Doctoral focal award plus: innovating in data-driven research (Grant)
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 a group of social science researchers at doctoral and early career stages. The funding helps them build skills in data-driven research methods. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for ESRC funding. The deadline to apply is 14 October 2026.
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding
- Only one award will be made
This is for UK research organisations that are eligible to receive ESRC funding. It is aimed at institutions that can train social scientists at doctoral and early career levels. It is not for individual applicants or businesses outside the research sector.
Sectors
Regions
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 apply through UK Research and Innovation. Your organisation must be eligible for ESRC funding. Check the UKRI funding finder for full application details and submission requirements.
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Create free accountLast updated: 9 July 2026