British Council  - Gender Equality and Inclusion Programme -International Science Partnerships Fund The Gender Equality and Inclusion Programme (GIP) encompasses a range of Level C activities aimed at fostering gender equality and inclusion within the realm of Research & Innovation (R&I). Key components include the Early Academic Fellowship scheme for Women in R&I, small gender-focused early career grants for researchers in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in collaboration with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH), and a fund dedicated to implementing recommendations from gender analysis and evaluations conducted during the Newton Fund legacy period. Additionally, the programme provides training and networking opportunities to address the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leadership roles, funding for conferences or roundtables on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, and initiatives to build institutional capacity for integrating gender equality into research practices. The GIP also facilitates knowledge and practice sharing with UK and international partner organizations, including other International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) Partner Organizations. Through the ISPF, the British Council will fund selected UK universities and research institutions to support at least three Early Career Fellowships, covering academic and living expenses. These fellowships aim to establish medium- to long-term partnerships between hosting and sending institutions, thereby strengthening research capacity at both individual and institutional levels and supporting the career development of individual researchers. A primary objective of this fellowship scheme is to nurture talent that will drive inclusion in Research & Innovation (R&I), ultimately fostering sustainable and impactful global research partnerships.
This programme is ODA eligible as it directly addresses the primary objective of promoting the economic development and welfare of developing countries, specifically through capacity building in research and innovation. By targeting gender equality and inclusion, the programme not only advances Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) but also enhances the research capabilities of women in least developed countries, fostering economic growth and societal advancement. The funding of early career fellowships and the emphasis on sustainable partnerships between UK and partner country institutions are designed to create lasting impacts that contribute to the development of robust research ecosystems in developing countries, thereby aligning with the primary goals of ODA. The Gender Equality and Inclusion Programme (GIP) aims to create a significant impact on policy and influence change by strengthening the gender, inclusion, and diversity agenda in Research & Innovation (R&I) both in the UK and partner countries. The programme's grant awards focus on the ISPF themes and priorities identified in partner countries, with a strong emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals 5 (SDG 5-Gender) to foster mutual benefits and co-developed solutions to global challenges. 
By forming partnerships with UK universities and eligible institutions, the programme seeks to bolster UK leadership in global research, encouraging early career participants to build lasting professional relationships and pursue future careers within the UK research sector and their home countries. Furthermore, the GIP is dedicated to developing global science capability by enhancing research capacity to address worldwide challenges, specifically by supporting women in R&I in partner countries. The British Council’s ISPF programme grants enable fellows to engage in international collaboration, access diverse research environments, and gain exposure to new facilities, knowledge, and expertise, thereby improving their research quality and translating innovations into tangible economic and societal benefits. The Early Career Fellowship Programme, under the Tomorrow’s Talent ISPF theme, aims to provide selected early career researchers with the foundation to launch their careers, increase participation opportunities for underrepresented groups in research, and foster inclusivity. This will yield long-lasting benefits for both the fellows and the broader research communities in the UK and partner countries through sustainable collaboration and strengthened institutional ties.