# Lead Agency Opportunity with NSF-SBE

**Funder:** AHRC
**Budget:** £300,000–£1.5 million FEC (AHRC funds 80% FEC)
**Duration:** 4 years
**Consortium:** Required — project lead and at least one project co-lead, including a US-based project co-lead eligible under NSF-SBE criteria
**Application:** 2-stage: mandatory Expression of Interest (EOI) to lead agency → invited full application via UKRI Funding Service or NSF Fastlane/Grants.gov/Research.gov
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB, US
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-responsive-mode-ukri-nsf-sbe-lead-agency/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Collaborative arts and humanities research grants jointly funded by AHRC and US NSF-SBE, requiring a UK project lead and at least one project co-lead, including a mandatory US-based project co-lead (international) under NSF-SBE eligibility criteria. Mandatory EOI required before full application; project studentships not supported.

## Summary

The AHRC, NSF Lead Agency Opportunity funds collaborative arts and humanities research between UK and US teams, with grants of £300,000 to £1.5 million FEC (AHRC covers 80% FEC) over four years. It requires a UK project lead working with at least one project co-lead, including a mandatory US-based co-lead eligible under NSF-SBE criteria. The call runs continuously with no fixed deadline, but every application must start with a mandatory Expression of Interest before a full proposal is invited.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers acting as project lead
- Teams with a confirmed US-based co-lead eligible under NSF-SBE criteria
- Arts and humanities research projects suited to a 4-year collaborative programme
- Applicants able to commit to a two-stage process starting with a mandatory EOI
- Not suitable for projects seeking studentship funding

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, applications accepted continuously
- Two stages: mandatory Expression of Interest to lead agency, then invited full application via UKRI Funding Service or NSF Fastlane/Grants.gov/Research.gov
- Four-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Secure and confirm your US-based co-lead's NSF-SBE eligibility before submitting the EOI, the collaboration structure is gating, not optional.
- Because the deadline is rolling, submit the EOI as soon as the project scope and partnership are firm rather than waiting for a cycle.
- Route the full application through the correct system for your institution (UKRI Funding Service for UK leads, NSF Fastlane/Grants.gov/Research.gov for US co-leads) to avoid administrative delay.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the AHRC-NSF Lead Agency Opportunity fund?

Grants range from £300,000 to £1.5 million FEC, with AHRC funding 80% of full economic costs, over a four-year project.

### Is there a deadline for the AHRC-NSF Lead Agency Opportunity?

No, the call has a rolling deadline and runs continuously, but applicants must first submit a mandatory Expression of Interest before being invited to submit a full application.

### Who needs to be on the project team?

A UK-based project lead and at least one project co-lead are required, including a mandatory US-based co-lead who meets NSF-SBE eligibility criteria.

### Can this grant fund PhD studentships?

No, project studentships are explicitly not supported under this call.

### Which countries are eligible for this grant?

The call is open to applicants based in the UK and the US.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ahrc-lead-agency-opportunity-with-nsf-sbe-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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