ESRC call: React Awards (Pilot): outline
Two new ESRC calls are now open.
Please find below an overview of the scheme and further details can be found on UKRI’s website (links below) which details what ESRC are looking for in this scheme.
Closing date: 8 October 2026 (please note: pilot is open to applications on a responsive basis and so you can submit at any time when the funding opportunity is open – applications will be assessed and selected for funding within weeks so projects can start delivering quickly).
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Applications must deliver real-time evidence that helps public sector leaders make informed decisions and respond effectively to emerging challenges. React awards enable time-critical research that supports UK policy makers or frontline practitioners in public services respond to urgent societal and economic challenges.
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Applications must include collaborators from the public sector in the UK and will be expected to be listed as project partners, unless they are eligible to hold ESRC funding.
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Impactful outputs will be used within six months of being produced.
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Projects will be expected to start within one month of receiving the confirmation of the outcome decision
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Duration of award is maximum of six months
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Project value can be between £50,000 and £100,000
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Outline applications assessment: using an internal sift with a shortlisting decision within 10 working days of submission
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Full applications assessment: must be submitted within one month of being invited to do so, with the decision outcome being received in one month from submission.