# Research Infrastructure Renewal

**Funder:** NERC
**Budget:** £300k–£1M (100% FEC)
**Deadline:** 21 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** 3–12 months
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/research-infrastructure-renewal/
**Last updated:** 16 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Capital investment to renew, replace or enhance existing environmental science research infrastructures and facilities accessible to the wider UK research community. Awards £300k–£1M at 100% FEC; exceptional cases outside this range require prior NERC approval by 21 Sep 2026. Projects must start by 1 Feb 2027; most expenditure expected before 31 Mar 2027. Open to UKRI-eligible organisations only.

## Summary

NERC Research Infrastructure Renewal funds capital investment to renew, replace, or enhance environmental science research facilities accessible across the UK research community, with awards of £300,000-£1 million at 100% full economic cost. The call is open to UK-eligible organisations only and funds rapid infrastructure upgrades to keep research facilities competitive. Projects must start by 1 February 2027, with most expenditure expected before 31 March 2027.

## Who should apply

- UK-eligible organisations with existing environmental science research infrastructure
- Research institutions seeking to upgrade or replace equipment or facilities
- Projects with clear community benefit across the UK research base
- Applications requiring rapid capital investment with compressed project timelines

## Key dates

- Deadline 21 October 2026, 16:00 UK time
- Single-stage application; exceptional cases exceeding £1M require prior NERC approval by 21 September 2026
- Projects must start by 1 February 2027 with most expenditure by 31 March 2027

## Tips for applicants

- If your project exceeds £1M, submit a pre-approval request to NERC by 21 September 2026; waiting until the main deadline means immediate rejection.
- Emphasise accessibility and shared-use arrangements in your application; NERC prioritises infrastructure open to the wider research community over single-institution upgrades.
- Plan expenditure to complete by 31 March 2027; the tight timeline rules out projects requiring extended procurement or installation phases.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I apply for in NERC Research Infrastructure Renewal?

Awards range from £300,000 to £1 million at 100% full economic cost; exceptional cases outside this range require prior NERC approval by 21 September 2026.

### Who can apply for NERC Research Infrastructure Renewal?

UK-eligible organisations only; this includes universities, research institutes, and other UKRI-eligible bodies.

### When must my project start and finish?

Projects must begin by 1 February 2027, with most expenditure expected before 31 March 2027, making this a fast-track call for near-term infrastructure upgrades.

### Is NERC Research Infrastructure Renewal competitive?

Single-stage applications are assessed; the compressed timeline and accessibility requirement favour shovel-ready projects benefiting multiple research groups.

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

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