# AI Supported Research Using UKRI Social Science Data

**Funder:** ESRC
**Budget:** Up to £184,000 (80% of £230,000 FEC); ~£875,000 total across ~4 projects
**Deadline:** 14 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 12 months
**Consortium:** Optional — international researchers can apply as project co-lead (international); project co-leads do not have to have attended the sandpit; teams can include collaborators not present at the sandpit
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ai-supported-research-using-ukri-social-science-data/
**Last updated:** 19 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open only to project leads who attended the AI supported research sandpit in Manchester (23–24 June 2026) and were invited to apply. Applicants from non-UK organisations are not eligible to lead. Projects must use at least one ESRC/ADR UK/SDR UK data infrastructure and start by 31 March 2027. UKRI funds 80% FEC; up to £230,000 FEC per project.

## Summary

This call funds 12-month projects developing AI-supported social science research using ESRC, ADR UK, or SDR UK data infrastructure, with budgets up to £184,000 (80% FEC). Applicants must have attended the AI Supported Research Sandpit in Manchester (June 2026) and must be based at a UK organisation to lead; international co-leads may join as co-investigators. This is a one-off follow-on call from a competitive sandpit selection, so the pool is small and focused.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers who attended the AI Supported Research Sandpit (23-24 June 2026) and received an invitation to apply
- Project leads at UK academic or research institutions eligible to hold UKRI funding
- Teams planning to use at least one ESRC, ADR UK, or SDR UK data infrastructure
- Projects with international partners welcomed as co-leads; no requirement for sandpit attendance by collaborators

## Key dates

- Deadline 14 October 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Projects must commence by 31 March 2027
- Single-stage application; funding supports 12-month projects

## Tips for applicants

- Sandpit attendance is mandatory: only invitees can apply. If you attended but did not receive an invite, contact ESRC.
- Specify your ESRC, ADR UK, or SDR UK data infrastructure early in the proposal; lack of clarity on data access will weaken the application.
- International co-leads strengthen consortia but cannot be the project lead; ensure your UK-based PI has capacity to manage administration and reporting.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding can I get from the ESRC AI Supported Research call?

Up to £184,000 (80% of £230,000 FEC) per project, covering a 12-month period.

### Do I have to have attended the sandpit to apply?

Yes, applicants must have attended the AI Supported Research Sandpit in Manchester (23-24 June 2026) and received an invitation to apply; sandpit attendance was mandatory for project leads.

### Can international researchers apply to lead this grant?

No, the project lead must be based at a UK organisation; however, international researchers can join as project co-leads or collaborators.

### What data infrastructure must I use?

Projects must use at least one of the following: ESRC data infrastructure, ADR UK, or SDR UK.

### When must my project start?

Projects must commence by 31 March 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/esrc-ai-supported-research-using-ukri-social-science-da-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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