# Future Data Services Sandpit: Transforming Discovery and Access

**Funder:** ESRC (UKRI)
**Budget:** Up to £21.6M (shared across 5–10 projects, 80% FEC)
**Deadline:** 3 December 2026 (Full proposal deadline (post-sandpit). Expression of Interest deadline not specified in this segment. Sandpit takes place 12, 14, 19, 23 October 2026.)
**Duration:** 24–48 months (start by 1 April 2027, end by 31 March 2031)
**Consortium:** Required — projects must partner with an existing ESRC social science data service infrastructure investment; co-leads from UK business, third sector or government permitted
**Application:** 2-stage: Expression of Interest → Sandpit (Oct 2026) → Full proposal (deadline ~3 Dec 2026)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-data-services-sandpit-transforming-discovery-and-access/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK-based organisations only (non-UK applicants ineligible). Projects must enhance existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures (no new services). Focus on improving data discovery, access to sensitive data, technology-enabled pipelines (incl. AI), and upskilling data service staff. Must include an upskilling work package. Business/third sector/government co-leads permitted but cannot lead projects.

## Summary

The ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit is a one-off, two-stage call for UK-based consortia to enhance existing social science data service infrastructures, with up to £21.6M (shared across 5-10 projects, 80% FEC) available over 24-48 months. Projects must partner an existing ESRC data service and focus on improving data discovery, access to sensitive data, and technology-enabled pipelines including AI, with a mandatory upskilling work package. Non-academic partners from business, third sector, or government may co-lead but cannot lead; only UK-based organisations are eligible.

## Who should apply

- UK-based research institutions (universities, recognised research organisations) leading proposals
- Consortia committed to partnering with an existing ESRC social science data service
- Multi-disciplinary teams with data infrastructure, social science, and technical expertise
- Projects addressing data discovery, sensitive data access, or AI-enabled data pipelines
- Organisations able to commit to a mandatory upskilling work package for data service staff

## Key dates

- Expression of Interest deadline not specified; Sandpit workshops 12, 14, 19, 23 October 2026
- Full proposal deadline 3 December 2026
- Project duration 24-48 months, start by 1 April 2027

## Tips for applicants

- The Sandpit is a gating stage, attendance and engagement at the October workshops is critical for progression to full proposal. Prepare to iterate your idea based on peer feedback.
- Partner selection is strategic: identify your ESRC data service partner early and co-develop the enhancement plan; data services must endorse your use case.
- The upskilling work package is mandatory and scored; include concrete deliverables (training modules, certifications, career pathways) rather than generic capacity-building language.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding is available in the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit?

Up to £21.6M is shared across 5-10 projects (80% Funder's Estimate of Cost). Individual project budgets will vary.

### Who can lead an ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit project?

Only UK-based academic or research organisations can lead; business, third sector, and government partners may co-lead but cannot be the lead organisation.

### What is the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit looking for?

Projects that enhance existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures, focusing on data discovery, sensitive data access, technology-enabled pipelines (including AI), and staff upskilling.

### Is the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit recurring?

No, this is a one-off call with a single funding round.

### How long does an ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit project last?

Projects run 24-48 months, with a start date by 1 April 2027 and end date by 31 March 2031.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/esrc-ukri-future-data-services-sandpit-transforming-discover-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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