The Kan Tong Po Fellowship is an international visiting research program that supports short-term scientific collaborations between researchers in the United Kingdom or United States and leading universities in Hong Kong. The program enables established researchers to undertake focused visits that strengthen academic partnerships and advance scientific exchange in the natural sciences.
About the Program
The Kan Tong Po Fellowship is administered by the Royal Society and is designed to promote high-level scientific collaboration between UK or US-based scientists and researchers at major Hong Kong universities. The fellowship supports one-off research visits that foster knowledge exchange, joint research development, and long-term international collaboration.
Funding Size
The fellowship provides up to £3,000 per award to cover a short research visit of up to three months. Funding is intended for travel and subsistence costs only.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be experienced researchers with a PhD or equivalent research background. Eligible applicants include scientists based in the UK or United States who hold a fixed or permanent position at a recognised academic or research institution. The programme is aimed at established researchers capable of developing meaningful international collaborations.
Geographic Eligibility
Eligible collaborations must be between:
• United Kingdom or United States researchers
• Selected Hong Kong universities
Eligible Hong Kong institutions include major public research universities such as the University of Hong Kong and other leading higher education institutions in the region.
Sector or Thematic Focus
The fellowship supports research in the natural sciences, including:
• Biological and biomedical sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Mathematics and related disciplines
Clinical or purely social science research is generally not supported unless specifically aligned with the natural sciences remit.
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Application Process
Applicants must submit an online application outlining the proposed collaboration, research objectives, and planned visit activities. Applications are assessed by expert panels based on scientific quality, collaboration strength, and potential long-term impact. Shortlisted applicants are selected competitively for funding.
Required Materials
• Completed online application form
• Research proposal describing the collaboration
• Confirmation of host institution and collaborator
• Academic CV
• Supporting institutional details
Key Dates
• Application opening: April 9, 2026
• Application deadline: June 4, 2026
• Decision outcome: Expected October 2026
• Visits must take place within the approved project window following selection
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Selection Notes
Applications are evaluated based on scientific excellence, strength of collaboration, mutual benefit to both institutions, and potential to build long-term research partnerships. Preference is given to proposals demonstrating clear research value and strong institutional alignment.