# Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions: Strategic Research Projects

**Funder:** NERC
**Budget:** Up to £2.5M FEC (80% funded, i.e. up to £2M NERC contribution)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Consortium:** Optional — multidisciplinary collaborations with other UK organisations encouraged; international project co-leads permitted; project partners and subcontractors allowed but not required
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/resilient-economy-and-security-through-ecosystem-transitions-grants/
**Last verified:** 9 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary research on ecosystem transitions (terrestrial, freshwater, coastal seas within 3 nautical miles). Project lead must be at a UK NERC-eligible research organisation. NERC funds 80% FEC (100% for international co-leads, capped at 30% of total FEC). PhD studentship and ship-time costs excluded. Part of the RESET programme co-funded by NERC and Defra.

## Summary

The NERC Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions (RESET) Strategic Research Projects fund up to £2.5 million (80% NERC contribution) for interdisciplinary research on how ecosystems transition in response to environmental change. The call targets UK-based project leads at NERC-eligible institutions investigating terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems, with optional multidisciplinary UK and international partnerships. This is a one-off call ending by 14 February 2027, co-funded by NERC and Defra as part of the wider RESET programme.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at UK NERC-eligible research organisations (academia, research councils, some institutes)
- Project leads with interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research teams
- Researchers studying terrestrial, freshwater, or coastal ecosystem transitions
- Teams including optional UK collaborators and/or international co-leads
- Consortia-style partnerships encouraged but not required

## Key dates

- Project start deadline: 14 February 2027
- One-off strategic call (not recurring)
- Project duration: up to three years

## Tips for applicants

- International co-leads are permitted but capped at 30% of total FEC at 100% funding; structure partnerships accordingly.
- PhD studentships and ship-time costs are ineligible; budget for staff, equipment, and travel instead.
- Position your work within the Defra and NERC co-funding context: emphasise both fundamental understanding of ecosystem transitions and policy or economic relevance to resilience.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does NERC RESET Strategic Research Projects fund?

Up to £2.5 million full economic cost (FEC), with NERC contributing 80% (up to £2 million), and international co-leads funded at 100% but capped at 30% of total FEC.

### Who can be the project lead for NERC RESET?

Researchers at UK NERC-eligible research organisations, including universities, research councils, and certain research institutes.

### Can I work with international partners on NERC RESET?

Yes, international project co-leads are permitted and funded at 100%, provided they do not exceed 30% of the total project FEC.

### What ecosystems does NERC RESET cover?

Terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems (within 3 nautical miles) and research on how they transition in response to environmental change.

### Are PhD studentships and ship time eligible?

No, these are explicitly excluded; eligible costs cover staff, equipment, travel, and other project-related expenses.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-resilient-economy-and-security-through-ecosystem-t-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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