EPSRC
Materials 4.0 Challenge-led Scoping Sandpit: Digital Materials for Accelerated Innovation
16:00 UK time; EOI stage - full applications expected week of 22 March 2027
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The Materials 4.0 Challenge-led Scoping Sandpit is a one-off EPSRC call funding up to £7.12 million for collaborative research projects on digital integration in materials science, developed through a four-day residential sandpit in Cheshire. Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding, with projects lasting up to 33 months and industry partners welcome to attend but not to receive EPSRC funds. EPSRC covers 80% of full economic cost, with the host institution funding the remaining 20%.
Details
| Funder | EPSRC |
| Budget | Up to £7.12 million |
| Deadline | 26 November 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 33 months |
| Consortium | Required - collaborative project teams formed at the sandpit, with a signed collaborative agreement between partners before grant start; industry partners may join but are not eligible for EPSRC funding |
| Application | 2-stage: expression of interest/sandpit attendance → invited full application post-sandpit |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Four-day residential sandpit (in-person 1-4 February 2027, Cheshire, UK) to develop collaborative research projects on digital integration for materials research translation (Materials 4.0). Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding; industry partners may attend but cannot receive EPSRC funding. EPSRC funds 80% of full economic cost; host institution funds remaining 20%.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based at UK organisations eligible for EPSRC funding
- •Materials scientists and engineers working on digital integration for research translation
- •Teams willing to attend a four-day in-person residential sandpit in Cheshire
- •Industry partners interested in joining as non-funded collaborators
- •Applicants able to secure institutional co-funding for the 20% non-EPSRC share
Key Dates
- •Expression of interest deadline 26 November 2026, 16:00 UK time
- •Four-day residential sandpit 1-4 February 2027 in Cheshire, UK
- •Invited full applications expected week of 22 March 2027; projects run up to 33 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Collaborative project teams are formed during the sandpit itself, so the EOI stage should emphasise flexibility and openness to team formation rather than a fully worked-out consortium.
- ✓Attendance at the four-day residential sandpit is mandatory to progress, so confirm availability for 1-4 February 2027 before submitting an EOI.
- ✓Secure early institutional commitment to the 20% co-funding share, since EPSRC only covers 80% of full economic cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available for the Materials 4.0 Sandpit?
Up to £7.12 million is available across projects developed at the sandpit, with EPSRC covering 80% of full economic cost.
Who can apply to the EPSRC Materials 4.0 Sandpit?
Researchers based at UK organisations eligible for EPSRC funding can apply; industry partners may join project teams but cannot receive EPSRC funding.
What is the application process for this sandpit?
It is a two-stage process: an expression of interest and sandpit attendance, followed by an invited full application after the event.
How long can a Materials 4.0 project run?
Projects developed at the sandpit can run for up to 33 months.
Is a consortium required for this call?
Yes, collaborative project teams are formed at the sandpit and must sign a collaborative agreement between partners before the grant starts.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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