NEW ESRC calls: React (outline) and Connect Awards
Two new ESRC calls are now open.
Please find below an overview of the schemes and further details can be found on UKRI’s website (links below) which details what ESRC are looking for in each 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.
Deadline: 10 June 2026
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To connect with other researchers to scope, seed and grow emerging research fields and new areas of inquiry.
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Designed to stimulate early-stage ideas that could grow into transformative collaborations and programmes of the future.
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Please note that UK business, third sector or government bodies can not be included as co-leads in this call. However, they may be included as project partners.
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Awards can last up to six months
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Projects must have finished by 31 March 2027. Therefore, projects that last six months must start on the 1 October 2026.
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Project value can be between £50,000 and £150,000
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This opportunity will use distributed peer review, where applicants review other applications submitted to the same funding opportunity. To apply, you must be available and commit to undertake reviews which are likely to take place in July.