistence costs

• data preservation, data sharing and dissemination costs

• estates and indirect costs

See more information on costs you can apply for.

High level objectives

Through this funding opportunity, EPSRC and NICT expect that a substantive proportion of funding for the UK element of research projects (approx. 70% of funding) to be allocated to activities that further objectives; these are to:

• jointly advance impactful research and innovation in Advanced Connectivity Technologies / Beyond 5G/6G technologies that will be to the benefit of both nations’ ecosystems. This will deliver on our mutual objectives of advancing digital inclusion, ensuring future networks are secure and resilient, and capitalising on the opportunities brought by AI

• generate economic benefits for both countries, for example by means of facilitating academic-industry engagement and supporting the commercialisation and deployment of new technologies

• further develop collaborative research partnerships that help build research ecosystems for the benefit of the next generation of researchers working in the area of Advanced Connectivity Technologies.

What we will not fund (UK applicants only)

Equipment with value equal to or greater than £25,000 per item (including VAT) is not available through this funding opportunity.

Individual items of equipment with value below £10,000 (including VAT) may be included in the ‘Directly incurred – other costs’ heading.

See more information about EPSRC’s approach to equipment funding.

EPSRC standard guidance on intellectual property applies to projects supported by this funding opportunity.

PhD studentships may not be included in the costs sought from EPSRC.

Supporting skills and talent

We encourage you to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment.

Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I)

UKRI is committed in ensuring that effective international collaboration in research and innovation takes place with integrity and within strong ethical frameworks. Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) is a UKRI work programme designed to help protect all those working in our thriving and collaborative international sector by enabling partnerships to be as open as possible, and as secure as necessary. Our TR&I Principles set out UKRI’s expectations of organisations funded by UKRI in relation to due diligence for international collaboration.

As such, applicants for UKRI funding may be asked to demonstrate how their proposed projects will comply with our approach and expectation towards TR&I, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls you will put in place to help proportionately reduce these risks.

See further guidance and information about TR&I, including where applicants can find additional support.

Assessment process

We will assess your application using the following process.

Project applications received by NICT and EPSRC will be reviewed by the two agencies to confirm that your application:

• aligns with at least one of the defined scope areas and contributes to the high-level objectives of this funding opportunity. Applications must also demonstrate clear relevance to the remits of both EPSRC and NICT.

• successfully meets the eligibility requirements for both agencies, including no significant duplication with ongoing projects or concurrent submissions and

• includes Japanese project partner(s) eligible for NICT funding

Subject to successful eligibility and scope checks, applications will be subject to an assessment process led by EPSRC in partnership with NICT.

EPSRC will coordinate and manage the review of applications in consultation with NICT.

Expert review

We will invite experts to review your application independently, against the specified criteria for this funding opportunity.

You will not be able to nominate reviewers for applications on the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. Research councils will continue to select expert reviewers.

We are monitoring the requirement for applicant-nominated reviewers as we review policies and processes as part of the continued development of the new Funding Service.

Panel

Following expert review, we will invite experts to collectively review your application against the criteria and rank it alongside other applications after which the panel will make a funding recommendation.

We reserve the right to group applications by topic and rank on separate lists or at different panel meetings. Panels will assess the proposals against a set of assessment criteria.

For applications where overseas partners’ participation in the project is dependent on a separate funding application and assessment process, EPSRC funding will be suspended until the partners’ funding is confirmed. This decision point should be no later than three months after the planned start date of the EPSRC grant.

For more information on how we prioritise applications for funding please visit How we make decisions.

EPSRC and NICT will make the final funding decision.

Principles of assessment

We support the San Francisco declaration on research assessment and recognise the relationship between research assessment and research integrity.

Find out about the UKRI principles of assessment and decision making.

Using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in expert review

Generative AI may be used only for the purpose of language refinement during application assessment. When using generative AI to refine the language of a review, expert reviewers and panellists must ensure that:

• no part of the application being assessed is entered into a generative AI tool

• no personal information from the application is disclosed

• generative AI is not tasked with understanding, summarising or evaluating the application’s content

Expert reviewers and panellists must also:

• comply with relevant intellectual property and data protection legislation

• not take into account or speculate within their assessment whether generative AI has been used to develop the application

For more detail see our policy on the use of generative AI.

Sharing data with co-funders

We will need to share the application (including any personal information that it contains) with NICT so that they can participate in the assessment process.

See more information on how NICT uses personal information.

We reserve the right to modify the assessment process as needed.

Assessment areas

The assessment areas we will use are:

• Vision and Approach

• Research partnership

• Applicant and team capability to deliver

• Resources and cost justification

• Ethics and responsible research and innovation (RRI)

Find details of assessment questions and criteria under the ‘Application questions’ heading in the ‘How to apply’ section.

Click https://funding-service.ukri.org/OPP1257/apply/1287 in the UKRI Funding Service to apply.

If you intend to submit a joint UK-Japan proposal to this funding opportunity, you are strongly encouraged to submit an Expression of interest.

Following this, the Japan and the UK team will need to develop a joint application and submit their applications by parallel submission by following sequence of steps. The project lead in UK is responsible for submitting the joint application via the UKRI Funding Service. The principal investigator from Japan must be listed as the project partner on the Funding Service.

Step 1: The Japan-based principal investigator (project partner) completes the e-Rad application first, but it is not to be submitted at this stage. They are to send this to the UK project lead.

Step 2: The UK project leads should complete their application on the Funding Service, attach the e-Rad application and submit on the UKRI Funding Service. After submission, they should download the completed joint proposal and share a copy in PDF format securely with the Japan-based principal investigator (project partner) of the counterpart team in Japan.

Step 3: The Japan-based principal investigator should then complete the e-Rad application submission by attaching a copy of the Funding Service application and complete any additional information requested by National Institute Of Information And Communications Technology (NICT). Japan based principal investigator (project partners) read more information.

UKRI Funding Service (UK applicants only)

We are running this funding opportunity on the new Funding Service so please ensure that your organisation is registered. You cannot apply on the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system.

The project lead is responsible for completing the application process on the Funding Service, but we expect all team members and project partners to contribute to the application.

Only the lead research organisation can submit an application to UKRI.

To apply

Select ‘Start application’ near the beginning of this Funding finder page.

1. Confirm you are the project lead.

2. Sign in or create a Funding Service account. To create an account, select your organisation, verify your email address, and set a password.

3. Answer questions directly in the text boxes. You can save your answers and come back to complete them or work offline and return to copy and paste your answers. If we need you to upload a document, follow the upload instructions in the Funding Service. All questions and assessment criteria are listed in the How to apply section on this Funding finder page.

4. Allow enough time to check your application in ‘read-only’ view before sending to your research office.

5. Send the completed application to your research office for checking. They will return it to you if it needs editing.

6. Your research office will submit the completed and checked application to UKRI.

Please be aware that research office and finance teams undertake checks on hosting arrangements and financial eligibility. The ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with all opportunity requirements lies with the applicant.

Where indicated, you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.

When including images, you must:

• provide a descriptive caption or legend for each image immediately underneath it in the text box (this must be outside the image and counts towards your word limit)

• insert each new image on a new line

• use files smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format

Images should only be used to convey important visual information that cannot easily be put into words. The following are not permitted, and your application will be rejected if you include:

• sentences or paragraphs of text

• tables

• excessive quantities of images

A few words are permitted where the image would lack clarity without the contextual words, such as a diagram, where text labels are required for an axis or graph column.

For more guidance on the Funding Service, see:

• how applicants use the Funding Service

• how research offices use the Funding Service

• how reviewers use the Funding Service

References

References should be included within the word count of the appropriate question section. You should use your discretion when including references and prioritise those most pertinent to the application.

Hyperlinks can be used in reference information. When including references, you should consider how your references will be viewed and used by the assessors, ensuring that:

• references are easily identifiable by the assessors

• references are formatted as appropriate to your research

• persistent identifiers are used where possible

General use of hyperlinks

Applications should be self-contained. You should only use hyperlinks to link directly to reference information. You must not include links to web resources to extend your application. Assessors are not required to access links to conduct assessment or recommend a funding decision.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Use of generative AI tools to prepare funding applications is permitted, however, caution should be applied.

For more information see our policy on the use of generative AI in application and assessment.

NICT Funding Service (Japan based project partners only)

For Japan-based applicants, the following contents will be requested by NICT as part of the application form:

The principal investigator is responsible for the overall application and must propose the most appropriate research framework to achieve its objectives.In the case of applications involving multiple research institutions, the lead applicant must compile and submit the entire application, including the contributions of all co-applicants.

The above additional information must be merged with the PDF of the joint application provided by the UK based project lead and submitted via the Cross-Ministerial Research and Development Management System (e-Rad). Please see the NICT call website for details.

• funding opportunity title (Japanese): 革新的情報通信技術（Beyond 5G（6G））基金事業 要素技術・シーズ創出型プログラム「日英国際共同研究開発プロジェクト」

• funding opportunity title (English): UK-Japan research programme under the Elemental Technology and Seeds Creation Programme of the Innovative ICT Fund Project for Beyond 5G/6G

Deadline

Expression of interest deadline 8 September 2026 at 4pm UK time (BST).

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) must receive your application by 6 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time.

NICT must receive your full application by 7 October 2026 at 12:00 pm Japan time (JST).

You will not be able to apply after this time.

Make sure you are aware of and follow any internal institutional deadlines.

Following the submission of your application to this funding opportunity, your application cannot be changed, and submitted applications will not be amended. If your application does not follow the guidance, it may be rejected.

Please note: Submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI) does not guarantee that the proposed research falls within remit or that applicants meet eligibility requirements. EoIs are collected for information purposes only for EPSRC and NICT and will not undergo formal assessment. All eligibility and remit checks will be conducted solely at the full application stage.

Personal data

Processing personal data

EPSRC, as part of UKRI, will need to collect some personal information to manage your Funding Service account and the registration of your funding applications.

We will handle personal data in line with UK data protection legislation and manage it securely. For more information, including how to exercise your rights, read our privacy notice.

EPSRC, as part of UKRI, will need to share the application and any personal information that it contains with NICT so that they can participate in the assessment process. See more information on how NICT uses personal information.

Sensitive information

If you or a core team member need to tell us something you wish to remain confidential, email TFSchangeEPSRC@epsrc.ukri.org

Include in the subject line: [the funding opportunity title; sensitive information; your Funding Service application number].

Typical examples of confidential information include:

• individual is unavailable until a certain date (for example due to parental leave)

• declaration of interest

• additional information about eligibility to apply that would not be appropriately shared in the ‘Applicant and team capability’ section

• conflict of interest for UKRI to consider in reviewer or panel participant selection

• the application is an invited resubmission

For information about how UKRI handles personal data, read UKRI’s privacy notice.

For further information surrounding how NICT manages sensitive information please review NICT’s privacy statement.

Institutional matched funding

There is no requirement for matched funding from the institutions hosting the project lead, project co-leads or other staff employed on the application, beyond the standard 20% FEC. Expert reviewers and panels assessing UKRI funding applications must not consider levels of institutional matched funding as a factor on which to base recommendations. Direct and in-kind contributions from third party project partners are encouraged.

This policy does not remove the need for support from host organisations who must provide the necessary research environment and infrastructure for award-specific activities funded by UKRI. For example, research facilities, training and development of staff.

Publication of outcomes

EPSRC, as part of UKRI, will publish the outcomes of this funding opportunity at What EPSRC has funded.

If your application is successful, we will publish some personal information on the UKRI Gateway to Research.

Summary

Word limit: 550

In plain English, provide a summary we can use to identify the most suitable experts to assess your application.

We usually make this summary publicly available on external-facing websites, therefore do not include any confidential or sensitive information. Make it suitable for a variety of readers, for example:

• opinion-formers

• policymakers

• the public

• the wider research community

Guidance for writing a summary

Clearly describe your proposed work in terms of:

• context

• the challenge the project addresses

• aims and objectives

• potential applications and benefits

Core team

For UK applicants, list the key members of your team and assign them roles from the following:

• project lead (PL)

• project co-lead (UK) (PcL)

• specialist

• professional enabling staff

• research and innovation associate

• technician

• visiting researcher

• researcher co-lead (RcL)

Only list one individual as project lead.

Please do not include details of Japanese team members in the ‘Core team’ section. All Japan based team members must be listed as the project partner on TFS.

UKRI has introduced a new addition to the ‘Specialist’ role type. Public contributors such as people with lived experience can now be added to an application.

Find out more about UKRI’s core team roles in funding applications.

Japan based project partners

Word limit: 250

The Japanese collaborating research organisation(s) should be included as project partners on the application, with the total contribution reflecting the NICT funding request.

You should include a Project Partner Letter of Support summarising their contribution to the project, this should be signed by an authorised institutional representative from the Japanese partner institutions (for example, their research office or university administration). More details about the Japanese project team can be included under the ‘Applicant and team capability to deliver’ section. This can include key members of the Japan team such as principal investigators, Co-I, research participants and outgoing researcher(s).

For more information about Japan-based team composition, please see the NICT Application Guidelines for details.

Application questions

The following questions will be included via the Funding Service:

• Vision and Approach

• Research partnership

• Applicant and team capability to deliver

• Resources and cost justification

• Ethics and responsible research and innovation (RRI)

For UK applicants, the following questions will be included in the Funding Service:

• Additional documentation: NICT-EPSRC joint application form

• Project partners

• Project partners letters (or emails) of support

• Facilities

• Trusted research and innovation

• Ethics and responsible research and innovation (Additional sub-questions)

• Data management and sharing

• Duplication

Vision and Approach

Create a document that includes your responses to all criteria. The document should not be more than [11] sides of A4, single spaced in paper in 11-point Arial (or equivalent sans serif font) with margins of at least 2cm. You may include images, graphs, tables. You can have an additional page for a diagrammatic workplan.

For the file name, use the unique Funding Service number the system gives you when you create an application, followed by the words ‘Vision and Approach’.

Save this document as a single PDF file, no bigger than 8MB. Unless specifically requested, please do not include any sensitive personal data within the attachment.

If the attachment does not meet these requirements, the application will be rejected.

The Funding Service will provide document upload details when you apply.

What are you hoping to achieve with the funding and how will you deliver your proposed work?

What the assessors are looking for in your response

For the Vision, explain how your proposed work:

• is of excellent quality and importance within or beyond the field(s) or area(s)

• has the potential to advance current understanding, generates new knowledge, thinking or discovery within or beyond the field or area

• is timely given current trends, context and needs

• impacts world-leading research, society, the economy or the environment

Within the Vision section we also expect you to explain how your proposed work:

• is relevant to at least one of the scope areas and high-level objectives of this funding opportunity and should be within EPSRC and NICT remits.

For the Approach, explain how you have designed your work so that it:

• is effective and appropriate to achieve your objectives

• is feasible, and comprehensively identifies any risks to delivery and how they will be managed

• if applicable, uses a clear and transparent methodology

• if applicable, summarises the previous work and describes how this will be built upon and progressed

• will maximise translation of outputs into outcomes and impacts

• describes how your, and if applicable your team’s, research environment (in terms of the place, and relevance to the project) will contribute to the success of the work

Within the Approach section we also expect you to:

• clarify the division of the research between the teams in Japan and the UK

• provide a detailed and comprehensive project plan including milestones and timelines in the form of a Gantt chart or similar

References may be included within this section.

Research partnership

Word limit: 1,500

How does your proposed work involve collaboration between UK and Japan?

What the assessors are looking for in your response

Demonstrate how the research partnership:

• involves high-level international joint research aimed at enhancing scientific and technological capabilities for both countries

• deliver the research strengths, added value and synergies that can be achieved through UK-Japan collaboration

• demonstrates a clear and feasible division of roles between the Japanese and UK research, throughout the research period

• has an appropriate approach for building and expanding the international collaboration

• involves research exchanges and collaborations that are equitable and mutually beneficial for both countries

• advances the research field in both Japan and the UK

When providing a response you are expected to:

• describe in detail how your proposed work will add value to the advancement of the research field and the relevant research community

• describe your specific plans for building and expanding your international network through this proposal, with the aim of building, involving and developing a world-class international research community

You are able to include embedded graphics, images, charts and tables within this section to aid with response. Use of embedded graphics, images, charts and tables should only be used as necessary.

Applicant and team capability to deliver

Word limit: 1,650

Why are you the right individual or team to successfully deliver the proposed work?

What the assessors are looking for in your response

Evidence of how you, and if relevant your team, have:

• the relevant experience (appropriate to career stage) to deliver the proposed work

• the right balance of skills and expertise to cover the proposed work

• the appropriate leadership and management skills to deliver the work and your approach to develop others

• contributed to developing a positive research environment and wider community

• sufficient research achievements to demonstrate current or potential high level of international standing within global research community within relevant research fields

• an established record of relevant technology research which clearly and purposefully contributes to the scope stated in the funding opportunity

You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. Further details are provided in the Funding Service.

UK applicants

The word limit for this section is 1,650 words: 1,150 words to be used for Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) modules (including references) and, if necessary, a further 500 words for Additions.

Use the R4RI format to showcase the range of relevant skills you and, if relevant, your team (project and project co-leads, researchers, technicians, specialists, partners and so on) have and how this will help deliver the proposed work. You can include individuals’ specific achievements but only choose past contributions that best evidence their ability to deliver this work.

Complete this section using the R4RI module headings listed. Use each heading once and include a response for the whole team, see the UKRI guidance on R4RI. You should consider how to balance your answer, and emphasise where appropriate the key skills each team member brings:

• contributions to the generation of new ideas, tools, methodologies, or knowledge

• the development of others and maintenance of effective working relationships

• contributions to the wider research and innovation community

• contributions to broader research or innovation users and audiences and towards wider societal benefit

Additions

Provide any further details relevant to your application. This section is optional and can be up to 500 words. You should not use it to describe additional skills, experiences, or outputs, but you can use it to describe any factors that provide context for the rest of your R4RI (for example, details of career breaks if you wish to disclose them).

Complete this as a narrative. Do not format it like a CV.

References may be included within this section.

The roles in funding applications policy has descriptions of the different project roles.

Japan based project partners

Japan-based applicants should describe the achievements of Japan-based principal investigators by using the Japan-UK Advanced Connectivity Technologies Application Form This should be submitted to the Cross-Ministerial Research and Development Management System (e-Rad).

For further details please see NICT-EPSRC application form.

Resources and cost justification

Word limit: 2,000

What will you need to deliver your proposed work and how much will it cost?

What the assessors are looking for in your response

Justify the application’s more costly resources, in particular:

• project staff

• significant travel for field work or collaboration (but not regular travel between collaborating organisations or to conferences)

• any consumables beyond typical requirements, or that are required in exceptional quantities

• all facilities and infrastructure costs

• all resources that have been costed as ‘Exceptions’

You can request costs associated with reasonable adjustments where they increase as a direct result of working on the project. For further information see Disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders. Where a funding limit is imposed on the opportunity, requested costs for reasonable adjustments may exceed the maximum funding amount.

Assessors are not looking for detailed costs or a line-by-line breakdown of all project resources. Overall, they want you to demonstrate how the resources you anticipate needing for your proposed work:

• are comprehensive, appropriate, and justified

• represent the optimal use of resources to achieve the intended outcomes

• maximise potential outcomes and impacts

Resources and cost justification for Japan-based applicants, please check the NICT Application Guidelines for details.

Assessors will only assess the application resources and cost justification as displayed and entered via the Funding Service.

Ethics and responsible research and innovation (RRI)

What are the ethical and RRI considerations, implications and issues relating to the proposed work? If you do not think that the proposed work raises any ethical or RRI issues, explain why.

What the assessors are looking for in your response

Demonstrate that you have identified and evaluated:

• the relevant ethical and RRI considerations, including both the research or topic area itself and the design and delivery of the project

• the wider implications of the proposed work, and how you will maximise the positive societal, environmental, and economic benefits arising from the project, whilst minimising unintended negative impacts, such as research misuse or accidental harm

• how you will manage these considerations throughout the lifecycle of the project

If you are collecting or using data you should identify:

• any legal and ethical considerations of collecting, releasing and storing the data (including consent, confidentiality, anonymisation, security and other ethical considerations and, in particular, strategies to not preclude further reuse of data)

• formal information standards that your proposed work will comply with

Additional sub-questions (to be answered only if appropriate) relating to research involving:

• animals

• human participants

• genetically modified organisms

You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant. Further details are provided in the Funding Service.

Please refer to the UKRI position statement on funding ethical research and Responsible innovation for more information around our expectations on ethical and responsible research and innovation.

For NICT’s Ethics and responsible research and Innovation, please check the NICT Application guidelines for details.

Animal involvement and “3Rs”

You must complete this section about how your proposed project will involve or impact animals.

If your project does not involve or impact animals, you must confirm this on the next page.

You may be asked about:

• what animals you are involving

• the severity of the procedures you are using

• where the procedures will take place

• welfare standards you aim to meet

• the relevance of your project to the development, validation or dissemination of the 3Rs

You may also need to download, complete, and upload at least one set of additional questions. You will be told how to do this towards the end of this section.

To complete this section and check whether your project is in the scope of the questions, refer to the UKRI policy for research and innovation involving animals.

What counts as an animal

UKRI policy relates to all animals in the Kingdom Animalia, including vertebrates and invertebrates.

Genetically modified organisms and biological risk

You must complete this section if your project will include genetically modified organisms or genetic technologies.

If your project does not involve genetically modified organisms or genetic technologies, you must confirm this on the next page.

You may be asked about:

• the type of organism your project will involve and the procedures your project will include

• the intended use of the organism or genetic technology

• the genetic, biological and environmental risks of your project

For more information, see UKRI’s guidance on genetic technologies.

Human participation in health-related research

You must complete this section about whether your project will include human participation.

If your project does not involve human participation, you must confirm this on the next page.

You may be asked about:

• what type of human participation your project includes

• the project design for human participation

• the phase of the clinical trial

• whether the project will be in an NHS setting, if so, how the project will be registered

• whether diversity and inclusion will be considered

For more information, see UKRI’s guidance for human participants in research.

Additional documentation: NICT-EPSRC joint application form

This question is included in the UKRI Funding Service.

Word limit: 10

Japan based project partners are required to submit the below additional information using NICT-EPSRC joint application form through NICT’s Cross-Ministerial Research and Development Management System (e-Rad).

For further information please see NICT-EPSRC Application form.

Please upload a PDF attachment of the NICT-EPSRC joint application form as it will be submitted to NICT’s Cross-Ministerial Research and Development Management System (e-Rad).

For the file name, use the unique Funding Service number the system gives you when you create an application, followed by the words ‘NICT-EPSRC Joint Advanced Connectivity Technologies Application Form’.

Save this document as a single PDF file, no bigger than 8MB.

If the attachment does not meet these requirements, the application will be rejected.

The Funding Service will provide document upload details when you apply.

Project partners

Add details about any project partners’ contributions. If there are no project partners, you can indicate this on the Funding Service.

A project partner is a collaborating organisation who will have an integral role in the proposed research. This may include direct contributions for example cash, donated equipment and resources, or staff seconded to the project, or indirect and in-kind contributions for example use of project partner’s equipment, datasets, or facilities. Project partners may be in industry, academia, third sector or government organisations in the UK or overseas, including partners based in the EU.

Add the following project partner details:

• the organisation name and address (searchable via a drop-down list or enter the organisation’s details manually, as applicable)

• the project partner contact name and email address

• the type of contribution (direct or indirect) and its monetary value

If a detail is entered incorrectly and you have saved the entry, remove the specific project partner record and re-add it with the correct information.

For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made.

Project partners: letters (or emails) of support

Upload a single PDF containing the letters or emails of support from each partner you named in the project partners section. These should be uploaded in English or Welsh only.

What the assessors are looking for in your response

Enter the words ‘attachment supplied’ in the text box, or if you do not have any project partners enter ‘N/A’. Each letter or email you provide should:

• confirm the partner’s commitment to the project

• clearly explain the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the work to them

• describe any additional value that they bring to the project

• have a page limit of two sides A4 per partner

The Funding Service will provide document upload details when you apply.

If you do not have any project partners, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.

Ensure you have prior agreement from project partners so that, if you are offered funding, they will support your project as indicated in the Project partners section.

For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made.

An institutional statement in support of the joint submission must be provided by each Japanese partner organisation in the application submission, provided in your Project Partner Letter of Support. This statement should be in the form of a signed letter from an authorised institutional representative including the following text: “I confirm on behalf of [insert name or institution] that the Japan-UK Collaborative proposal between [insert name of UK project lead and institution] and [insert Japan PI and institution] is endorsed and has been submitted by [name of research office]”.

Data management and sharing

Word limit: 1,000

How will you manage and share data collected or acquired through the proposed research?

What the assessors are looking for in your response

Provide a data management plan that clearly details how you will comply with UKRI’s published data sharing policy, which includes detailed guidance notes.

Facilities (UK applicants only)

Word limit: 250

Does your proposed research require the support and use of a facility?

What the assessors are looking for in your response

If you will need to use a facility, follow your proposed facility’s normal access request procedures. Ensure you have prior agreement so that if you are offered funding, they will support the use of their facility on your project.

For each requested facility you will need to provide the:

• name of facility, copied and pasted from the facility information list (DOCX, 42KB)

• proposed usage or costs, or costs per unit where indicated on the facility information list

• confirmation you have their agreement where required

Facilities should only be named if they are on the facility information list above. If you will not need to use a facility, you will be able to indicate this in the Funding Service.

Duplication (for UK applicants)

Word limit: 800

Applications submitted to this funding opportunity should not have substantial overlap (in terms of research vision and level of collaboration with Japan counterparts) with ongoing projects or with concurrent submissions to other EPSRC-UKRI/ NICT funding opportunities, including any international joint programmes.

If your application does not have significant overlap with an ongoing project or application, you will be able to indicate this in the UKRI funding service.

If otherwise, then for each overlapping funding source provide details of:

• the project title and description

• the funding scheme

• the total budget and funding period

• your role in the project and your level of effort

• how the project relates to the present application

• the status of those applications or awards (under application, awarded, or ongoing)

In your response we also expect you to:

• confirm that you would be willing to withdraw or not proceed with projects/applications listed above.

Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I)

Trusted Research and Innovation is the protection of the UK’s intellectual property, sensitive research, people, and infrastructure from potential theft, misuse, and exploitation.

Organisations receiving UKRI funding are obliged to act in line with UK government legislation. They are also expected to undertake appropriate due diligence assessments of organisations involved in research partnerships, collaboration agreements, and commercial contracts.

You will be asked about:

• which areas of the National Security and Investment (NSI[) Act your project relates to

• who you intend to collaborate with and how

• if your project requires an export control licence

Your answers may affect the T&Cs of your funding agreement if you are successful. We may use your answers to determine that our current T&Cs are sufficient or if additional T&Cs are required.

Background

In early 2026, a Prime Ministerial level announcement was made for a jointly funded £6 million UK-Japan research programme on advanced connectivity technologies.

UK-Japan research and innovation ecosystem workshops were held in Tokyo and London in December 2025 and March 2026. These events were aimed at accelerating joint research and social implementation of next-generation Advanced Connectivity Technologies and explore opportunities for impactful bilateral partnerships.

It brought together research and development communities from academia and industry from both countries, who are interested in communication systems. Specifically exploring Non-Terrestrial Networks, AI integration in digital networks and advanced photonics and optical networks. Read the workshop reports.

Research and innovation impact

Impact can be defined as the long-term intended or unintended effect research and innovation has on society, economy and the environment; to individuals, organisations, and the wider global population.

Research disruption due to COVID-19

We recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major interruptions and disruptions across our communities. We are committed to ensuring that individual applicants and their wider team, including partners and networks, are not penalised for any disruption to their career, such as:

• breaks and delays

• disruptive working patterns and conditions

• the loss of ongoing work

• role changes that may have been caused by the pandemic

Reviewers and panel members will be advised to consider the unequal impacts that COVID-19 related disruption might have had on the capability to deliver and career development of those individuals included in the application. They will be asked to consider the capability of the applicant and their wider team to deliver the research they are proposing.

Where disruptions have occurred, you can highlight this within your application if you wish, but there is no requirement to detail the specific circumstances that caused the disruption.

Grant Additional Conditions (GAC) for UK-led applicants

GAC 1: monitoring and reporting

Notwithstanding the requirements set out in standard grant conditions RGC 7.4, RGC 7.5 and RGC 10, you are responsible for providing to the project officer annual progress reports against financial and non-financial performance metrics.

Additional financial or non-financial information may occasionally be requested outside of the standard annual reporting cycle. You agree to undertake all reasonable endeavours to comply with these requests in a timely manner.

GAC ISPF 1: Starting Procedures

This Grant has a fixed start date of 1 April 2027. The start of the Grant may not be delayed beyond or precede this date. You must submit the Start Confirmation no later than 14 February 2027.

Please note that due to the fixed start date, the normal start period rules, and start confirmation window, outlined in the UKRI Standard Terms and Condition RGC5 do not apply to this project.

GAC ISPF 2: Extensions

Notwithstanding RGC 6, grant extensions will only be considered under exceptional circumstances where such events could not be predicted or appropriately mitigated during the award stage, or where required in line with the Equality Act 2010, and will require Our agreement on a case-by-case basis.

We expect due consideration to have been given to the challenges and constraints associated with this award, including those associated with international collaboration or any other requirements shown on the offer letter.

GAC ISPF 3: Collaboration Agreement

In accordance with UKRI Standard Term and Condition RGC 12, a Collaboration Agreement between Research Organisations and/ or other project partners is required for this project.

A Collaboration Agreement must be in place within 6 months of the start date of the Grant, and if requested should be shared with Us.

It is the responsibility of the lead Research Organisation to put such an agreement in place. The terms of collaboration agreements must not conflict with the Our terms and conditions or any other policies.

GAC ISPF 9: Open Access Publications

Our Policy on Open Access applies to all recipients of ISPF grants: UKRI Open Access Policy. Where research grants are held by a UK-based research organisation, the UKRI open access block grant can be used to support eligible costs. Where UKRI research grant funding is awarded to a non-UK based research organisation, it is permissible for open access costs to be charged to the research grant.

GAC ISPF 4: Acknowledgements

In addition to the provisions in UKRI Standard Term and Condition RGC 12.4, all materials for this Grant (including any publicity materials, publications, reports, press releases, social media releases and websites) where appropriate should acknowledge that it is funded by Us and must refer to the ISPF.

Our communications team and UKRI International should be notified of any major announcements in advance by emailing press@ukri.org and ispf@ukri.org. The relevant Council Programme teams should also be notified.

GAC ISPF 5: Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

You must deliver on monitoring and reporting commitments as agreed upon commencement of this Grant, including reporting research outcomes via the specified online system and providing narrative progress updates. You are also required to assist Us with any reasonable additional reporting requirements as requested by DSIT.

You must assist any external evaluators contracted by Us and/or DSIT for the purposes of an evaluation of ISPF. Contracted evaluators will be given permission to contact You directly.

There is an expectation that You will make all reasonable efforts to support and contribute to any reporting requirements by Your collaborator’s funding agencies.

GAC ISPF 6: Government Support

This Award is dependent on continuing government commitment for this initiative. In the event that this support is withdrawn, We reserve the right to terminate the Award at any time, having provided 3 months written notice.

GAC ISPF 7: Equipment

Equipment is defined as any item with a value exceeding £10,000 (for opportunities and competitions launched prior to 1st April 2025) and any item with a value exceeding £25,000 (for opportunities and competitions launched after 1st April 2025).

When procuring equipment, You must obtain at least two written quotes to evidence value for money, or have justification where this is inappropriate. Although submission of these quotations is not required at the application stage, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) reserves the right to request and review this evidence at any time.

It is the expectation that non-ODA equipment must be installed within the UK In cases where installation in a non-ODA country is proposed, prior written approval must be obtained from UKRI International.

Supporting documents

Equality Impact Assessment (PDF, 318KB)

Contact details

For help and advice on costings and writing your application please contact your research office in the first instance, allowing sufficient time for your organisation’s submission process.

For questions related to this specific funding opportunity please contact:EPSRC contact email: future.communications@epsrc.ukri.org

NICT contact email: info-itaku@ml.nict.go.jp

Any queries regarding the system or the submission of applications through the Funding Service should be directed to the helpdesk.

Email: support@funding-service.ukri.orgPhone: 01793 547490

Our phone lines are open:

• Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm

• Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

To help us process queries more efficiently, we request that users highlight the council and opportunity name in the subject title of their email query, include the application reference number, and refrain from contacting more than one mailbox at a time.

For further information on submitting an application read How applicants use the Funding Service.

Related content

• UKRI policies and standards

• EPSRC policies and standards

• Digital and Technologies Sector Plan

• Innovative ICT Fund Projects for Beyond 5G/6G(Japan)

Related opportunities

• Expression of interest: Japan-UK joint call for collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies