The Research and Innovation Directorate invites eligible early-career researchers and academics to apply for the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Early Career Conference Grants.

The grant supports emerging researchers from ACU member universities to attend and actively participate in international conferences held in Commonwealth countries outside their country of employment. The scheme aims to strengthen research capacity, facilitate knowledge exchange, and help researchers build valuable international networks.

Purpose of the Grant

Participation in international conferences provides early-career academics with opportunities to:

• Present and disseminate their research findings.
• Learn about emerging developments in their field.
• Establish professional and research networks.
• Enhance teaching and research practice through international exposure.
• Share acquired knowledge with colleagues and students upon return.

Successful awardees will be required to submit a report upon completion of their award.

Funding Available

Seven (7) grants are available, each valued at up to GBP 2,000.

The grant may be used to cover:

• Conference registration fees
• Airfare and travel costs
• Accommodation
• Visa fees
• Travel and health insurance

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be an early-career researcher or academic employed at an ACU member university.
• Be within seven (7) years of the start of their academic (research or teaching) career.
• Have identified a conference taking place in a Commonwealth country between February 2027 and January 2028.
• Be actively participating in the conference as one of the following:
  • Session Chair
  • Paper Presenter
  • Poster Presenter
• Review the ACU application guidance and FAQs before applying.

Career Break Consideration

The seven-year eligibility period may be extended for applicants who have taken recognized career breaks for personal or professional reasons, including childcare responsibilities.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• Completed online application form through the MyACU platform.
• Evidence of conference participation (chairing, paper presentation, or poster presentation).
• Supporting information as required in the application guidance.

Applicants without a MyACU account must register and activate their account before accessing the application system.

Expected Outcomes

The programme seeks to:

• Increase international research engagement among emerging scholars.
• Strengthen research collaborations across the Commonwealth.
• Enhance institutional research capacity through knowledge sharing.
• Support the professional development of early-career academics.

Deadline

13 October 2026, 15:00 UTC

For more information on the call, kindly visit: https://www.acu.ac.uk/funding-opportunities/for-university-staff/university-staff-grants/early-career-grants/

All interested persons are to communicate their intention to apply to the RID Grants Management Office for institutional guidance and support at rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh with alasante@ug.edu.gh in copy.