# Unlocking Advanced Capabilities in Conservation and Heritage Science **Funder:** AHRC **Budget:** Up to £1.5M (up to £1.2M capital + up to £300k cascading innovation funding) **Deadline:** 25 November 2026 (4:00pm UK time) **Duration:** Maximum 24 months, ending by 31 March 2029; follow-on staffing grant up to 24 months (April 2029–March 2031) **Consortium:** Optional — consortium applications are encouraged, particularly those with industry/SME partners; only the lead research organisation submits **Application:** Single stage **Frequency:** One-off **Eligible countries:** GB **Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/unlocking-advanced-capabilities-in-conservation-and-heritage-science/ **Last updated:** 19 Aug 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Part of the RICHeS Programme (Tranche 2). Funds capital equipment, facility upgrades, and cascading innovation funding for collaborative projects with industry/SMEs in UK conservation and heritage science. 100% FEC for eligible capital costs. Studentships, postdoctoral associates, and original research unrelated to capability development are not funded. UK organisations with standard UKRI eligibility only. ## Summary AHRC's Unlocking Advanced Capabilities in Conservation and Heritage Science funds capital equipment, facility upgrades, and innovation grants for collaborative conservation research projects led by UK organisations, with budgets up to £1.5 million over 24 months. The call welcomes consortium applications, particularly those partnering with industry or SMEs, and funds 100% of eligible capital costs. This is a one-off call under the RICHeS Programme (Tranche 2); studentships and basic research are ineligible. ## Who should apply - UK research organisations (universities, museums, heritage bodies) with standard UKRI eligibility - Collaborative projects with industry partners or SMEs encouraged - Teams seeking capital equipment or facility upgrades for conservation science - Projects with innovation-focused outcomes beyond core research - Lead organisations submitting on behalf of consortia ## Key dates - Deadline 25 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time - Single-stage application, no pre-proposal phase - Maximum project duration 24 months, ending by 31 March 2029; optional follow-on staffing grant up to 24 months (April 2029, March 2031) ## Tips for applicants - Emphasise the capability-building and innovation angle, AHRC explicitly does not fund standalone research; frame your work around facility or equipment advancement. - Include named industry or SME partners with letters of commitment; consortia with commercial engagement score stronger. - Capital costs are fully fundable (100% FEC); ringfence equipment and upgrades clearly, and avoid proposing staffing or postdoc salaries unless they serve direct capability-delivery roles. ## Frequently asked questions ### What can the AHRC Unlocking Advanced Capabilities grant fund? Capital equipment, facility upgrades, and cascading innovation funding for conservation and heritage science. Studentships, postdoctoral positions, and original research unrelated to capability development are not eligible. ### How much can I apply for under AHRC Unlocking Advanced Capabilities? Up to £1.5 million in total, comprising up to £1.2 million for capital costs and up to £300,000 in cascading innovation funding. ### Can I lead a consortium application? Yes, consortium applications are encouraged, particularly with industry or SME partners; only the lead research organisation submits the application. ### What is the deadline for the AHRC Unlocking Advanced Capabilities call? 25 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time; this is a one-off call under RICHeS Tranche 2. ### How long do projects run under this scheme? Maximum 24 months, ending by 31 March 2029, with an optional follow-on staffing grant of up to 24 months (April 2029, March 2031). --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ahrc-unlocking-advanced-capabilities-in-conservation-an-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).