# Research to Advance UK Recycling Capabilities

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to £1,700,000 at 100% FEC (£1,360,000 at 80% FEC)
**Consortium:** Optional — project partners (industry, academia, third sector or government, UK or overseas) may contribute direct or in-kind resources but are not mandatory
**Application:** 2-stage: outline application → invited full application (only invited applicants may submit full stage)
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/research-to-advance-uk-recycling-capabilities-full-stage/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Full-stage application for EPSRC/Defra-funded research to advance UK recycling capabilities, covering energy-efficient, scalable and economically viable recycling technologies. Only applicants invited after outline stage may submit; assessed by expert panel with final decision by EPSRC and Defra.

## Summary

This EPSRC/Defra call funds research to advance UK recycling capabilities, covering energy-efficient, scalable and economically viable recycling technologies, with up to £1.7 million available at 100% FEC (£1.36 million at 80% FEC). It is open to UK-based researchers, and project partners from industry, academia, third sector or government, UK or overseas, can contribute resources but are not required. Applications go through a two-stage process, with only outline applicants invited by the panel able to submit a full application.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at UK institutions eligible for EPSRC funding
- Projects developing energy-efficient, scalable or economically viable recycling technologies
- Teams able to optionally bring in industry, academic, third sector or government partners (UK or overseas)
- Applicants prepared for a competitive two-stage selection process

## Key dates

- Two-stage process: outline application first, with full application by invitation only
- Final funding decision made jointly by EPSRC and Defra following expert panel assessment

## Tips for applicants

- Focus the outline stage on feasibility and economic viability, only invited outlines proceed to full application.
- Since partners are optional, weigh whether in-kind industry or third-sector contributions would strengthen the scalability case without overcomplicating the proposal.
- Address energy efficiency explicitly, as it is named alongside scalability and economic viability as a core assessment criterion.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does this EPSRC recycling call provide?

Up to £1.7 million at 100% FEC, or £1.36 million at 80% FEC.

### Do I need project partners to apply?

No, partners from industry, academia, third sector or government are optional and can be UK or overseas-based.

### Is this a one-stage or two-stage application?

It is two-stage: an outline application first, and only invited applicants may submit a full application.

### Who makes the final funding decision?

EPSRC and Defra make the final decision based on assessment by an expert panel.

### Who is eligible to apply?

The call is open to applicants based in the UK (GB).

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-research-to-advance-uk-recycling-capabilities-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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