UKRI: Data for Metascience Sandpit 2027

Apply to attend a five-day interactive sandpit to develop novel projects that can address multi-faceted metascience questions related to research and development (R&D) funding and inform R&D policymaking.

More widely, the sandpit will also support thought leadership and community building for metascience in the UK. UKRI want to build new evidence, and draw together existing evidence from across disciplines, to develop solutions that optimise research processes and practices.

The sandpit will take place on the 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 March 2027. The first three days will be in-person and the final two days will be online. Attendance for the full five days will be mandatory for selected participants.  To support participation in the sandpit, UKRI will cover the costs of accommodation, subsistence, and UK-based travel to the in-person days in line with UKRI policy.

To apply for the sandpit, please complete an expression of interest form by 24 November 2026.

UKRI expect to fund up to £2 million at 80% full economic cost (FEC) for all research projects arising from the sandpit.

Projects developed through the process will pitch for funding on the final sandpit day. Projects arising from the sandpit will be between 12 and 18 months.