Pre-announcement: ESRC React Awards (pilot)
Funding
Up to £1,500,000
Location
England
Applications
Rolling (always open)
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.
Who can apply:
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
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
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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Create free accountLast updated: 5 April 2026