# Comparing and improving biological carbon storage in multiple global models

**Funder:** NERC
**Consortium:** Required — UK lead with optional US team members
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Summary

This NERC call funds research comparing and improving how global climate and carbon-cycle models represent biological carbon storage across multiple systems. The call requires a UK lead institution with the option to include US team members, making it ideal for researchers bridging terrestrial and marine carbon science. Projects will enhance the accuracy of carbon-storage predictions critical to climate policy and emissions forecasting.

## Who should apply

- UK-based research teams with lead institution in the United Kingdom
- Researchers with expertise in carbon cycling, terrestrial or marine biogeochemistry, or climate modelling
- Teams combining experimental, observational, and modelling capacity
- Applicants interested in multi-model intercomparison frameworks

## Key dates

- First listed on Grantsby 2 April 2026; check NERC website for formal deadline
- Consortium structure: mandatory UK lead, optional US partners
- Project duration to be confirmed on NERC website

## Tips for applicants

- Emphasise the multi-model comparison angle, NERC values work that improves model representation across multiple frameworks, not validation of a single code.
- Include a US co-investigator letter if your team has transatlantic collaborators; this strengthens the global model scope and demonstrates existing partnerships.
- Frame carbon storage in policy context: link model improvements to climate commitments or emissions-reduction targets that motivate the research.

## Frequently asked questions

### What kind of institutions can lead a NERC biological carbon storage grant?

UK research institutions can serve as the lead; US team members may participate as collaborators but not as lead institution.

### Can I apply if my institution is outside the UK?

No, this call requires a UK lead institution, though non-UK researchers can participate as co-investigators.

### Does the call fund terrestrial and marine carbon research equally?

Yes, the call compares biological carbon storage across multiple global models, which may span terrestrial, marine, and mixed systems.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-comparing-and-improving-biological-carbon-storage--2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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