# Environmental Sciences Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund 2026

**Funder:** NERC
**Budget:** Up to £100,000 (80% FEC funded by NERC)
**Deadline:** 16 July 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 24 months
**Consortium:** Required — at least 1 international project partner (from any country outside UK)
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/environmental-sciences-global-partnerships-seedcorn-fund-2026/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to UK research groups and individuals at any career stage (NERC eligibility applies). Must include at least one new international project partner (any country). NERC funds 80% FEC up to £100k; international partner travel/subsistence up to £15k at 100% FEC. Joint applications with São Paulo (FAPESP) or Taiwan (NSTC) partners eligible for co-funding. No PhD studentship costs or equipment ≥£25k. Projects must start by 1 February 2027.

## Summary

NERC's Environmental Sciences Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund offers up to £100,000 (80% FEC) for UK-based researchers to build international collaborations in environmental science, with support for international partner travel up to £15,000 at 100% FEC. The fund is open to researchers at any career stage and requires at least one new international project partner from outside the UK. Co-funding opportunities exist for partnerships with institutions in São Paulo (FAPESP) or Taiwan (NSTC), with projects running up to 24 months and starting by 1 February 2027.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers at any career stage eligible under NERC rules
- Research groups seeking to establish new international collaborations in environmental science
- Applicants with confirmed interest from at least one international project partner outside the UK
- Teams planning projects that start by 1 February 2027 and complete within 24 months
- Researchers without substantial equipment needs (items ≥£25k are ineligible)

## Key dates

- Deadline: 16 July 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application
- Project duration: up to 24 months, must start by 1 February 2027

## Tips for applicants

- The international partner is mandatory and must be genuinely new, clarify in the proposal why this collaboration is novel and strategically valuable.
- Leverage co-funding if you have partners in São Paulo or Taiwan; the application can benefit from matched FAPESP or NSTC funding, which strengthens competitiveness.
- Budget international partner travel and subsistence upfront at 100% FEC (separate from your 80% NERC funding cap); clarify these costs explicitly to avoid rejection on technicality.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the NERC Seedcorn Fund offer?

Up to £100,000 with 80% FEC funded by NERC; international partner travel and subsistence are funded at 100% FEC up to £15,000 additional.

### Is an international partner required for the NERC Seedcorn Fund?

Yes, applicants must include at least one new international project partner from any country outside the UK.

### Can I apply to the NERC Seedcorn Fund if I have FAPESP or NSTC partners?

Yes, joint applications with São Paulo (FAPESP) or Taiwan (NSTC) partners are eligible for co-funding, which may strengthen your application.

### What is the project start date and duration for the Seedcorn Fund?

Projects must start by 1 February 2027 and run for up to 24 months total.

### Can I include equipment costs in a Seedcorn Fund application?

No, equipment items costing £25,000 or more are ineligible; PhD studentship costs are also excluded.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-environmental-sciences-global-partnerships-seedcor-2026-07) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.