# Responsive Mode: UKRI-NSF/SBE Lead Agency Agreement

**Funder:** AHRC
**Consortium:** Required — joint UK-US applicant teams with a US-based project co-lead under an NSF-SBE lead agency agreement
**Application:** Single stage: expert review by three reviewers, applicant response stage, then panel assessment
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB, US
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ahrc-responsive-mode-ukri-nsf-sbe-lead-agency/
**Last updated:** 23 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint AHRC-NSF/SBE lead agency scheme for collaborative arts and humanities/social-behavioural-economic research between UK and US-based researchers; requires an NSF-SBE budget form and a letter of support from the US institution confirming eligibility of the US-based project co-lead(s). Applications accepted until the end of the UKRI-NSF/SBE MoU in 2028.

## Summary

This AHRC-NSF/SBE Lead Agency Agreement funds collaborative research projects jointly led by UK and US-based researchers, spanning arts and humanities and social-behavioural-economic sciences. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and require a US-based project co-lead, an NSF-SBE budget form, and a letter of support confirming that co-lead's eligibility. The scheme remains open continuously until the UKRI-NSF/SBE Memorandum of Understanding ends in 2028.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers with an established US-based project co-lead
- Joint applicant teams spanning arts and humanities and social-behavioural-economic research
- Institutions able to secure a formal letter of support from the US partner institution
- Teams able to complete both AHRC and NSF-SBE budget documentation

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline; applications accepted continuously
- Single stage: expert review by three reviewers, applicant response stage, then panel assessment
- Scheme open until the UKRI-NSF/SBE MoU ends in 2028

## Tips for applicants

- Secure the letter of support from the US institution early, it must confirm the US co-lead's eligibility and is a required submission item, not a formality.
- Complete the NSF-SBE budget form alongside the AHRC application form; mismatched budgets between the two are a common cause of delay.
- Because review includes an applicant response stage, prepare to address reviewer critiques directly rather than treating first submission as final.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible to apply for the AHRC-NSF/SBE Lead Agency Agreement?

Joint UK-US applicant teams are required, with a US-based project co-lead whose eligibility is confirmed by a letter of support from their US institution.

### What is the deadline for the AHRC-NSF/SBE Lead Agency scheme?

There is a rolling deadline and applications are accepted continuously until the UKRI-NSF/SBE MoU ends in 2028.

### What kind of research does this scheme fund?

It funds collaborative research spanning arts and humanities and social-behavioural-economic sciences, jointly conducted by UK and US-based researchers.

### How many stages does the application process have?

It is a single-stage application evaluated by three expert reviewers, followed by an applicant response stage and then panel assessment.

### Do I need a US partner institution to apply?

Yes, a consortium with a US-based project co-lead is required, along with an NSF-SBE budget form and a letter of support from the US institution.

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

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