Pushing the frontiers of environmental research (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Award
Up to £950k
Deadline
Closes in 30 days (22 September 2026)
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Apply for funding to pursue an adventurous, ambitious, curiosity-driven project in environmental research. You must be: • based at a UK research organisation eligible for Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funding • in a role that meets the individual eligibility requirements There is no limit on the value of the grant, the value specified within the summary page is an example.
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible . Before applying for funding, check the following: NERC eligibility guidance for applicants check your project is in our remit if you are unsure whether your proposed research falls within the remit of NERC Who is eligible to apply This funding opportunity is open to research groups and individuals. Your research project must address a significant environmental science question, but we welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate a capability to collaborate with experts from other disciplines to generate innovative research. We: encourage multidisciplinary research and collaborations with other UK organisations welcome applications from individuals at any career stage, subject to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) eligibility criteria Project partners fund their own involvement. We will only fund minor incidental expenses, such as some travel costs, if needed for project partners. Resubmissions We will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects that have previously been assessed by UKRI. Find out more about NERC’s resubmissions policy . International researchers Under the UKRI and Research Council of Norway Money Follows Cooperation agreement a project co-lead (international) (previously co-investigator) can be based in a Norwegian institution. Read more about this in the NERC eligibility guidance for applicants . If you are submitting your application under a NERC lead agency agreement (NSF, FAPESP or FNR), then please see the section entitled ‘International collaborative proposals’ for further information. All other international collaborators should be included (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) as project partners. This includes organisations from the business or financial sectors. 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 pursue an adventurous, ambitious, curiosity-driven project in environmental research. You must be: based at a UK research organisation eligible for Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funding in a role that meets the individual eligibility requirements We welcome: multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research projects delivered in partnership with other research funders and users The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £950,000. We will fund 80% of the FEC. There is no defined project duration, but awards are usually between three and four years. This opportunity will be updated on 23 September with a new application link. This is due to technical developments in the Funding Service. Applications using the current link must be submitted by 4pm on 22 September. Eligibility, assessment and scope will remain the same.