Data for metascience sandpit 2027
Funding
Contact funder
Deadline
24 November 2026
Location
England
Applications
Deadline: 24 November 2026
Overview
This is a call for researchers to attend a five-day sandpit event in 2027. At the sandpit, you will work with others to develop new research projects. These projects must address complex questions about research and development policy and funding. This is a type of metascience research, which means studying how research itself works. The total funding pot is up to £2 million. Grants are awarded at 80% of full economic cost, meaning your institution covers the remaining 20%. You apply first by completing an expression of interest form. The deadline for expressions of interest is 24 November 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must attend a five-day in-person sandpit event
- Funding awarded at 80% full economic cost (FEC); applicant institution must cover remaining 20%
- Must submit an expression of interest form by 24 November 2026
- Projects must address metascience questions related to research and development policy and funding
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
This is for researchers at UK universities and research institutions who want to explore questions about how research and development policy and funding works. You must be affiliated with an institution that can receive UKRI funding at 80% full economic cost. It is not for charities, community groups, businesses, or individuals outside of academic research.
Regions
Full details from Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC)
Apply to attend a five-day interactive sandpit to develop novel projects that can address multi-faceted metascience questions related to research and development policy and funding.You will complete an expression of interest form to apply for the sandpit.We expect to fund up to £2 million at 80% full economic cost (FEC).
You apply by completing an expression of interest form. This is a two-stage process. You first express interest before the 24 November 2026 deadline, and if selected you attend the sandpit to develop a full project.
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