# Physical Sciences NRF Portfolio Refresh

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Deadline:** 16 December 2026 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** No - invite-only call restricted to existing EPSRC-funded National Research Facilities
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/physical-sciences-nrf-portfolio-refresh-invite-only/
**Last updated:** 4 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only review and refresh of the EPSRC Physical Sciences National Research Facility (NRF) portfolio, open only to existing EPSRC-funded NRFs (e.g. HarwellXPS, NCS, SuperSTEM, XMaS, EPR facility, EMFL and FELIX subscriptions). Funding covers equipment upgrades/enhancements, not research effort; EPSRC contributes 80% of equipment purchase price with the remainder from non-EPSRC sources.

## Summary

This EPSRC call funds equipment upgrades and enhancements for existing EPSRC-funded Physical Sciences National Research Facilities, such as HarwellXPS, NCS, SuperSTEM, XMaS, the EPR facility, EMFL and FELIX subscriptions. It is invite-only, covers up to 5 years, and EPSRC pays 80% of equipment purchase costs with the remainder sourced from non-EPSRC funds. It does not fund research effort, only facility infrastructure.

## Who should apply

- Existing EPSRC-funded National Research Facilities only (invite-only, no open call)
- UK-based facilities such as HarwellXPS, NCS, SuperSTEM, XMaS, the EPR facility, EMFL and FELIX subscriptions
- Facility managers planning equipment upgrades or enhancements rather than new research projects
- Applicants able to secure co-funding, since EPSRC covers only 80% of equipment purchase price

## Key dates

- Deadline 16 December 2026, 16:00 UK time
- Single-stage application process
- Funded activity can run up to 5 years

## Tips for applicants

- Confirm invite status before preparing anything, this call is restricted to named existing EPSRC NRFs and is not open to new applicants or consortia.
- Line up the non-EPSRC 20% co-funding source early, since EPSRC covers only 80% of the equipment purchase price.
- Frame the case around equipment upgrades and enhancements specifically, proposals for research effort or staff time fall outside scope.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply to the EPSRC Physical Sciences NRF Portfolio Refresh?

Only existing EPSRC-funded National Research Facilities that have been invited, such as HarwellXPS, NCS, SuperSTEM, XMaS, the EPR facility, EMFL and FELIX subscriptions.

### What does this EPSRC call fund?

It funds equipment upgrades and enhancements at existing National Research Facilities, not research effort.

### How much of the equipment cost does EPSRC cover?

EPSRC contributes 80% of the equipment purchase price, with the remaining 20% sourced from non-EPSRC funds.

### What is the deadline for the EPSRC NRF Portfolio Refresh call?

Applications are due 16 December 2026 at 16:00 UK time.

### Is this a consortium call?

No, it is an invite-only call restricted to individual existing EPSRC-funded National Research Facilities, not a consortium call.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-physical-sciences-nrf-portfolio-refresh-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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