# Research Grant

**Funder:** ESRC
**Budget:** £350,000–£1,000,000
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** Optional — co-investigators from business, third sector, government, overseas research organisations can be included; collaboration with international researchers is encouraged
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/esrc-research-grant/
**Last verified:** 9 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to established researchers at approved UK universities and independent research organisations. Funds social science research (social sciences must represent >50% of focus/effort), including large-scale surveys, methodology, and data infrastructure. Co-investigators from business, third sector, government, or overseas institutions may be included.

## Summary

The ESRC Research Grant funds social science research projects up to £1 million, open to established researchers at approved UK universities and independent research organisations. Projects can run up to five years and may include co-investigators from business, the third sector, government, or overseas institutions. The call runs continuously, making it suitable for researchers seeking flexible timelines.

## Who should apply

- Established researchers based at approved UK universities or independent research organisations
- Projects where social sciences represent more than 50% of the focus
- Research including large-scale surveys, methodology development, or data infrastructure
- Teams willing to collaborate with business, third-sector, government, or international partners

## Key dates

- Continuous rolling call with no fixed deadline
- Projects funded up to five years in duration

## Tips for applicants

- Social sciences must clearly comprise >50% of the project effort; clearly map this in your proposal scope.
- International collaboration is encouraged but not required; partnerships with overseas researchers strengthen the competitiveness of applications.
- Multi-sector consortia (business, third sector, government) differentiate proposals, include named partners with formal letters of support where relevant.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the ESRC Research Grant provide?

Awards range from £350,000 to £1,000,000 per project, depending on project scope and justification.

### Who is eligible for the ESRC Research Grant?

Established researchers at approved UK universities and independent research organisations, working on social science projects where social sciences represent at least 50% of the focus.

### Can I include co-investigators from outside academia?

Yes, co-investigators from business, third sector, government, and overseas research organisations are welcome and encouraged.

### Is there a deadline for the ESRC Research Grant?

No, the call runs continuously with no fixed deadline, allowing researchers flexibility in submission timing.

### How long can an ESRC Research Grant project last?

Projects can run up to five years in duration.

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

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