# BiodivFuture: Novel ecosystems, biodiversity, socio-ecological consequences and future trajectories **Funder:** NERC (UKRI) **Budget:** Up to £375,000 FEC (NERC funds 80%, c. £300,000); requests above £312,500 FEC need extra justification **Duration:** Up to 36 months **Consortium:** Required — transnational consortium of minimum 3 countries financially participating in the call, including at least 2 different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries **Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (EPSS) → full proposal (invited only) **Frequency:** One-off **Eligible countries:** GB **Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/biodiversa-2026-to-2027-novel-ecosystems-biodivfuture/ **Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Joint Biodiversa+ funding opportunity for transnational research on novel ecosystems, biodiversity and future trajectories; UK component must fall within NERC remit. UK project lead must be at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding; international researchers cannot be UK co-leads. Applications via Biodiversa+ EPSS platform; PhD studentships, international co-lead costs, and ship-time not funded. ## Summary BiodivFuture is a Biodiversa+ transnational call, with NERC funding the UK portion, for research on novel ecosystems, biodiversity change and future socio-ecological trajectories. UK project leads must be based at a UKRI-eligible research organisation and join a transnational consortium spanning multiple countries, with NERC covering up to £375,000 FEC (around £300,000 at 80%) over projects lasting up to 36 months. It's a one-off call run through a two-stage pre-proposal and full-proposal process. ## Who should apply - UK-based researchers at a UKRI-eligible research organisation acting as project lead - Research teams studying novel ecosystems, biodiversity change or future ecological trajectories - Applicants able to form a transnational consortium with partners in at least two other EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries - Projects with a clear UK component falling within NERC's remit - Teams not reliant on funding for PhD studentships, international co-lead costs or ship-time ## Key dates - Pre-proposal application opens 9 September 2026 - Two-stage process: pre-proposal via EPSS, then full proposal by invitation only - Project duration up to 36 months ## Tips for applicants - Requests above £312,500 FEC require extra justification, so keep the UK budget tight unless the science clearly demands more - Build the consortium early since at least two different EU Member States or Associated Countries must be financially participating alongside the UK - Submit through the Biodiversa+ EPSS platform rather than the standard UKRI portal, and confirm the UK lead role cannot be held by an international partner ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding does BiodivFuture provide? NERC funds up to £375,000 FEC per project (80% of costs, roughly £300,000), with requests above £312,500 FEC needing additional justification. ### Who can lead a BiodivFuture application in the UK? The UK project lead must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding; international researchers cannot act as UK co-leads. ### Is a consortium required for BiodivFuture? Yes, a transnational consortium with partners from at least three financially participating countries is required, including at least two different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. ### How long can a BiodivFuture project run? Projects can run for up to 36 months. ### What is the application process for BiodivFuture? It is a two-stage process: a pre-proposal submitted via the Biodiversa+ EPSS platform, followed by a full proposal for invited applicants only. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-ukri-biodivfuture-novel-ecosystems-biodiversity-socio-e-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=nerc-ukri-biodivfuture-novel-ecosystems-biodiversity-socio-e-2026).