Grants for Academic Institutions

Expression of interest: Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) medical countermeasures R&D

Medical Research Council (MRC)

This grant funds early-stage research into medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Countermeasures include vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools. Funding can reach up to £20 million. You must be employed at a research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding.

Next generation artificial intelligence (AI): explainable AI

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This grant funds speculative and high-risk fundamental research into explainable AI systems. The goal is to deliver a step change in how future AI can explain its decisions and reasoning. Up to £12,050,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding.

Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund: Round 5 Challenges - Discovery, autumn 2026

Innovate UK Business Connect

This fund offers a share of up to £30 million for collaborative Discovery Phase projects. Projects must meet specific Innovation Challenges set by Ofgem. The funding comes from the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2026.

Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund Discovery C7

Innovate UK

This fund offers a share of up to £30 million for collaborative Discovery Phase projects. Projects must meet specific Innovation Challenges set by the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund. The fund is run by Innovate UK and is open to organisations in England. No further eligibility details or individual project funding limits are specified.

Host Women in STEM scholars in the 2027–28 academic year

British Council

Funding for UK institutions to host Women in STEM scholars in 2027–28. The grant provides £200,000 per cohort of five scholars, equivalent to £40,000 per scholar.

Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

NERC is offering proof-of-concept funding for autonomous technology in environmental science. You can apply to develop or deploy innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric research. You can also apply for autonomous aerial systems used in environmental science. Funding goes up to £4,000,000 per project. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding.

Research Infrastructure Renewal

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

NERC is offering up to £8 million in capital funding. The money is for renewing, replacing, or improving equipment and facilities used for environmental science. Only existing facilities, labs, and national capabilities can apply. The facility must be open and available to the wider environmental science community.

Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds proof-of-concept projects in atmospheric science and autonomous aerial systems. You can use it to develop and deploy innovative autonomous solutions for environmental science research. Funding ranges from £300,000 to £1,000,000 per project. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. The deadline to apply is 21 October 2026.

Resilient economy and security through ecosystem transitions grants

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds research into how changes in ecosystems affect the UK's resilience, security, and prosperity. It is co-funded by NERC and Defra. You can apply for up to £15,000,000. You must be based at an eligible UK organisation to apply.

Doctoral focal award: UKRI venture doctorates: outline stage

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)Medical Research Council (MRC)Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds entrepreneurship-focused doctoral training programmes. It is open to a wide range of organisations, including those that do not normally qualify for UKRI funding. Non-standard applicants must complete an extra eligibility check before any award is made. You must submit an expression of interest by 21 September 2026 at 4pm. The maximum award is £25 million.

Pathways to Work Innovation Fund

Department for Work and Pensions

DWP supports new or significantly different approaches to employment for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions across the UK. Funding can cover costs directly linked to developing, testing and delivering the innovation. Existing business-as-usual costs and simply continuing an unchanged service are excluded. There is no fixed minimum or maximum request; the programme has up to £60 million over two years. Projects must finish within 12 months of the grant agreement, with funding available until March 2028.

High performance compute resources for EPSRC communities

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

EPSRC is offering up to £26,250,000 for projects that provide high-performance computing resources to engineering and physical sciences research communities. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. The deadline to apply is 27 October 2026. Only organisations based in England are eligible.

Trust and confidence in policing: Research & Innovation Consortium

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Medical Research Council (MRC)Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds research into public trust and confidence in policing. You can apply for up to £2,000,000. The work must develop and test new tools to measure how the public feels about policing by 2030. Projects should reach underrepresented communities, assess the impact of police activity, and identify what builds trust.

High performance compute resources for EPSRC communities

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This EPSRC grant funds high-performance computing resources for engineering and physical sciences research communities. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. The maximum award available is £26,250,000. No deadline has been specified, so check the EPSRC website for the latest application window.

Pre-announcement: Trust and confidence in policing: R&I Consortium

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Medical Research Council (MRC)Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds research into public trust and confidence in policing. You can apply for up to £2,000,000. The work must develop and test new tools to measure how the public feels about policing by 2030. Projects should reach underrepresented communities and assess the impact of police activity.

Trust and confidence in policing: Research & Innovation Consortium

UK Research and Innovation, AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, STFC

This grant funds research into public trust and confidence in policing. You can apply for up to £2,000,000. The work must develop and test new tools to measure how the public feels about policing by 2030. Projects should reach underrepresented communities, assess the impact of police activity, and identify what builds trust. The deadline to apply is 27 October 2026. The grant is open to applicants based in England.

Advancing innovation in accelerated cancer diagnosis

Innovate UK

Innovate UK is investing up to £25.4 million to support early cancer diagnostic technologies and devices. The funding covers clinical validation and evaluation of these technologies. This grant is part of the OLS Cancer Healthcare Goals programme. The scheme is based in England.

CfI: Counter UAS Demonstrations in Prison Environments

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

This grant funds projects that test and demonstrate technology to detect and track drones in UK prisons. The total pot is £900,000, including VAT. Individual awards range from £40,000 to £80,000. The deadline to apply is 28 October 2026.

CfI: Innovation in play to improve child outcomes

Innovate UK

Innovate UK is offering a share of £3 million for projects that improve play experiences for children and young people. Your project must develop practical solutions that bring back the importance of play. It should also increase access to high quality, real world play experiences. The fund is open to organisations based in England.

CfI: Innovation in play to improve child outcomes

UKRI

UKRI is offering a share of £3 million to develop practical solutions around play for children and young people. Projects should reignite the importance of play and increase access to high quality, real world play experiences. You can apply for between £200,000 and £500,000. The deadline to apply is 28 October 2026.

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: AI-enhanced x-ray imaging for bomb disposal

Innovate UK Business Connect

HMGCC funds a 12-week challenge to build a machine learning tool that identifies electronic components from x-ray images. The total budget is up to £60,000, and up to two proposals may be funded. Sole innovators, industry and academic or research organisations can apply until 29 October 2026.

CoSTAR Showcase Labs: Createch infrastructure and commercialisation

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

CoSTAR Showcase Labs funds research organisations to host national infrastructure for creative sector research and development. The goal is to help creative technology businesses adopt new technology, scale up, and attract investment. Grants go up to £4,000,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. The deadline to apply is 29 October 2026. Only organisations in England can apply.

CoSTAR Satellite Labs: Accessible creative R&D infrastructure

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds research organisations to host creative sector R&D infrastructure across England. It aims to help creative technology businesses adopt new technology and grow. You can apply for up to £2,000,000. The deadline to apply is 29 October 2026.

Focal award: EPSRC and MHCLG Fire Engineering Skills Hub

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

This grant funds a Fire Engineering Skills Hub at a UK research organisation. The hub will deliver doctoral training and postgraduate taught programmes in fire engineering. Up to £5,900,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. The deadline to apply is 3 November 2026.

Focal award: EPSRC and MHCLG Fire Engineering Skills Hub

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This grant funds a Fire Engineering Skills Hub at a UK research organisation. The hub will deliver doctoral training and postgraduate taught programmes in fire engineering. Up to £5,900,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding.

UKRI: Integration of AI/HPC with quantum

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds collaborative research into combining quantum computing with high-performance computing (HPC) workflows. The goal is to make quantum computing more accessible and widely used. Projects must involve researchers based at UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding. Up to £17,000,000 is available in total.

UKRI: Integration of AI/HPC with quantum computing

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council

This grant funds research into combining quantum computing with high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence. The goal is to develop and test ways to bring quantum computing into everyday computational workflows. Projects must be collaborative. You can apply for up to £3,750,000. The deadline is 3 November 2026.

EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity: full stage

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This grant funds three years of NetworkPlus activity focused on the circular economy. You can apply for up to £8,656,000. The funding supports work in two specific areas: data and metrics, or textiles. Your project must build new capacity, strengthen research communities, and improve links between research and innovation. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. The grant is based in England.

CfI: Battery innovation for dual use & defence Phase 1

Innovate UK, UKRI, BIST

This grant offers a share of £2 million to develop battery technology for defence and dual-use applications. Dual use means technology that works for both military and civilian purposes. You can apply for between £20,000 and £50,000. The funding supports industrial research to strengthen supply chains and bring critical capabilities back to the UK. The deadline to apply is 4 November 2026.

International Bilateral Fund - Call 3

Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The UK Space Agency is offering grants to strengthen international partnerships in the UK space sector. Each project can receive between £1 million and £1.5 million. Projects must last no longer than 18 months and start on 1 April 2027. You must include an international partner in your project. Match funding is required, following UK subsidy control rules. Each lead organisation can only submit one application. This includes businesses, universities, and public sector research bodies.

HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Hidden stab vests for women

Innovate UK Business Connect

HMGCC Co-Creation wants discreet, stab and slash proof body armour designed specifically for women. Sole innovators, industry, and academic and research organisations of all types and sizes can apply. The total budget is up to £60,000 excluding VAT, and applications close on 5 November 2026.

Invite only: Precision prevention: biological mechanisms of response variation

Medical Research Council (MRC)

This MRC grant funds research into why people respond differently to medical prevention treatments. Projects must produce human-based evidence to improve how prevention is targeted. Funding goes up to £15,000,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding. This is an invite-only call, so you cannot apply directly without being invited.

Large Grant full applications: November 2026 (invite only)

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This funding is for large-scale, complex research projects that tackle major science questions. NERC aims to support work with the potential to produce world-leading research. You can only apply if NERC has already invited you after a successful outline application. Projects can receive up to £25,000,000.

Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence 2027-2030 – invite only

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This invite-only grant funds the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence (ESCoE). It supports high-quality research into economic measurement and statistics production. The maximum award is £8,007,500 over three years. Only invited applicants can apply.

iX Challenge: Reducing blood-cell loss and measurement variability in field-deployable microfluidic diagnostic cartridges

Innovate UK Business Connect

Beyond Blood Diagnostics seeks solutions to reduce particle loss within a micro channel during the flow stage. Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and individual entrepreneurs based in the UK can enter, and the successful applicant can then apply for Innovate UK funding of up to £60,000. Applications close on 6 November 2026 at 11:00am.

iX Challenge: Extending protection to personnel travelling in armoured vehicles under drone attack

Innovate UK Business Connect

The challenge seeks solutions to extend blast mitigation for personnel in armoured vehicles under drone attack. Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and individual entrepreneurs can enter, and the winning applicant can then apply for up to £60,000 for a 3 month project. Applications close on 6 November 2026 at 5:00pm.

Transformative sustainable AI technologies

UKRI

UKRI is funding bold, high-risk research projects aimed at making future AI systems more sustainable. Projects must focus on speculative ideas with the potential to create a major step change in AI sustainability. The total funding available is up to £12,050,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding.

UKRI Translation: MRC Impact Acceleration Awards

UK Research and Innovation, Medical Research Council

This grant funds a single, high-risk development step for a new medicine, medical device, diagnostic, or other medical product. It helps you generate key data to reduce the risk of taking your research further. You must be based at a research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding. Grants range from £50,000 to £300,000, and the deadline to apply is 11 November 2026.

Exploring the frontiers of environmental research 2026

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds early-stage, curiosity-driven environmental research with the potential to be transformative. It is aimed at researchers based at UK research organisations eligible for NERC funding. The maximum award available is £8,000,000. There is no specified deadline, so applications may be accepted on a rolling basis.

Exploring the frontiers of environmental research 2026

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds early-stage, curiosity-driven environmental research with transformative potential. You can apply for between £100,000 and £200,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. The deadline to apply is 12 November 2026.

National Space Innovation Programme - Call 3

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

NSIP Call 3 funds space-related research and development projects in England. There are two funding strands. Kick Starter supports early-stage, disruptive space innovations. Major Projects supports ideas closer to commercialisation and market growth. Grants range from £150,000 to £2,000,000. You must co-fund the project alongside the grant. The deadline to apply is 12 November 2026.

NERC-Innovate UK ICURe Discover programme

Innovate UKNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)

The ICURe Discover programme helps researchers explore the commercial potential of early-stage projects. You will build market awareness and learn how to understand customer opinion on your research. Grants of up to £2,500 are available. The deadline to apply is 12 November 2026.

Longitudinal population studies strategic prioritisation exercise

Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council (MRC) wants to hear about your longitudinal population study (LPS). A longitudinal population study tracks a group of people over time to understand health and disease. Submit details about your study to help MRC plan future funding for LPS infrastructure. Your study must focus on enabling biomedical research. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding.

MDI Programme Innovation and Scale-up Hub

Innovate UK

Innovate UK is offering up to £4 million for a Manufacturing Digitalisation Innovation and Scale-up Hub. The hub will improve how grant-funded manufacturing digitalisation activity is targeted, delivered, and turned into commercial results. UK registered organisations can apply. The deadline to apply is 18 October 2026.

UKRI Translation: MRC Proof of Concept: stage one

Medical Research Council (MRC)

This grant helps researchers develop and test new treatments, medical devices, and diagnostics. You must work at a research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding. It was previously called the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme, stage one. Apply to move your research idea closer to real-world use.

Bioinformatics and Biological Resources Fund (26BBR)

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

This fund supports bioinformatics and biological resources that help UK bioscience research move forward. You can apply for money to set up, improve, or consolidate these resources. Grants go up to £7,000,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for BBSRC funding.

Economic research on the returns to R&D investment

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This grant funds economic research into how to measure the returns on research and development (R&D) investment. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is offering up to £2,460,000 in total funding. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. The work should help develop new ways to measure what R&D investment actually delivers.

Economic research on the returns to R&D investment

UK Research and Innovation, Economic and Social Research Council

This grant funds economic research into how to measure the returns on research and development investment. UKRI and the Economic and Social Research Council are offering up to £308,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. The deadline to apply is 19 November 2026.

BBSRC ICURe Explore January 2027

Innovate UK Business Connect

BBSRC ICURe Explore gives you up to £35,000 to explore the commercial potential of your research. Up to £20,000 of this can cover the Entrepreneurial Lead's salary. The rest supports assumption testing and customer discovery activities. The deadline to apply is 20 November 2026.

Reading for Redemption Phase 2 Expansion

Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice is funding reading programmes inside prisons. Money is available for UK Higher Education Institutions and recognised research organisations. Grants range from £5,000 to £20,000. You must design and deliver curated reading programmes for prisoners who can read but rarely do. Your project must also include research to help develop and scale the programme further. The deadline to apply is 22 November 2026.

BFI Skills Fund Pilot Projects: Call 1, Professional Development Framework

British Film Institute

The BFI is offering up to £150,000 to develop and pilot a professional development framework for technical and craft skills in the UK screen sector. Only one award will be made. The framework should help people progress through technical and craft roles, improve worker retention, and make it easier for people from live music and theatre to move into screen. The deadline to apply is midday on 24 November 2026.

NQS Mission 2: Components, systems and architectures

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council

This grant funds research into quantum networking, communications, and the future quantum internet. It supports the UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2. You can apply for up to £2,560,000. The deadline to apply is 24 November 2026. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding.

NQS Mission 2 Coordination Network

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds a national coordination network for the UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2. The network will connect researchers, industry partners, and network operators to advance quantum communications. You can apply for up to £630,937. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding.

NQS Mission 2 Coordination Network

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council

This grant funds a national coordination network for the UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2. The network will connect researchers, industry partners, and network operators to advance quantum communications. You can apply for up to £630,937. The deadline is 24 November 2026. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding.

Unlocking advanced capabilities in conservation and heritage science

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds conservation and heritage science research in the UK. It supports building sustainable capability, improving access to nationally significant facilities, and driving innovation with industry partners. You can apply for up to £6,200,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

Unlocking advanced capabilities in conservation and heritage science

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds projects that strengthen conservation and heritage science in the UK. It supports building sustainable capability, improving access to nationally significant facilities, and driving innovation with industry partners. Awards range from £500,000 to £1,500,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. The deadline to apply is 25 November 2026.

Commercialising Knowledge Assets Fund (CKAF) Winter

Department for Business Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST)

This grant is for UK government research organisations based in England. You can apply for between £50,000 and £250,000. The money helps move public sector knowledge assets closer to being commercially ready. The deadline to apply is 1 December 2026.

UKRI Enabling AI adoption across science and engineering

UKRI

UKRI is funding ambitious projects that combine AI with specialist knowledge in science and engineering. Projects should open up new ways to apply AI to research challenges in priority disciplines. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. Grants go up to £5,000,000 per project.

Attendance and engagement at UK sporting, cultural and heritage sites

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds research into new ways of collecting engagement data from unticketed cultural, heritage, and sporting events. The research must result in a working tool that can be used in at least one sector overseen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Up to £1,320,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

Long-term cultural and sporting events legacy

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds research into the long-term impact of major sporting and cultural events in the UK. Researchers must run a live experimental evaluation of a major event. The aim is to fill gaps in existing research methods. Funding ranges from £1,100,000 to £1,320,000. The deadline to apply is 1 December 2026. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

Long-term cultural and sporting events legacy

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds research into the long-term impact of major sporting and cultural events in the UK. You must run a live experimental evaluation of a real event. The aim is to fill gaps in existing research methods. Up to £1,320,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

Attendance and engagement at UK sporting, cultural and heritage sites

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds research into new ways of collecting engagement data from cultural, heritage, and sporting sites that do not use ticketing systems. You must develop a working tool that can be used in at least one sector overseen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Funding ranges from £1,100,000 to £1,320,000 per project. The deadline to apply is 1 December 2026. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation: CR&D Round 2

Innovate UK

Innovate UK and the Department of Health and Social Care are investing up to £7 million in total. This fund supports businesses developing or adopting greener, more sustainable ways to manufacture medicines. Individual grants range from £500,000 to £1,000,000. The deadline to apply is 2 December 2026.

Doctoral focal award: chip design and verification

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

EPSRC is funding doctoral training in chip design and verification. The award supports interdisciplinary training in very large-scale integration (VLSI) design and systems-on-chip. VLSI means designing complex electronic circuits that pack millions of components onto a single chip. Up to £6,000,000 is available per award. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. The deadline to apply is 2 December 2026.

Doctoral focal award: chip design and verification

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This grant funds a doctoral training programme focused on chip design and verification. It covers interdisciplinary training in very large-scale integration (VLSI) design and systems-on-chip, which means training researchers to design complex electronic chips. You can apply for up to £6,000,000. Your organisation must be a UK research body eligible for EPSRC funding and based in England.

Gambling harms research grants

Arts and Humanities Research Council

UKRI is accepting research proposals on gambling-related harm. Projects can have a full economic cost of up to £2 million. UKRI normally funds 80%, with some eligible costs funded at 100%. The £18 million figure is the programme budget.

Gambling harms research grants

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council

This grant funds research into gambling-related harms. It covers projects that deepen understanding of the problem or develop solutions for prevention and treatment. You can apply for up to £2,000,000. The deadline to apply is 8 December 2026. To lead an application, your organisation must be eligible for UKRI funding.

Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus

UKRI

UKRI is funding a Network Plus to speed up manufacturing innovation in the UK. The network will focus on aerospace, automotive, and other advanced manufacturing industries. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. The deadline to apply is 9 December 2026.

Manufacturing Scale-up Research and Innovation: Automotive and Aerospace

UKRI

This UKRI grant funds research into manufacturing scale-up challenges in the automotive and aerospace sectors. It supports new technologies and processes that can accelerate innovation and drive UK business growth. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. The deadline to apply is 9 December 2026.

Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026B

UK Research and Innovation, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds projects that engage the public with science supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). You can apply for between £5,000 and £20,000. Your project must include an STFC subject matter expert. You must be based in the UK and produce annual accounts certified by an accountant.

What Works Centre for a climate resilient UK

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This grant funds the creation of a new What Works Centre focused on climate resilience in the UK. The centre will transform how the UK adapts to climate change. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for ESRC funding. The deadline to apply is 15 December 2026.

Physical sciences NRF portfolio refresh (invite only)

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This is an invite-only grant from EPSRC. It funds national research facilities (NRFs) that support physical sciences research. Facilities can be located outside the UK, as long as they serve UK national needs. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. Only invited applicants can apply.

Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation

UK Research and Innovation, Medical Research Council

This grant funds the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI). A CERSI runs long-term research programmes that tackle key priorities in regulatory science. Regulatory science is the research that supports how medicines and health products are tested, approved, and monitored. You can apply for up to £20 million. The deadline to apply is 12 January 2027. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding.

Capacity building: clinical research training fellowship

Medical Research Council (MRC)

This fellowship helps researchers reacquire research skills in health-related fields. Your research must focus on improving human health within the Medical Research Council's remit. The fellowship is available to researchers in England who need to rebuild their research capabilities.

Eureka collaborative R&D: Globalstars Japan 2027

Innovate UK

Innovate UK is offering a share of £2 million for UK businesses working on collaborative research projects with partners in Japan and select Eureka countries. Individual grants range from £1,000 to £600,000. You must be a UK registered organisation to apply. The deadline to apply is 20 January 2027.

Focal awards: multilingual futures for UK growth and connectivity

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This AHRC award funds doctoral training in languages and cultural expertise. It supports partnerships between universities and non-university organisations. The goal is to build multilingual skills that benefit UK growth and international connections. It is open to higher education institutions in England, but only by invitation.

Small molecule high throughput screen using AstraZeneca facilities

UK Research and Innovation, Medical Research Council

This grant funds researchers to run a high throughput screen using AstraZeneca's compound library and screening robots. High throughput screening is a method used in drug discovery to test thousands of chemical compounds quickly. The Medical Research Council offers two funding opportunities per year. You can apply for up to £270,000.

Horizon Europe Springboard Scheme for Cluster 4 Industry Themes

Innovate UK Business Connect

This scheme gives UK businesses money to help develop proposals for Horizon Europe funding. It covers topics in digital, manufacturing, materials, clean energy, and AI. It is focused on Cluster 4 industry themes and related activities. You must be based in England to apply.

MRC Centre of Research Excellence: round five: outline application

Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council is funding Centres of Research Excellence to tackle complex health challenges. These centres bring together interdisciplinary teams to work on major research problems. You can apply for up to £50 million in funding. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for MRC funding.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future: pilots & UK seed funding

Research England

Research England is offering funding for higher education providers. It supports two things: piloting new institutional collaborations in England, and seeding innovation partnerships across the UK. Grants range from £100,000 to £5,000,000. The deadline to apply is 4 February 2027. This is not a research grant. It is specifically for collaboration and partnership work between higher education institutions.

Experimental medicine: invited stage two application

Medical Research Council (MRC)

This MRC grant funds research into the causes, progression, and treatment of human disease. Your project must include an intervention in humans. You must be based at a research organisation eligible for MRC funding. This is a stage two application, so you must have already been invited to apply.

Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship (Fellowship)

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This fellowship is for early-career researchers in mathematical sciences. It is funded by EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation. You can apply for up to £1,250,000. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2027. You must have a PhD, a track record of research productivity, and clear plans to build your own independent research area.

AHRC responsive mode: UKRI NSF-SBE lead agency

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds collaborative research between UK and US researchers. Your project must fall within the remit of AHRC and the US National Science Foundation's Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Directorate. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding. The funding range shown is £300,000 to £1,500,000, but AHRC states there is no fixed limit on grant value. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2027.

People and Research

Historic England

Historic England's People and Research Scheme funds two types of activity. The first covers engagement, skills, training, education, and heritage project posts that help people understand and protect the historic environment. The second covers research into the historic environment, including conservation science, surveys, publications, archives, and guidance toolkits. Grants range from £250 to £300,000. You must be based in or working in England. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2027.

Water4All 2026 call: sustainable water management

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This grant funds research into sustainable water management. It covers understanding, assessing, managing, and governing water systems. This includes everything from catchments and groundwater to coastal and marine environments. The aim is to improve decision-making for water managers and public authorities. The maximum award is £1,875,000. The grant is funded by NERC and EPSRC and is open to applicants in England.

Pre-announcement: Future Data Services: Joining up the data service workforce

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This ESRC grant funds projects that bring together data service professionals. The aim is to share knowledge, improve working practices, and deliver better data services for researchers. You can apply for between £110,000 and £280,000. The deadline to apply is 13 April 2027.

Pre-announcement: Experimental medicine to define mechanisms of gambling disorder

Medical Research Council (MRC)Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This grant funds academic research into gambling disorder. Studies must use experimental medicine methods with human participants. The aim is to understand why gambling activities, products, and interventions affect people the way they do. Up to £10,000,000 is available. The grant is led by the MRC, AHRC, and ESRC jointly.

Experimental medicine to define mechanisms of gambling disorder: stage one

Medical Research Council (MRC)Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This grant funds academic research into gambling disorder. It supports experimental medicine studies in humans. Researchers can explore the biological and psychological causes of gambling harm. Studies can look at gambling activities, products, and interventions. Up to £3,000,000 is available per award. The deadline to apply is 14 April 2027.

Biodiversa+ 2026 to 2027: novel ecosystems (BiodivFuture)

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds research into novel ecosystems. It looks at how these ecosystems work, how they change over time, and what that means for people and nature. You can apply for up to £3,750,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding.

BBSRC standard research grant: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

This grant funds research in any area covered by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). BBSRC supports research into living organisms, from crops and food to microbes and human health. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for BBSRC funding. There is no fixed upper limit on grant size, though £2,000,000 is shown as an example figure. The deadline to apply is 29 April 2027.

BBSRC new investigator award: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

This grant funds biological and biotechnology research in any area covered by BBSRC. You must be a new investigator based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for BBSRC funding. There is no set limit on how much you can apply for. The deadline to apply is 29 April 2027.

BBSRC Brazil pump-priming award (FAPPA)

UK Research and Innovation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

This award helps UK research groups build new working relationships with scientists in Brazil. It is funded by BBSRC and run in partnership with FAPESP, a Brazilian research funder. You can apply for up to £35,000 to get a collaboration started. To be eligible, you must already hold active BBSRC research funding and lead that project.

Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP) 2027

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant funds large or complex scientific projects. It is run by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for STFC funding. You can only apply if you have already spoken with an STFC programme manager and been invited to submit a full proposal.

Pushing the frontiers of environmental research

UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This grant funds adventurous, curiosity-driven environmental research projects. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. You also need to meet individual eligibility requirements for your role. There is no set limit on grant value, though example figures up to £950,000 are shown. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2027.

Connecting Culture Fund

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

This fund supports research culture at BBSRC strategically funded institutes. It is invitation only, so you cannot apply unless a BBSRC institute leads or co-leads your application. Other UK research organisations can join as project partners. The maximum award is £309,000.

Opportunities for the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)

Advanced Research and Invention Agency

ARIA funds bold scientific and technological research in areas that others overlook. It is backed by the UK government through the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. Grants range from £10,000 to £10,000,000. The deadline to apply is 16 January 2028.

AHRC Curiosity Award: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

The AHRC Curiosity Award funds fundamental research in arts and humanities. It supports new research ideas, networking, and the development of future research opportunities. Awards can be up to £100,000, though there is no fixed upper limit. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding. The deadline to apply is 21 September 2028.

AHRC Working with Brazilian researchers: Applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council, State of São Paulo Research Foundation

This grant funds collaborative research between UK and Brazilian researchers. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. Your project must fall within the remit of both AHRC and the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). There is no fixed limit on grant value, but the funding range shown is £300,000 to £1,500,000. The deadline to apply is 21 September 2028.

AHRC Collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds collaborative research projects between UK and Luxembourg researchers. Your project must fall within the remit of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding. Grants range from £300,000 to £1,500,000, and the deadline to apply is 21 September 2028.

AHRC Standard research grant: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds collaborative research projects in the arts and humanities. It is run by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding. There is no fixed upper limit on the grant value, though example figures range from £300,000 to £1,500,000. The deadline to apply is 21 September 2028.

AHRC Catalyst Awards: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant supports researchers who have not yet led a major research project. It helps them build independence, leadership skills, and experience. You can apply for between £100,000 and £300,000. The deadline is 21 September 2028. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding.

AHRC UKRI NSF-SBE lead agency: applicant-led mode

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds collaborative research between UK and US researchers. Your project must fall within the remit of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the US National Science Foundation's Social and Behavioural Sciences division (NSF-SBE). You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. Grants range from £300,000 to £1,500,000, and the deadline to apply is 21 September 2028.

Places of Worship Renewal Fund

Historic England

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund pays for urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship in England. Grants range from £10,000 to £1,000,000. Any active listed place of worship can apply, regardless of faith or denomination. The funding covers capital works that keep buildings safe, open, and in use by the public. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2030.

BBSRC standard research grant: applicant-led mode

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

BBSRC offers research grants for any project within biotechnology and biological sciences. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for BBSRC funding. This is applicant-led funding, meaning you can propose your own research ideas.

Armed Forces Day Events Grant

This grant supports Armed Forces Day events across the UK. It helps show support for servicemen and women, both past and present. Local councils can apply. Voluntary and community groups can apply. Schools and ex-service organisations are eligible. Individuals can also apply. The funding amount is not specified. There is no set deadline, so you can apply at any time. You must be able to accept the grant terms and conditions.

The Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara) Fellowships Programme

The Wolfson Foundation

This funding supports Cara Fellowships at UK universities. The fellowships give early and mid-career researchers a safe place to work when they are fleeing persecution or danger. UK universities apply to host these researchers through the programme. The Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara) runs the scheme, with backing from the Wolfson Foundation.

Art Fund

Art Fund

Art Fund provides funding to help museums, galleries and visual arts organisations offer paid work experience to full-time university students. The funding helps students explore careers in the arts before they graduate. Students get meaningful, developmental work experience in the visual arts sector. Museums and galleries can apply to fund these student placements. The funding is available in North West England. No specific funding amounts or deadlines are mentioned. This helps bridge the gap between university study and arts careers.

Research Leadership Awards

The Leverhulme Trust

The Leverhulme Trust offers Research Leadership Awards for early-career university researchers. The next round is called Centenary Research Leadership Awards. You can get up to £1 million over 4 to 5 years. This money helps you build a research team to tackle big research problems. You must be a talented scholar starting your university career. The funding is for researchers in England. No specific deadline is mentioned, so applications may be rolling.

MRC: partnership grant: applicant-led

Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council offers partnership grants for collaborative research projects. The funding supports partnerships between researchers to advance understanding of human health and disease. You must be employed by an eligible research organisation to apply. This is a rolling application process with no set deadlines.

EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure outlines: September 2026

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This grant funds the purchase of strategic infrastructure for UK research organisations. It aims to improve scientific capability and support high-priority research. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. The scheme is run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

EPSRC new investigator award: applicant-led mode

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This award helps early-career researchers move into independent research. It funds your own research vision and lets you build and lead a team. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. It must also be your first time applying to EPSRC as a project lead.

Business chargepoint funding

Energy Saving Trust

Energy Saving Trust offers grant funding to help Scottish businesses and organisations install electric vehicle charging points. The funding supports the uptake of electric vehicles across Scotland by helping establish EV charging infrastructure. Any organisation in Scotland can apply for this funding.

Pre-announcement: Expanding access to creative sector R&D infrastructure

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds national infrastructure for creative sector research and development. It is run by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the CoSTAR Network. You can apply for up to £12,000,000. The funding helps creative technology businesses adopt new technology, grow, and attract investment. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding. The grant is based in England.

Research Project Grants

The Leverhulme Trust

The Leverhulme Trust offers Research Project Grants for university researchers to carry out innovative research projects. You can get up to £500,000 over a maximum of 5 years. The grant is for researchers based at universities or higher education institutions in England. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline. You can use the money for original research projects that break new ground in your field. The grant covers research costs but you must be employed by a qualifying institution to apply.

NERC urgency funding

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

This funding helps researchers respond quickly to unexpected environmental events. It covers things like earthquakes, droughts, floods, or rare ecosystem events. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for NERC funding. There is no set deadline; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Leverhulme Research Centres

The Leverhulme Trust

The Leverhulme Trust funds UK universities to set up research centres for outstanding original research. The next round is the Leverhulme Centenary Research Centres. Each centre receives £1 million per year for 10 years, totaling £10 million. Only UK universities can apply.

Pre-announcement: ESRC applicant-led: explore awards

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This grant funds curiosity-driven social science research. It supports individuals or small teams with bold, novel ideas. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for ESRC funding.

Royal Society Wolfson Research Fellowships

The Wolfson Foundation / Royal Society / Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

This fellowship helps UK universities and research institutions bring outstanding scientists from overseas to the UK. It covers all areas of life and physical sciences, including engineering, but not clinical medicine. There are two options. The Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship supports a five-year relocation to the UK. The Visiting Fellowship offers a flexible 12-month sabbatical. The programme is jointly funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and run by the Royal Society.

Using the ‘Our Future Health’ data resource for research

Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council will pay data access costs for researchers using the Our Future Health database. This is a pilot scheme for researchers who already have MRC funding. You can get up to £1 million to cover data access fees. You must apply through the Our Future Health process first. The scheme runs on a rolling basis with no set deadline. This funding only covers the cost of accessing data, not other research expenses. You need existing MRC support to be eligible.

Discovery Research

Wellcome

Discovery Research grants support innovative research in climate and health, infectious disease, and mental health. The funding is open to researchers at all career stages, from early-career to established programme leaders. You can use the money to pursue discovery-led research that advances understanding in these critical health areas. The grant operates on a rolling deadline, so you can apply at any time. Applications are only accepted from researchers based in England. The funding amount is not specified and likely varies based on your research proposal and career stage.

Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants

Tesco

Tesco is offering grants of up to £1,500 for projects that improve children's access to healthy food. Schools, registered charities, and not-for-profit organisations can apply. Your project must support children and young people. The programme is currently open and based in England.

BBSRC Brazil pump-priming award (FAPPA)

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

This award helps UK research groups build new connections with scientists in Brazil. It is funded by BBSRC and works with FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation. You must already hold active BBSRC research funding to apply. The award covers early-stage costs to kick-start international research partnerships.

Cash For Kids - Impact Grant

Cash For Kids

The Cash for Kids Impact Grant supports community groups, schools, and charities working with children and young people facing disadvantage. You can apply if you are a registered charity with an annual turnover under £1 million, a school, a community organisation, or a grassroots group. The grant is open to organisations based in North West England.

Community Impact Grants Programme

Benefact Trust

The Community Impact Grants Programme supports Christian organisations to deliver transformative projects. You can use the funding to grow congregations, address social challenges, or enable community use of church buildings. The grants also support Christian education projects. Multi-year grants are available for up to three years. Churches, cathedrals, Christian charities, and Christian schools can apply. You need to have a clear Christian ethos to be eligible. The programme appears to have rolling deadlines.

Art Scholarship Training Opportunities for Under 18s

The Leverhulme Trust

This grant funds training opportunities in the fine and performing arts for young people under 18. It covers music, drama, dance, film, fine art, and similar disciplines. Specialist arts institutions and registered charities in England can apply. Funding runs for three years, and the grant repeats every three years.

Art Scholarship Bursaries for Undergraduates and Postgraduates

The Leverhulme Trust

This grant helps specialist arts institutions and registered charities fund bursaries for students. It covers undergraduate and postgraduate students in fine and performing arts. This includes music, drama, dance, film, and fine art. Grants run for either 3 or 6 years. Funding is reviewed every three years. Only institutions based in England can apply.

AHRC UKRI NSF-SBE lead agency: applicant-led mode

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds collaborative research projects between UK and US researchers. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for AHRC funding. Your project must fall within the research remit of both AHRC and the US National Science Foundation's Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences division. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline.

Pre-announcement: MRC: research grant: applicant-led

Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council offers research grants for exciting and ambitious health research projects. You must be employed by an eligible research organisation. You can involve multiple research groups or organisations in your project. The funding aims to transform understanding of human health and disease.

Pre-announcement: ESRC applicant-led: challenge awards

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

ESRC Challenge Awards fund large-scale research programmes. They bring together people, expertise and ideas to tackle major research, economic and social challenges. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for ESRC funding. This is a pre-announcement, so full details are not yet available.

Pre-announcement: NMIP sandpit: Digital materials for accelerated innovation

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This is a pre-announcement for a sandpit event run by EPSRC. A sandpit is a structured workshop where researchers collaborate to develop new project ideas. The event will last three to five days. It focuses on using digital approaches to speed up materials research. Attending the sandpit does not guarantee funding from UKRI.

Infectious Disease

Wellcome

Wellcome funds research into infectious diseases through their strategic programme. The grant supports work on prevention, treatment, and understanding how diseases work. You can research global health challenges related to infectious pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. The funding is available to researchers at different career stages in England. No specific funding amounts are mentioned. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline.

Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe - European Jewish Heritage Programme

Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe

This programme funds work to make Jewish heritage and culture more accessible. It supports digitising collections held in archives, libraries, museums, and professional institutions. The goal is to open up these materials to wider and more diverse audiences. Any organisation or institution can apply.

Future computing paradigms Network Plus

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

EPSRC is funding a Network Plus focused on future computing paradigms. The network will bring together researchers from different disciplines across the UK. It will build collaboration and produce evidence-based recommendations for UKRI and government. This will help shape national research priorities in computing. Up to £2,800,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding.

Future computing paradigms Network Plus

UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

EPSRC is funding a Network Plus to bring together researchers across the UK. The network will focus on future computing paradigms. It will support collaboration and provide recommendations to shape national research priorities. Up to £2,800,000 is available. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. The deadline to apply is 13 October 2026.

Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute: Phase 1

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Innovate UK is offering up to £500,000 in total funding to establish the Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute (MMDI). Individual projects can receive between £50,000 and £100,000. You must be a UK registered organisation based in England to apply. The deadline to apply is 14 October 2026.

CfI: Engineering Biology for Defra and FSA Phase 1

Innovate UK

Innovate UK is offering up to £3 million in total funding for this competition. You can apply for a share of this pot to develop and scale Engineering Biology platforms, products, and services. Engineering Biology uses biological systems to create new technologies and solutions. This funding is focused on work relevant to Defra and the Food Standards Agency. The grant is open to organisations based in England.

Expression of interest: sandpit: AI supported research using UKRI social science data

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This is an expression of interest for a two-day workshop on 23-24 June. The workshop will develop ideas for using AI in social science research with UKRI data. You must attend the full workshop to apply for future funding of up to £875,000. The workshop is in-person and runs for two days. After the workshop, you can apply for research funding. This is the first step in a two-stage process. You cannot apply for the main funding without attending the workshop.

AI supported research using UKRI social science data (invite only)

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

This ESRC grant funds innovative AI research using UKRI social science data. You can apply for up to £875,000. It is invite only. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. You must also have attended the AI supported research sandpit in Manchester on 23 to 24 June 2026.

UKRI Translation: BBSRC Proof of Concept 2026

UK Research and Innovation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

This grant funds bioscience research that can be turned into real products, services, or solutions. It supports projects that create economic, social, or environmental impact. You can apply for between £100,000 and £800,000. The deadline is 14 October 2026. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for BBSRC funding.

Doctoral Focal Award Plus: Innovating in Data-driven Research

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Applications close at 4pm UK time on 14 October 2026. ESRC will contribute up to £5.85 million to one institutional award for doctoral training and wider-career training in data-driven social science. The award must start by 1 October 2027. It is a UK-wide call, not an individual studentship application.

A guide for the commercialisation of Creative Industries Research

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

This grant funds research into commercialisation within the creative industries. You must work collaboratively to tackle barriers to commercialisation and help develop a new sector-specific guide. The maximum award is £250,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

PATT travel grants for competitively awarded observation time 2026

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

This grant covers travel and subsistence costs for researchers who have won competitive observation time at astronomy facilities. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for STFC funding. Applications are rolling, so there is no fixed deadline.

A guide for the commercialisation of Creative Industries Research

UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council

This grant funds research to improve how creative industries commercialise their work. You will work with others to identify barriers and create a new sector-specific commercialisation guide. The maximum award is £250,000. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. The deadline to apply is 15 October 2026.

Funding to deliver an online ELT master’s programme

British Council

Funding for a UK institution to deliver an online, part-time master’s programme in English language teaching. Support is up to £15,000 per scholarship for an initial eight scholars, with study starting in September or October 2027.

EPSRC Clean Energy ICURe Engage - November 2026

Innovate UK Business Connect

This is a four-week, part-time programme for researchers in clean energy. It helps you explore who could benefit from your research. You will also learn about the benefits of starting a business. The programme runs in November 2026 and the application deadline is 19 October 2026.