# Exploring the Frontiers of Environmental Research 2026

**Funder:** NERC
**Budget:** 80% of FEC between £100k–£200k
**Deadline:** 12 November 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 2 years
**Consortium:** Optional — multidisciplinary collaborations with other organisations are encouraged; international co-lead permitted only for Norwegian institutions under UKRI–Research Council of Norway Money Follows Cooperation agreement
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/exploring-the-frontiers-of-environmental-research-2026/
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports early-stage, curiosity-driven, high-risk/high-reward environmental research within NERC's remit. Project lead must be UK-resident and employed by an eligible UK research organisation. FEC £100k–£200k; UKRI funds 80% (Norwegian co-lead costs funded at 100%). No preliminary data required. Max 2 years; projects must start by 1 May 2027.

## Summary

NERC's Exploring the Frontiers of Environmental Research programme funds early-stage, high-risk environmental projects up to £200,000 (80% UKRI cover) over two years. The call targets UK-based researchers at eligible institutions working on curiosity-driven questions within NERC's environmental remit, with no requirement for preliminary data. Multidisciplinary teams and Norwegian co-leads are welcome, and applicants can draw down equipment costs over £25,000.

## Who should apply

- Early-career and established researchers at UK-eligible research organisations
- Project leads who are UK-resident and employed by a UK institution
- Researchers with curiosity-driven environmental questions (no preliminary data needed)
- Teams open to multidisciplinary collaboration; Norwegian co-leads eligible under RCN agreement
- Researchers whose work falls within NERC's remit (atmospheric, biological, marine, earth sciences)

## Key dates

- Deadline 12 November 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Up to two-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Preliminary data is not a gating criterion, pitch the question and the approach, not preliminary results.
- Flag equipment items over £25k early in the proposal; justify their necessity, as NERC scrutinises large-item justification.
- If you intend a Norwegian co-lead, confirm RCN Money Follows Cooperation eligibility before finalising the budget split (100% UKRI cover for Norwegian leads simplifies the sums).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget range for NERC Exploring the Frontiers?

Full Economic Cost (FEC) between £100,000 and £200,000, with UKRI funding 80%; Norwegian co-leads receive 100% UKRI cover.

### Who can be the project lead for Exploring the Frontiers?

The project lead must be UK-resident and employed by an eligible UK research organisation.

### Do I need preliminary data to apply?

No, NERC funds early-stage, curiosity-driven research and does not require preliminary data.

### Can I include equipment over £25k in the budget?

Equipment items over £25k are not eligible for funding under this call.

### Are international collaborators permitted?

Yes, multidisciplinary collaborations are encouraged; Norwegian institutions can be co-leads under the UKRI, RCN Money Follows Cooperation agreement, but other international partners may be collaborators only.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-exploring-the-frontiers-of-environmental-research-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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