# Aviation's Non-CO2 Impacts on the Climate 2026

**Funder:** NERC (UKRI)
**Budget:** Up to £308,340 (80% of £385,425 FEC) per project
**Deadline:** 8 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Maximum 14 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**TRL:** 1-4
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/aviations-non-co2-impacts-on-the-climate-2026/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to UK research groups and individuals (any career stage, subject to NERC eligibility). Focuses on aviation non-CO2 climate impacts across three themes: contrail/aerosol prediction confidence, future fuels (SAF, hydrogen, fuel cells), and decision-making support. Projects with industrial partnerships encouraged. Up to 6 projects funded; projects must start no later than 1 February 2027. UK host institution required.

## Summary

NERC funds research on aviation's non-CO2 climate impacts through this one-off call, with up to £308,340 per project over a maximum of 14 months. The call welcomes researchers at any career stage based in UK institutions and spans three themes: improving contrail and aerosol prediction, assessing alternative fuels (SAF, hydrogen, fuel cells), and supporting climate-informed aviation policy decisions. Industrial partnerships are encouraged; up to six projects will be funded.

## Who should apply

- UK-based researchers at any career stage hosted at a recognised UK institution
- Research groups with expertise in atmospheric science, climate modelling, or aviation engineering
- Projects bridging science and policy, with evidence of stakeholder engagement or industrial partnership
- Research addressing contrail/aerosol prediction, alternative fuel impacts, or decision-support tools

## Key dates

- Deadline: 8 September 2026 at 4:00 pm UK time
- Single-stage application process
- Maximum 14-month project duration; projects must start by 1 February 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Align your project to one of the three named themes (contrail/aerosol prediction, future fuels, or decision-making support); proposals spanning all three dilute focus and score lower.
- Industrial partnerships and named end-users (airlines, regulators, fuel suppliers) strengthen competitiveness; include a letter of support if applicable.
- This is a one-off call with only six projects to fund; pitch feasibility within 14 months and forefront early-stage, high-impact results over comprehensive closure.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NERC Aviation Non-CO2 call fund per project?

Up to £308,340 per project, which covers 80% of the full economic costing.

### Who is eligible to apply to this NERC call?

UK research groups and individuals at any career stage, hosted at a UK institution and meeting NERC eligibility criteria.

### What research topics does this call cover?

Three themes: improving contrail and aerosol prediction confidence, evaluating future fuels (SAF, hydrogen, fuel cells), and supporting aviation climate decision-making.

### When does this call close and when must projects start?

The deadline is 8 September 2026 at 4:00 pm UK time; funded projects must start by 1 February 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-ukri-aviation-s-non-co2-impacts-on-the-climate-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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