Resilient economy and security through ecosystem transitions grants (Grant)
UK Research and Innovation, Natural Environment Research Council
Award
Up to £2.5m
Total fund Up to £15m
Deadline
Closes 22 October 2026
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Apply for funding to improve our understanding of how ecosystem change affects resilience, security and prosperity as part of the NERC-Defra co-funded Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions programme. You must be based at an eligible UK organisation to apply.
Who can apply
This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility, and organisations who are based overseas. Check if your organisation is eligible . Who is eligible to apply This funding opportunity is open to research groups and individuals. We: encourage multidisciplinary research and collaborations with other UK organisations welcome applications from individuals at any career stage, subject to NERC eligibility criteria The project lead must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding . This includes eligible public sector research establishments and independent research organisations. Project leads agree to participate in the distributed peer review (DPR) process to assess applications submitted to this funding opportunity. See the ‘How we will assess your application’ section for details. Project leads will be required to nominate team members to participate in this process according to their suitability and availability. Project leads should not apply to this funding opportunity if they cannot participate in the DPR process. There is no limit to the number of project co-leads per application, but it must be clear from the application what unique contribution each project co-lead will make to the success of the proposed project. Other ways different organisations can be involved include: project partners: people who will not receive funding directly from the award but will have an integral role in the proposed project. Minor directly incurred costs, such as some travel costs, are acceptable subcontractors: people responsible for providing a service only Defra should not be included as a project partner as they are co-funders of this programme. Defra’s arm’s length bodies who are approved UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) public sector research establishments are eligible to apply to this funding opportunity provided that they meet the wider UKRI eligibility for funding criteria. International researchers As NERC is the lead funder for this funding opportunity, international researchers can apply as ‘project co-lead (international)’, subject to the eligibility criteria set out in the NERC eligibility guidance for applicants . You should include all other international collaborators (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) as project partners. This includes organisations from the business or financial sectors. Who is not eligible to apply You may be involved in no more than two applications submitted to this funding opportunity and the related RESET Hub funding opportunity. Only one of these can be as a project lead. 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. Find out more about NERC’s diversity and inclusion action plan .
Full details
Apply for funding for research projects under the NERC-Defra co-funded Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions (RESET) programme Projects will improve understanding on how, when and why ecosystems transition, reorganise or collapse, to sustain functions, strengthen economic prosperity, societal resilience and national security. You must be based at an eligible UK research organisation to apply. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2.5 million. We will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is available for up to three years. You must start by 14 February 2027.