GrantMatch

ESRC React Awards (pilot): outline

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Ongoing

One round of ESRC React Awards, which has run 2 rounds in total and has 2 open now.

Funding

Up to £1,500,000

Location

England

Applications

Rolling (always open)

Overview

ESRC React Awards provide up to £1.5 million for urgent research that helps UK policymakers and public services. You must work with a confirmed public sector partner who will use your research findings. The funding is for time-critical projects that address immediate policy needs. You need to be based at a UK organisation that can receive ESRC funding. This is a pilot scheme with rolling applications. The research must directly support government departments, councils, or other public services. Your public sector partner must confirm they will use the project outputs.

Eligibility

Who can apply:

academic

Key requirements:

  • Must have confirmed public sector organisation partner
  • Partner must commit to using project outputs
  • Must be based at UK organisation eligible for ESRC funding
  • Research must be time-critical for policy support
Who is this for?

This is for researchers at universities and research institutes that are eligible for ESRC funding. You must have a confirmed partnership with a government department, council, or public service organisation. It is not for businesses or charities unless they are established research organisations.

Sectors

EducationProfessional & Scientific ServicesPublic Administration & Defence

Regions

England

No published award history for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Some funders do not publish their grants data.

Full details from Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Apply for responsive funding to generate time-critical research to support UK policymakers or frontline practitioners in public services.You must be based at a UK organisation eligible for ESRC funding and have a confirmed public sector organisation partner who will use project outputs.

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Last updated: 4 June 2026