AHRC
Design Generators
4:00pm UK time
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AHRC Design Generators (Round 2) funds design-led research contributing to the green transition through interventions in existing systems like healthcare, food networks, and governance. The call awards £120k-£160k (80% of £150k-£200k full economic cost) over 9-12 months and requires a consortium with at least one non-academic co-lead from business, public sector, third sector, civil society, or community organisations. UK-based organisations only; international activities and researchers are ineligible.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | £120k–£160k (80% of £150k–£200k FEC) |
| Deadline | 29 September 2026 |
| Duration | 9–12 months |
| Consortium | Required — at least one non-academic co-lead (business, public sector, third sector, civil society or community organisation); non-academic co-lead costs must not exceed 30% of total funds requested |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Round 2 of Design Generators funds design-led research contributing to the green transition, focusing on interventions within existing systems (healthcare, food networks, governance, etc.). UK-based organisations only; international researchers, activities, and stakeholders are ineligible. At least 50% of disciplinary focus must fall within AHRC remit. Projects must start by 1 February 2027. Resubmissions from round one are not accepted.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based design researchers and academics leading consortium partnerships
- •Projects addressing green transition within existing systems (healthcare, food networks, governance, urban planning, etc.)
- •Applications with design as ≥50% of the disciplinary remit
- •Consortia with at least one non-academic partner (business, public sector, third sector, civil society, or community organisation)
- •Teams not submitting a resubmission from round one
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 29 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- •Single-stage application and assessment
- •Project duration: 9-12 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The non-academic co-lead is mandatory and should bring delivery credibility; include a named partner with demonstrated capacity in the relevant system (e.g. a healthcare trust, food network coordinator, or local authority for governance work).
- ✓Design interventions must target existing systems; proposals that aim to create new systems or solely generate theory score weaker against the green transition remit.
- ✓Resubmissions from round one are ineligible; if your round one proposal was rejected, this call requires a substantially different research question or scope, not a revised version of the same project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AHRC Design Generators award?
£120k-£160k (80% of £150k-£200k full economic cost) per project.
Who must be part of an AHRC Design Generators consortium?
At least one non-academic co-lead from business, public sector, third sector, civil society, or community organisations is mandatory; all consortium members must be UK-based.
Can international researchers apply to AHRC Design Generators?
No; the call is restricted to UK-based organisations, and international researchers, activities, and stakeholders are explicitly ineligible.
What is the deadline for AHRC Design Generators round 2?
29 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time, single-stage submission.
Can I resubmit a proposal from AHRC Design Generators round one?
No; resubmissions from round one are not permitted for round two.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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