Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Award
£300k – £1m
Total fund Up to £4m
Deadline
Closes 21 October 2026
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Apply for proof-of-concept funding to develop and deploy innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric science research or autonomous aerial systems for environmental science. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding.
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible . Who is eligible to apply You can apply if you are based at an eligible UK research organisation, including: academic researchers of any career stage research and technical staff, including engineers, technicians and specialists multidisciplinary teams combining environmental science, engineering, robotics, data science or related disciplines Projects should demonstrate meaningful collaboration with organisations involved in the development, deployment, or application of autonomous systems and sensing technologies. We strongly encourage collaboration with industry and other non-academic stakeholders, participating as project partners and collaborators, where this strengthens the proposed work, in line with supporting the development and deployment of innovative technologies. Who is not eligible to apply You cannot apply if: you are not based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding as the project lead your organisation does not meet UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) eligibility requirements International researchers International researchers and organisations may participate in projects where they provide expertise, capabilities or collaborations that strengthen the proposed work. International collaborators should be included as project partners. Funding is not available through this funding opportunity for international project co-lead costs and international organisations are expected to support their own participation. Where an international project co-lead (international) role is included in the application, you should enter zero requested costs and describe the collaborator’s contribution to the project. You should ensure that any international participation complies with UKRI guidance and the requirements of this funding opportunity. 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.
Full details
Apply for proof-of-concept funding to develop, integrate, deploy, and demonstrate innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric science or autonomous aerial systems for environmental applications. Projects must deliver demonstrator capability, high-quality environmental data, and pathways towards wider use and adoption. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be £300,000 up to £1 million. NERC will fund 100% of the FEC. Projects must start by 1 February 2027.