# Design Generators Round Two

**Funder:** AHRC
**Consortium:** Optional — project partners (collaborating organisations with integral roles) are described but not required; lead organisation may submit only one application
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/design-generators-round-two/
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Design research for the green transition, delivered in partnership with Future Observatory (Design Museum). Lead research organisation may submit only one application; project team members may participate in only one application. Funded projects must engage with Future Observatory throughout the project lifetime. Primary discipline: design (arts/humanities remit).

## Summary

Design Generators Round Two funds design research exploring the green transition, delivered in partnership with Future Observatory (Design Museum). The call is open to lead organisations in the UK, with optional project partners; engagement with Future Observatory is mandatory throughout the project. Researchers should centre design practice and theory within an arts/humanities frame.

## Who should apply

- Design researchers and research groups based at eligible UK institutions
- Project teams with a clear design research component (arts/humanities disciplinary framing)
- Applicants willing to maintain active partnership and engagement with Future Observatory
- Lead organisations submitting only one application per round

## Key dates

- First listing: 29 July 2026

## Tips for applicants

- Future Observatory partnership is non-negotiable; plan concrete touchpoints and co-investigation early, not as an add-on.
- The green transition focus demands design thinking applied to sustainability or environmental challenges, position your research within that framing explicitly.
- Lead organisations are capped at one application per round; coordinate internally to avoid duplicate bids from the same institution.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I apply to Design Generators Round Two if I'm based outside the UK?

No, the call is open only to lead organisations in the UK, though project partners may be international.

### Is Future Observatory partnership compulsory?

Yes, funded projects must engage with Future Observatory (Design Museum) throughout the project lifetime.

### Can multiple teams from the same organisation apply?

No, each lead organisation may submit only one application per round, and team members may participate in only one application.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ahrc-design-generators-round-two-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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