International Visits
UK RAS STEPS will boost knowledge exchange and raise the profile of UK robotics by supporting Research Technical Professionals to undertake international visits to world-leading robotics labs.
These visits will include a mix of informative talks and lab tours, providing valuable insights into research and development practices across the globe. All costs for these visits will be covered by UK RAS STEPS.
Join the UK RAS STEPS visit to the University of Tokyo – April 2026
This is a unique opportunity to take part in a fully funded international visit to the University of Tokyo and Tokyo University of Science.
The 5-day visit will include tours, discussions, and workshops at three leading departments conducting cutting-edge research on human–robot interaction, assistive technologies, and bio-inspired robotics.
This opportunity has proved extremely popular and we have now reached the maximum number of EOIs. We’ll be announcing further visits in the near future, so check back here or join our Circle Community Platform to find out about future opportunities.
RTP Global Knowledge Exchange Funding
The Global Knowledge Exchange Funding Pot is designed exclusively for Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) in the RAS community.
This funding will support international travel, accommodation, and subsistence to visit labs, universities, or research institutions around the world. The goal is to enable knowledge exchange, skills development, and collaboration with international peers.
Feedback from the Community
I am sincerely grateful to UK RAS STEPS for funding my visit to Uganda as part of the LeVe CPAP project. Their support enabled me to transfer my technical knowledge in a hands-on collaboration with local engineers, helping to strengthen sustainable medical device manufacturing in a low-resource setting. This opportunity not only showcased the global impact of frugal engineering but also highlighted the critical role of technical expertise in turning academic innovation into meaningful healthcare solutions.
– Graham Brown, Integrated Services Manager, University of Leeds
I am grateful to the UK RAS STEPS Programme for providing me with the incredible opportunity to travel to Uganda and contribute to an international research project. This experience not only expanded my technical experience but also allowed me to apply engineering principles in a real-world, cross-cultural context. The support from the programme has been invaluable in helping me grow both professionally and personally. The commitment to supporting technicians and researchers at all career stages is truly making a difference.
– Rhys Moore, Senior 3D Printing Technician, University of Leeds