A positive impact of the University of Surrey and Adelaide University Research Seed Fund
Since its establishment in 2022, the strategic partnership between the University of Surrey and Adelaide University has continued to grow in scope and strength. Central to this partnership is the Surrey–Adelaide Partnership Fund, launched last year. This seed-funding scheme aims to enable international collaborative research in the mutual priority areas of Cyber, Space, AI and Sustainability.
Adelaide University
Following the recent announcement of the projects to be awarded under its second funding call, the partnership reflects on the strong outcomes achieved through the inaugural round, which supported eight projects across the four priority themes. Despite a short delivery timeframe, the seed-funding generated significant academic, educational and engagement impact. Outcomes to date include:
- Nine follow-on funding applications, two of which have been successful and three of which are awaiting outcomes
- Two joint publication submissions (outcomes awaited)
- Six papers and one poster conference/symposium presentation (with others awaiting outcomes)
- 23 workshops, guest lectures and other public outreach events
- One online short course (Space Fundamentals)
- One COIL project and three further studies undertaken on COIL provision
- 11 student placements/visits with a further two planned
- Two instances of joint supervision, one MSc dissertation and one leading to a PhD application to the University of Surrey
Across all projects, a combination of sustained virtual collaboration and targeted in‑person mobility strengthened research relationships, expanded institutional, industry and policy stakeholder networks and contributed to the development of longer‑term international research agendas. Most project teams have included engagement with students and early career researchers and confirmed plans to continue working together through further research activity, publications and funding bids, underscoring the value and future potential of the scheme.