After three years of partnership, The University of Warwick and Fudan University, Shanghai, China, one of China’s highest-ranking universities, launch their Joint Seed Fund designed to ignite groundbreaking research and drive global impact.

The Fudan-Warwick Joint Seed Fund will provide vital early-stage funding to ambitious research initiatives that blend diverse expertise and explore novel approaches. By empowering researchers to explore high-potential ideas, this fund aims to accelerate discoveries that address global challenges and contribute to societal advancement.

The University of Warwick has a strong track record of developing collaborative research with China’s top universities. Warwick and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), one of China’s top five highest ranking universities, have been in partnership for 10 years and have developed a vibrant programme of student exchanges and joint research including a joint conference for the Marco Polo International Programme in 2024.

This partnership has resulted in several co-produced research papers in subjects ranging from English language teacher training in rural China, to improving insulating materials for electrical equipment.

Professor Michael Scott, Pro Vice Chancellor International said: “China has long been one of Warwick’s valued research regions, and this joint seed fund with Fudan University is a testament to our deep and growing collaborations with China’s leading universities. By combining our strengths, we are creating new opportunities for researchers to drive innovation, tackle global challenges, and make a lasting impact."

China is the world’s second-biggest spender on research and development (R&D), with a year-on-year expenditure increasing on average by 12.5% between 2017 and 2021. The UK is now China’s second-largest science partner in terms of co-publications, after the US, with significantly more shared papers than its EU neighbours.

Professor Chen Zhimin, Vice President Fudan University said: "The launch of the Joint Seed Fund between Fudan University and the University of Warwick represents a pivotal advancement in our strategic partnership. This initiative will accelerate collaborative research that addresses global challenges by leveraging our complementary strengths and expertise."

The Fudan-Warwick Seed Fund is now open to new applications as part of the One World Warwick celebrations, showcasing our strategic global partnerships and international opportunities for students. To find out more and apply to this fund visit the website.

ENDS

About One World Warwick

The University of Warwick is launching a series of seed funds in collaboration with its strategic international academic partners. This initiative is part of One World Warwick, a programme introduced in November 2024 that reflects the University’s commitment to a global future. By fostering partnerships, collaboration, and innovation across borders, Warwick strengthens its role as a key player in an interconnected academic and research community.

University of Warwick press officer Heather Holve is available on + 44 (0) 7803 052441 or heather.holve@warwick.ac.uk