# Establishing a UK Ultra-High Field NMR National Research Facility (Invite Only)

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to £7.25 million
**Duration:** 5 years (fixed start date 5 January 2027)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/establishing-a-uk-ultra-high-field-nmr-national-research-facility-invite-only/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only call to establish a UK national research facility for ultra-high field NMR (≥850 MHz). Open to UK research organisations; no equipment >£25k funded. Requires a cost-recovery plan with a minimum 40% recovery target; UKRI will not cover shortfalls. No direct research costs funded. Full economic cost ~£12.1M; EPSRC funds up to £7.25M.

## Summary

This is an invite-only EPSRC call to establish a UK national ultra-high field NMR research facility (≥850 MHz), funded up to £7.25 million over five years with a fixed start date of 5 January 2027. Only shortlisted UK research organisations can apply; the facility must recover at least 40% of its operating costs through user fees, with UKRI providing no subsidy for shortfalls. Capital equipment over £25,000 and direct research costs are not funded under this scheme.

## Who should apply

- UK research organisations shortlisted by EPSRC for this invite-only call
- Institutions capable of operating a user-facing national facility with cost-recovery model
- Organisations with established NMR expertise and multi-user facility management experience
- Teams prepared to develop and implement a cost-recovery plan targeting minimum 40% recovery

## Key dates

- Invite-only call; no public deadline (nominated institutions invited by EPSRC)
- Fixed project start: 5 January 2027
- Five-year facility duration

## Tips for applicants

- This is invite-only: you cannot self-nominate. If you believe your institution should be considered, contact EPSRC programme officers before the call closes to express your facility's capabilities.
- EPSRC funds ~60% of the full economic cost (£7.25M of £12.1M); your cost-recovery plan must be watertight, with explicit user-fee, consortium partnership, or income models to reach 40% recovery without UKRI subsidy.
- Capital equipment, consumables, and research salaries are not EPSRC-fundable under this call; focus your proposal on facility operation, training, quality assurance, and access infrastructure.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does EPSRC provide for this NMR facility?

Up to £7.25 million over five years. The full economic cost is approximately £12.1 million; EPSRC will not cover any shortfall in the required 40% cost recovery.

### Who can apply for this EPSRC NMR facility call?

Only UK research organisations formally invited by EPSRC can apply; this is an invite-only call, not open to public applications.

### What is the start date for the EPSRC NMR facility?

Projects will begin on 5 January 2027 if funded.

### Can the EPSRC grant cover equipment and research costs?

No. Capital equipment over £25,000, consumables, and direct research costs are not eligible; funding is limited to facility operation and management.

### What is the cost-recovery requirement for this facility?

The facility must recover at least 40% of its operating costs through user fees or other income; UKRI will not subsidise any shortfall.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-establishing-a-uk-ultra-high-field-nmr-national-re-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.