# Water4All 2026 Joint Call

**Funder:** NERC (UKRI)
**Budget:** Up to £312,500 at 100% FEC per UK project (higher requires justification)
**Duration:** Up to 36 months
**Consortium:** Required — transnational consortium with team members from a minimum of 3 participating countries, including at least 2 EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal → full proposal
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/joint-activities/water4all-2026-joint-transnational-call
**Last updated:** 9 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Transnational call on sustainable water management (integrated water resource management, river basin/groundwater management, water resilience, monitoring, water-positive solutions); UK funds Topics 1-3 only. UK project lead must be at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding; international researchers cannot be UK project co-leads.

## Summary

The Water4All 2026 Joint Call, funded by NERC through UKRI, supports transnational research on sustainable water management, including river basin and groundwater management and water resilience, for up to 36 months. UK-based project leads at UKRI-eligible institutions can receive up to £312,500 at 100% FEC, but must build a consortium spanning at least three countries, including two EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries. NERC funds UK participation only in Topics 1-3 of the wider call.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at UK research organisations eligible for UKRI funding
- Teams able to assemble a transnational consortium across at least 3 countries
- Projects focused on integrated water resource management, river basin/groundwater management, or water resilience and monitoring
- Consortia including partners from at least 2 EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries

## Key dates

- Two-stage process: pre-proposal then full proposal; exact dates published on the Water4All website
- Annual call
- Up to 36-month project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Confirm your consortium meets the minimum 3-country rule, with at least 2 EU/Horizon Europe associated countries, before drafting the pre-proposal.
- UK applicants should check that their project fits within Topics 1-3, since NERC does not fund the full topic range of the wider Water4All call.
- Only a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding can hold the UK project lead role, so confirm institutional eligibility early with your international partners.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Water4All 2026 Joint Call provide?

UK partners can receive up to £312,500 at 100% FEC per project, with higher amounts possible if justified.

### How long can a Water4All project run?

Projects can run for up to 36 months.

### Who can lead a UK application to Water4All?

The UK project lead must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding; international researchers cannot act as UK co-leads.

### Does Water4All require an international consortium?

Yes, applicants need a transnational consortium with team members from at least 3 participating countries, including at least 2 EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries.

### What research topics does the UK fund under Water4All?

NERC funds UK participation in Topics 1-3 only, covering integrated water resource management, river basin and groundwater management, and water resilience and monitoring.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nerc-ukri-water4all-2026-joint-call) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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