Global academic partnerships (British Council)
Encouraging international co-operation and strengthening higher education
The British Council is so proud of our partnership with Pears Foundation, enabling hundreds of scholars and academics to contribute to mutually beneficial academic institution strengthening, and life-changing research collaborations worldwide.Kate Ewart-Biggs, Deputy CEO
British Council
HESPAL and BIRAX take different approaches, but both are rooted in a powerful idea: that partnership can unlock human potential. Whether by investing in the next generation of scholars or enabling world-class researchers to tackle urgent global challenges, these programmes show how collaboration across borders can create lasting, life-changing impact.Sir Trevor Pears
Partner since: 2010
Funding invested: 5m
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, with a presence in more than 100 countries.
Our partnership with the British Council has developed through two programmes that reflect a shared commitment to international collaboration. While different in focus, both use education and research to strengthen institutions, develop people and build lasting relationships across borders.
HESPAL – Building the next generation of Palestinian academics
In 2010, we worked with the British Council to establish the Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) programme.
HESPAL aims to develop the next generation of senior academics who can lead teaching and research at Palestinian universities, strengthen links between Palestinian and UK institutions, and build professional networks that support scholars throughout their careers.
Since its inception, HESPAL has awarded 255 scholarships to Palestinian academics and researchers, enabling them to undertake postgraduate study in the UK, including 195 Masters degrees and 60 PhDs. The programme has grown to attract a diverse group of funders and university partners, creating new opportunities for collaboration and academic exchange. In 2025, 28 UK universities participated, with opportunities continuing for scholars from both the West Bank and Gaza.
“I have been provided with an excellent opportunity not only to improve my research skills and critical thinking, but also to explore new educational systems and teaching techniques.”
HESPAL Masters Scholar, 2023–24
BIRAX – Advancing medical research through international collaboration
Alongside the British Council and the British Embassy, Pears Foundation was a founding partner of BIRAX (the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership), which supports collaborative medical research between scientists in Britain and Israel.
BIRAX funds joint research projects, supports collaboration between leading scientists and provides travel grants that enable researchers to develop new partnerships. Since its inception, more than £15 million has been invested across 32 collaborative research projects, bringing together more than 200 researchers and creating long-term international research networks.
Research supported through BIRAX has contributed to advances in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, macular disease and bone fragility, while its current phase focuses on healthy ageing.
With Pears Foundation as the founding partner, BIRAX has developed into a collaboration supported by philanthropic foundations, government agencies and leading medical charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, the MS Society and Parkinson’s UK.
“With over a decade of achievements and £15 million invested to date, these collaborations demonstrate the strength of bringing together the brightest minds to deliver solutions with real global impact. I look forward to seeing the BIRAX community grow, innovate and lead the way in scientific discovery.”
Ravit Capauner, Head of BIRAX
Together, these programmes demonstrate how long-term partnerships can create opportunities that extend beyond individual grants, bringing together universities, researchers and funders to strengthen institutions, develop expertise and support collaboration on challenges that cross national borders.