# Enabling AI Adoption Across Science and Engineering

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to £250,000 (80% FEC)
**Deadline:** 1 December 2026 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 12 months
**Consortium:** Required - team must include an AI expert and a non-AI domain expert, with option for international project co-lead via UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-enabling-ai-adoption-across-science-and-engineering/
**Last updated:** 20 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds exploratory projects pairing AI expertise with domain researchers in engineering biology, advanced materials, quantum technologies, medical research or fusion energy. Applications via UKRI Funding Service; only lead research organisation can submit; international researchers may only join as project co-lead (international) via specific cooperation agreements.

## Summary

This EPSRC call funds exploratory projects up to £250,000 (80% FEC) over up to 12 months that pair an AI expert with a domain researcher in engineering biology, advanced materials, quantum technologies, medical research or fusion energy. It targets UK research organisations building new AI-domain collaborations, with international researchers only eligible to join as a co-lead through specific UKRI cooperation agreements. This is a one-off call, not a recurring programme.

## Who should apply

- Teams combining an AI expert and a non-AI domain expert
- UK-based lead research organisation submitting via UKRI Funding Service
- Projects in engineering biology, advanced materials, quantum technologies, medical research or fusion energy
- International co-leads joining only via UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements

## Key dates

- Deadline: 1 December 2026, 16:00 UK time
- Single-stage application
- Up to 12-month project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Name both the AI expert and the domain expert explicitly in the team structure; the pairing is a stated eligibility requirement, not just good practice.
- If involving international partners, confirm the UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA cooperation agreement route early, as international involvement is otherwise restricted.
- Only the lead research organisation can submit, so confirm institutional roles and submission responsibility before drafting.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the EPSRC Enabling AI Adoption Across Science and Engineering grant pay?

Up to £250,000 at 80% full economic cost (FEC).

### How long is the EPSRC Enabling AI Adoption Across Science and Engineering project?

Up to 12 months.

### Can international researchers apply to this EPSRC call?

Only as a project co-lead (international), and only through UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA cooperation agreements; the lead research organisation must be UK-based.

### Is this EPSRC AI adoption call recurring?

No, it is listed as a one-off call.

### What research areas does this EPSRC call cover?

Engineering biology, advanced materials, quantum technologies, medical research, and fusion energy.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-enabling-ai-adoption-across-science-and-engineerin-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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