Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture)
Funding
Up to £375,000
Deadline
10 November 2026
Location
England
Applications
Deadline: 10 November 2026
Overview
This NERC opportunity lets UK based researchers join international teams and submit a joint application to the Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027 funding call on novel ecosystems, known as BiodivFuture. It pays for future-looking research on biodiversity and novel ecosystems, including their social and ecological dynamics and the pathways of change linked to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Projects can address one or more of three themes: how novel ecosystems function, pathways to novel ecosystems, and the fair sharing of biodiversity benefits. Research can cover land, freshwater, marine and coastal areas anywhere in the world. The full economic cost of the total UK budget can be up to £375,000. NERC pays 80% of that cost and funds projects for up to 36 months. The total fund is £3,750,000, and NERC expects to support at least 13 projects with UK partners. There are two steps. Pre-proposals are mandatory and close on 10 November 2026. Full proposals close on 16 April 2027 at 11:00am UK time. You apply through the Biodiversa+ online system, not through UKRI. Your consortium needs members from at least three participating countries. Your UK research must fit NERC's remit. One practical point to plan for: UK budget requests above £312,500 at 100% full economic cost need extra justification. PhD studentship costs and NERC ship-time costs are not covered. Official source: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/biodiversa-2026-to-2027-novel-ecosystems-biodivfuture/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 15 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Pre-proposal is mandatory, followed by a full proposal
- UK project lead must be at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding
- Consortium needs members from at least three participating countries
- NERC funds 80% of full economic cost, up to 36 months
- UK budgets above £312,500 at 100% full economic cost need extra justification
- PhD studentships, NERC ship-time and equipment of £25,000 or more are not funded
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. Research groups and individuals at any career stage can apply. Your UK research must fall within NERC's remit. Your consortium must include team members from at least three participating countries, including at least two EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries. International researchers cannot be UK project co-leads, but can join as project partners. You can be involved in no more than two applications.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Researchers at UK research organisations eligible for NERC funding who are working with international partners on biodiversity and novel ecosystems.
Regions
No published award history for Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Apply for funding to increase our understanding of novel ecosystems, their socio-ecological dynamics and consequences, and future pathways and trajectories of change.You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for funding.
Read the full details on the Biodiversa+ website, then apply through the Biodiversa+ Electronic Proposal Submission System (EPSS). You first submit a mandatory pre-proposal, then a full proposal if invited. UK applicants on successful applications later submit their details through the UKRI Funding Service.
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Create free accountLast updated: 15 October 2026