Applications are welcome for Research-in-Groups from October 2025 onwards

What recent participants have to say about their Research-in-Groups experience:

"We were fortunate to be selected for the Research in Groups programme at ICMS in Edinburgh. This initiative brings together research teams from around the world for face-to-face collaboration…. Our group was assigned to the upper floor of the James Clerk Maxwell House, the birthplace of the renowned physicist. This inspiring location not only offers a beautiful view but also houses a museum dedicated to Maxwell’s life and work. Its central location, close to the historic part of Edinburgh, allowed us to explore the city during our stay." 

"I had a wonderful and very productive time during the RiGs visit in Edinburgh."

"We’ve made real progress in directions that are both impactful and innovative. We all enjoyed the wonders of working and being in the Edinburgh Futures Institute - a little like going to research group heaven."

"At Maxwell’s House where we were located during the three-week period, we found the peace and the inspiration to concentrate on our research and generate new ideas for future joined projects"

This ICMS programme invites applications from small groups of researchers (between two and six) who wish to organise a short, intensive period of research in Edinburgh, typically between two and four weeks. We are happy to be flexible and will consider other combinations or lengths of visit: please ask. At least one researcher must be based in the UK. Not all researchers should be from the same university with a maximum of two researchers from any one university. The group should not contain PhD students.

The programme will enable researchers to spend time in intensive research collaboration at ICMS, away from teaching and administration. The primary aim is to support top-quality (international) research in the mathematical sciences and therefore ICMS encourages adventurous proposals involving novel groupings of researchers, especially in interdisciplinary areas involving international collaborators. We welcome applications from mid-career researchers, and particularly those who have had interruptions in their research careers, for example through a heavy administrative burden or caring responsibilities.

Successful applicants will be offered financial support and office facilities for their collaboration at ICMS on a specified project. It will be expected that the period being supported should be committed 100% by the participants to the proposed research.

Researchers will be based in either 14 India Street or Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. 14 India Street is the birthplace of James Clerk Maxwell and this is a unique opportunity to work in the quiet, elegant surroundings of a Georgian townhouse. 14 India Street has generous, light-filled office space with far-reaching views to the north of the City.   14 India Street is located a 20 minute walk from ICMS. 

Researchers should note that ICMS can reimburse the costs of self-catering accommodation and contribute towards daily expenses. ICMS can contribute towards travel expenses to/from Edinburgh but cannot offer reimbursement to universities for teaching or lecturing expenses. We ask that participants arrange their own accommodation in Edinburgh. Suggestions can be found on the Coming to ICMS page.

Submission deadlines: 1 March, 1 June, 1 October each year.

Applications should be made using this form

Information regarding funding can be found here

ICMS can host Research-in-Groups visits in Edinburgh all year round except for August. For 2025 the earliest we can host a group would be from October 2025 onwards.

If you wish to discuss your proposal prior to applying please send your questions to info@icms.ac.uk