# Connecting Culture Fund

**Funder:** BBSRC
**Budget:** Up to £100,000 (100% FEC)
**Deadline:** 30 September 2027 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** 3–12 months
**Consortium:** Optional — project partners (collaborating organisations) are encouraged; direct and in-kind contributions from third-party project partners are welcomed but not required
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/connecting-culture-fund/
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Restricted to BBSRC strategically funded institutes (Babraham, Earlham, IBERS, John Innes Centre, Pirbright, Quadram, Roslin, Rothamsted). Supports cross-institutional research culture activities and knowledge exchange within biosciences. Invitation-only for lead applicants; other organisations may participate as collaborators. All costs must be listed as 'Exception-Other' for 100% FEC funding.

## Summary

The BBSRC Connecting Culture Fund provides up to £100,000 for research culture and knowledge-exchange activities across BBSRC's eight strategically funded institutes (Babraham, Earlham, IBERS, John Innes Centre, Pirbright, Quadram, Roslin, Rothamsted). The fund is invite-only; eligible applicants must receive a direct invitation from BBSRC to apply. Projects run for 3-12 months with 100% FEC coverage and no requirement for matched funding.

## Who should apply

- Teams at BBSRC strategically funded institutes (Babraham, Earlham, IBERS, John Innes Centre, Pirbright, Quadram, Roslin, Rothamsted) invited by BBSRC
- Cross-institutional collaborations that strengthen research culture and knowledge exchange
- Projects designed to build culture and collaboration within or across the eight institutes

## Key dates

- Deadline: 30 September 2027 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application
- Project duration: 3-12 months

## Tips for applicants

- This is an invite-only fund; you must receive an invitation from BBSRC before submitting an application.
- All costs are claimed as 'Exception-Other' at 100% FEC, standard overhead structures do not apply.
- Focus proposals on culture-building and knowledge exchange rather than standalone research outputs; the fund prioritises cross-institute collaboration and development activities.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I request from the BBSRC Connecting Culture Fund?

Up to £100,000 with 100% Full Economic Cost (FEC) coverage and no matched funding required.

### Who is eligible for the BBSRC Connecting Culture Fund?

Teams at the eight BBSRC strategically funded institutes (Babraham, Earlham, IBERS, John Innes Centre, Pirbright, Quadram, Roslin, Rothamsted) who receive a direct invitation from BBSRC.

### How long can a Connecting Culture Fund project last?

Projects run for 3-12 months, allowing flexibility for short-term culture-building or longer-term knowledge-exchange initiatives.

### Is the Connecting Culture Fund open to external applications?

No, it is invite-only; applicants must be invited by BBSRC to submit a proposal.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/bbsrc-connecting-culture-fund-2027-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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