Sino-British Fellowship Trust

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things you should know

about Sino-British Fellowship Trust

The Sino-British Fellowship Trust (CIO) is a grant making charity.

In principle, SBFT grants are made to educational and research institutions to support the development of academic research links between the UK and China. The grants support UK and Chinese academics and postgraduate students to make study, conference and other research visits between UK and Chinese academic institutions.

The SBFT also administers the Katherine Whitaker Bequest, following a generous legacy from Dr Katherine (Lai Po Kan) Whitaker.

SBFT income comes solely from its investment portfolio – we will not ask you for donations.

The Sino-British Fellowship Trust has been supporting researchers in the UK and China since 1948. From the first two Chinese scholars who travelled to the UK to study textile manufacture, SBFT has developed its support over the years; in 2024 it provided funding to 18 educational and research institutions.

Research topics have ranged from climate change to Chinese opera, from historic manuscript conservation and digitisation to the development of primary healthcare provision.

While SBFT is no longer offering direct grants to individuals, some organisations funded by SBFT do offer grants to individual researchers working on China. More information can be found here.

SBFT is registered with the Charity Commission in England (Registered Charity No. 1174487).

Please note that SBFT will no longer be offering direct grants to individuals.

years established

1583

scholars supported

organisations

Grants over the last 10 years...

additional information

SBFT Grants

SBFT GRANT

The SBFT can consider proposals from educational and public research institutions for a grant to support academic staff or postgraduate students who fit the criteria for SBFT funding. Please note that SBFT only provides grants for travel and living costs, not tuition fees or associated research costs.

To help academic staff and postgraduate students at UK academic institutions fund travel and living costs while they undertake research or study visits to China;
To help academic staff and postgraduate students at Chinese institutions to fund similar visits to the UK;
To support academic staff and postgraduate students in their study of Chinese languages.

We give grants for a wide range of academic studies, and particularly welcome applications for projects which are outside the terms of other funding providers.

Please note enquiries should relate to those who have completed their doctorate. PhD study or fieldwork costs are not supported.

THE KATHERINE WHITAKER BEQUEST

Dr Katherine Lai Po Kan Whitaker , born in 1912, taught Classical Chinese and Cantonese language at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and was for many years the only Chinese woman to hold senior rank in British academic sinology.

Dr Katherine Whitaker died in April 2003, leaving a bequest to the Sino-British Fellowship Trust.

A review of grant funding from the Bequest is underway.

additional information

SBFT Links

SBFT provides grants to the following organisations for grant schemes open to academic researchers in Britain
(detailed eligibility terms and conditions on the organisation's website).

The British Academy

Small Research Grants Scheme.

The Great-Britain China Educational Trust

Chinese Student Awards & Chinese Language Awards

The Royal Society

International Exchanges Scheme

UCCL

Travel and Study Grants

"The British Academy greatly values our long-standing partnership with the Sino British Fellowship Trust. Since 1989, we have supported over 135 researchers through British Academy/Sino-British Fellowship Trust Small Research Grants. These awards have spanned a wide diversity of research topics including migratory impacts on child-rearing in China, barriers to waste sorting for a circular economy in China, and early Buddhism in China. The funding has enabled scholars based in the UK and China to study, research and participate in academia in China and the UK respectively, supporting both cultural and academic knowledge exchanges and collaboration between researchers in our two countries. We look forward to continuing this relationship into the future."

Professor Julia Black CBE FBA President - The British Academy

"Science is a global endeavour and awards such as those supported by the Sino-British Fellowship Trust help to play a critical role in creating the international links and partnerships that make this possible. The Royal Society is delighted to be part of such a long-lasting and successful relationship between our two organisations, over almost four decades, and we look forward to continuing to foster collaboration between UK and Chinese scientists.""

Professor Alison Noble OBE FREng FRS Foreign Secretary & Vice-President - The Royal Society

Professor Sir Mark Walport, FRS Foreign Secretary & Vice-President - The Royal Society

Get in touch

contact us

Please email enquiries@sbft.org.uk and include your name, institution and brief details of your proposal.

The SBFT online office is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am – 2pm.

Legal Information

Sino-British Fellowship Trust (Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Registered Charity No. 1174487
enquiries@sbft.org.uk

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