# Advancing Atmospheric and Aerial Autonomy

**Funder:** NERC
**Budget:** £4M total
**Deadline:** 21 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** 3–12 months
**Consortium:** Optional — industry and non-academic stakeholders strongly encouraged as project partners and collaborators; international researchers may participate as project partners but cannot receive funding through this opportunity
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/advancing-atmospheric-and-aerial-autonomy/
**Last verified:** 5 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK research organisations eligible for NERC funding only (project lead must be UK-based). Funds development, integration, deployment and demonstration of autonomous sensing, instrumentation and UAS for atmospheric science and wider environmental applications. Projects must start by 1 February 2027 and mobilise rapidly post-award. 100% FEC funded.

## Summary

The Advancing Atmospheric and Aerial Autonomy call provides up to £4 million for UK research teams to develop and demonstrate autonomous systems, drones, sensors, and instrumentation, for atmospheric science and environmental monitoring. Project leads must be based at UK research organisations, and projects run 3-12 months, starting by 1 February 2027. This one-off call emphasises rapid mobilisation and welcomes industry and international collaborators, though funding flows only to UK institutions.

## Who should apply

- UK-based research leads at recognised NERC-eligible institutions
- Teams developing autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or sensor platforms for atmospheric science
- Projects with rapid-deployment timelines and readiness to mobilise by early February 2027
- Consortia including industry partners, equipment suppliers, or operational end-users

## Key dates

- Deadline 21 October 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application process
- Projects must start by 1 February 2027; 3-12 months duration

## Tips for applicants

- Timeline is tight: demonstrate proof-of-concept and procurement plans that compress a normal 18-month development into 3 months pre-award. Reviewers will assess feasibility of your mobilisation date closely.
- Industry letters of support or partnership agreements strengthen bids; NERC explicitly encourages private-sector co-investment and co-design here.
- Clearly distinguish development (new hardware/software) from deployment (field campaigns); FEC covers all activities, but the call expects demonstrable progress in both within your short window.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NERC Advancing Atmospheric and Aerial Autonomy call award?

Up to £4 million per project, with 100% Funder Error Component (FEC) funding.

### Who can apply for this NERC call?

Research leads at UK institutions eligible for NERC funding; project leads must be UK-based. International researchers may participate as collaborators but cannot receive funding.

### How long do projects last under NERC Advancing Atmospheric and Aerial Autonomy?

Projects run for 3-12 months and must start by 1 February 2027.

### Is this call recurring or one-off?

This is a one-off call; no future rounds are planned.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-advancing-atmospheric-and-aerial-autonomy-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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