UK grant · UK Research and Innovation, Economic and Social Research Council
ESRC applicant-led: explore awards (Grant)
£300,000 to £2,000,000 Closes 23 October 2029
Official listing and how to apply
Source: Find a Grant (GOV.UK) · Last checked
Key facts
| Funder | UK Research and Innovation, Economic and Social Research Council |
|---|---|
| Amount per award | £300,000 to £2,000,000 |
| Total funding available | £999,999,999 |
| Opens | 5 November 2026 |
| Closes | 23 October 2029 (1078 days left) |
| Who can apply | Businesses, Public sector and councils, Charities and non-profits |
| Applicant types listed | Public Sector; Non-profit; Private Sector |
| Nation or region | National |
| Status | Open |
| Source | Find a Grant (GOV.UK) |
| Last checked | 10 November 2026 |
About this grant
Summary from the official listing on Find a Grant (GOV.UK):
Apply for funding to advance knowledge through ambitious, curiosity-driven social science. We are looking for creative, innovative and bold proposals within ESRC’s remit that advance knowledge by pushing disciplinary, methodological or conceptual boundaries. You can propose the approach that best achieves your aims. We will fund individuals or research teams with up to four core members.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC. Projects can last up to five years.
Eligibility
This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible.
Who is eligible to apply
You can be at any stage of your career.
Applications must be submitted by an individual researcher or a small central research team consisting of no more than four members, comprising one project lead and up to three project co-leads.
Further research and innovation associates, grant managers, specialists, technicians and professional enabling staff can be included in addition, so long as their contributions are fully justified and meet the requirements set out in the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) roles in funding applications.
International researchers can apply as project co-lead (international) and must be included within the maximum team size. You must include all other international collaborators (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) as project partners.
Business, third sector or government body project co-leads based in the UK can also be included as a project co-lead and must be included within the maximum team size.
We welcome applications that take an interdisciplinary approach. Find out more about how UKRI supports research that spans different disciplines.
The social sciences within ESRC’s remit must represent more than 50% of the research focus and effort. Complete and submit the remit query form, if you are unsure whether your proposed research falls within ESRC’s remit.
Resubmissions
We will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects that have been submitted to UKRI. Find out more about UKRI’s resubmission policy.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.
We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:
- career breaks
- support for people with caring responsibilities
- flexible working
- alternative working patterns
UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.
Details are copied from the official source and can change. Check the official listing before you apply. Grant Writing Company is not affiliated with this funder.
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