Pre-announcement: ESRC React Awards (pilot)

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Ongoing

Funding

Up to £1,500,000

Location

England

Applications

Rolling (always open)

Overview

The ESRC React Awards provide up to £1.5 million for urgent research that helps UK policymakers and frontline services. You must work at a UK organisation that can receive ESRC funding. You need a confirmed public sector partner who will use your research findings. This is responsive funding for time-critical research projects. The funding helps generate evidence to support government departments, councils, and public services. Applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis. This is a pilot programme so details may change. You must demonstrate how your research will directly help public sector decision-making.

Eligibility

Who can apply:

academic

Key requirements:

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

This is for researchers at UK universities and research organisations eligible for ESRC funding. You must have a confirmed partnership with a government department, council, or other public sector body. Your research must address urgent policy questions that frontline services need answered quickly.

Regions

Full details from Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Apply for responsive funding to generate time-critical research to support policymakers and practitioners delivering frontline services in the UK.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: 5 April 2026