Design Generators round two (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council
Award
£150k – £200k
Total fund Up to £1m
Deadline
Closes 29 September 2026
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Apply for funding to combine design-led interventions with arts and humanities methodologies to make positive contributions to the green transition. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding.
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible . Who is eligible to apply Applications are welcomed from UK-based researchers across all career stages, from early career to established researchers. Project leads must be actively engaged in postdoctoral research and be of postdoctoral standing. This means you must have a doctorate or can demonstrate in your application that you have equivalent research experience or training. You must have a level of skills, knowledge and experience that is appropriate to your proposed project. You must either be: employed by the research organisation submitting the application have an existing written formal arrangement with the research organisation confirming that you will be able to carry out the research as if you were an employee scheduled to move to the research organisation before the proposed start date of the application It is no longer a requirement to provide evidence of contractual arrangements within the application. However, we do require that such an arrangement is in place at the point that the grant begins and we may ask for evidence of it during the assessment process. Project co-leads are supported by this funding opportunity, see AHRC research funding guide for further information. We expect the project lead and any project co-lead time commitment to be proportionate and relative to the project that they are proposing. There is no minimum or maximum requirement. Every project must have at least one non-academic co-lead. These co-leads can include, but are not limited to, businesses, public sector organisations, third sector, civil society or community organisations. The non-academic co-lead should be a relevant stakeholder that is equipped to support the proposed activities and has the capacity to commit to delivering impact. Non-academic co-leads can be included as a project co-lead (UK) provided that they meet the criteria set out in the inclusion of non-academic co-leads guidance (PDF, 87KB) . Non-academic co-leads can request costs including staffing costs which will be funded at 100% FEC, and may also make additional ‘in kind’ contributions, however there is no expectation to do so. Please note that non-academic co-lead costs must not make up over 30% of the overall funds requested. Non-academic co-leads should be included in applications using the project co-lead (UK) role type on the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. A letter of support is not required for non-academic co-leads. Co-leads differ from project partners, who should not be seeking to claim grant funding, and typically provide ‘in kind’ or financial contributions. Project partners can be added to your application and should provide a letter of support in the application. There is no requirement to include project partners within the application. There are no restrictions on the types of organisations that can take part, and non‑academic co‑leads may join more than one application where capacity and strategic fit allow. Project partners and non‑academic co‑leads must declare any involvement in other UKRI grants so we can determine whether it is appropriate for them to also apply to this funding opportunity. The lead research organisation may submit only one application for this programme, and may co-lead on one other application, but each application must be substantively different in both partnership team and project objectives. The project team members may participate in only one application for this programme. The overall portfolio of proposed activities must be at least 50% within AHRC disciplinary remit . Who is not eligible to apply We cannot support job shares within this funding opportunity. We do not support project studentships (funding PhD study) within this funding opportunity. Subcontractors are not eligible to be included in this funding opportunity. Individuals who are based at a non-UK based organisation or do not have an organisational affiliation (freelancers and independent consultants) are not eligible to be included within this funding opportunity. International researchers This is a UK based funding opportunity, and as such international researchers and activities (including international conference attendance) are not applicable for funding. 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 funding to combine design-led interventions with arts and humanities methodologies to make positive contributions to the green transition. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding. Design Generators connect directly with the wider Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition Programme. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £200,000. AHRC will fund 80% of the FEC. These awards must be between nine to 12 months in duration.