FAQ

The Distinguished International Associates Programme is a programme for excellent international engineers who are at the cutting edge of engineering research or innovation and have existing collaborations or connections to the UK which they would like to intensify.

The fifth round of the programme will take a thematic approach, considering applications related to artificial intelligence.

All applications will be assessed against a number of factors. These include the extent to which the application complies with the aims and objectives of the scheme. All reviewers will be asked to consider each proposal under the following criteria:

• Applicant experience and track record
  • Do you consider the applicant’s experience to show excellence in their field?
  • Does the applicant’s background and experience align with the thematic focus?
• Applicant networks and UK partner
  • Is the UK partner well established in their field?
  • Does the applicant have existing partners / networks which would benefit Academy activities?
  • Previous engagement with organisations similar to the Academy?
• Programme of activities
  • Are activities realistic within the award length and budget?
  • Do proposed activities contribute to programme objectives, and Academy strategic goals?
  • Thematic alignment - do you consider the applicant's proposal to show alignment with the theme of artificial intelligence?

All applicants are invited to submit a completed application form via the Academy’s online system. Further information can be found in the How to apply section.

The fifth round application window is currently open. The submission deadline is Thursday 12 December, 4pm GMT.

The outcome of applications should be released in February 2025. Awardees will be expected to start their projects in March 2025

The letter of support or endorsement letter should be issued by a senior UK engineer or innovator who knows you well enough to provide suitable commentary on your experience and skills.

The letter should:

• include an explanation of how they know the applicant
• mention why they believe the applicant is suitable to lead the programme of activities (motivation, skills, experience, determination)
• comment on the credibility of the project and any expected benefits to the community.

The maximum which could be awarded for each project is £10,000. Up to 12 awards are available.

As lead applicant you may only submit one application per round under the Distinguished International Associates Programme. You may submit an application to a new round of the programme if you have applied to a previous round but were unsuccessful.

DIA alumni and existing awardees will be unable to apply again for the fifth round of the programme, but may act as a collaborator on an application.