Doctoral focal award plus: innovating in data-driven research
Funding
Up to £5,850,000
Location
England
Applications
Open until 14 October 2026
ESRC is funding one doctoral training award worth up to £5,850,000. It supports social science researchers at doctoral level and beyond. The goal is to build skills in data-driven research methods. Your organisation must be a UK research body eligible for ESRC funding. The deadline to apply is 14 October 2026.
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must be a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding
- Only one award will be made
This is for UK research organisations eligible for ESRC funding, such as universities. It supports training social scientists at doctoral level and across career stages in data-driven methods. It is not for individual applicants, businesses, or charities.
Regions
No published award history for UK Research and Innovation, Economic and Social Research Council. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from UK Research and Innovation, Economic and Social Research Council
We are commissioning one doctoral focal award plus to develop a cadre of social scientists from doctoral studentships and across career stages with the skills needed to use data-driven research approaches in innovative ways. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding.
You must apply through a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding. Applications are submitted via UKRI's funding service. Check the ESRC website for full application guidance and portal details.
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Create free accountLast updated: 1 September 2026