A new multi-million pound initiative to fund research collaborations and improve links between UK and overseas researchers was launched by the Science Minister Ian Pearson on 4 June.

The Newton International Fellowships will be overseen by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society and aim to attract the most promising post-doctoral researchers working overseas in the fields of humanities, engineering, natural and social sciences.

The Fellowships will offer researchers funding to work for two years with a UK research institution, thus establishing long term international collaborations. The funding will be distributed in the form of 50 research fellowships, awarded annually, each providing support of up to £100,000 for a two year placement.

Robin Jackson, the British Academy's Chief Executive and Secretary said: "The Academy has for many years supported international collaboration and academic exchange across the humanities and social sciences. The Newton International Fellowships will introduce a new dimension, enabling us to offer highly attractive awards to the best overseas postdoctoral researchers, which will strengthen international scholarly links."

More details will be available from the Newton International Fellowships website: http://www.newtonfellowships.org/

The closing date for the first round is 4th August 2008. There will be a second round in autumn 2008. There will then be an annual round from spring 2010. Deadlines to be confirmed.

Newton International Fellowships6-9 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5AGtel: +44 (0)20 7451 2598 fax: +44 (0)20 7451 2543 info@newtonfellowships.org