The United States and Britain are launching a global research collaboration to address issues such as water supply and climate change in emerging nations. The 5-year programme will fund up to a total of 40 US and UK grants per year, says Richard Everitt, deputy director of the British Council USA in Washington DC. He did not disclose amounts but said that awards could last for up to three years. Funding will come from the British Council, the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the US Department of State. “We want to create a cadre of young researchers who can work with their counterparts from the emerging world,” says Everitt. The initiative will form partnerships with universities in nations such as China, Brazil, India and Indonesia, and will seek grant proposals in September.