# Large Grant

**Funder:** NERC
**Budget:** 80% full economic cost (100% for equipment)
**Consortium:** Optional — joint proposals with multiple research organisations permitted, no limit on number of partners, lead institution acts as coordinator
**Application:** 2-stage: outline proposal → full proposal (by invitation)
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/nerc-large-grant/
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds large, multidisciplinary environmental science research projects tackling big science questions across NERC's remit; funded at 80% full economic cost (100% for equipment). Submission via Je-S system; outline proposal required before invited full proposal.

## Summary

The NERC Large Grant funds ambitious multidisciplinary environmental science projects led by UK research organisations, with 80% full economic cost coverage (100% for equipment). The call is open to researchers across all NERC environmental science areas who can frame their work around major scientific questions requiring coordinated, cross-disciplinary approaches. This is an annual call with a two-stage application process: outline proposal, then invited full proposal and panel interview.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at eligible UK research organisations
- Teams addressing large-scale environmental science questions
- Projects spanning multiple disciplines and work packages
- Multi-institutional collaborations with a coordinating lead organisation
- Researchers positioned to lead and coordinate cross-organisation teams

## Key dates

- Outline proposals accepted up to six weeks before the closing date
- Invited full proposals must be submitted at least four months before closing date
- Panel review typically meets in March

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your outline proposal around a single big science question; NERC panels use this to fast-track or reject at stage one.
- If leading a multi-organisation project, confirm institutional eligibility and Je-S submission authority with your research office before outlining.
- The four-month gap between full proposal deadline and panel meeting is used for detailed assessment; include risk mitigation and resourcing detail proportionate to project complexity, not volume.

## Frequently asked questions

### What funding level does the NERC Large Grant provide?

80% full economic cost for research and staff; equipment is funded at 100%.

### Who can apply for the NERC Large Grant?

Researchers based at eligible UK research organisations working across any NERC environmental science remit area.

### Is the NERC Large Grant a single-stage application?

No, it is two-stage: outline proposal followed by invited full proposal and panel interview. Outline proposals must be submitted at least six weeks before the closing date.

### Can multiple organisations collaborate on a NERC Large Grant?

Yes, joint proposals across organisations are permitted, with one institution designated as the coordinating lead.

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

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