EPSRC
Optical Wireless Communications Research and Testing Facility
Fixed start date 1 January 2027; subject to business case approval
Last verified:
EPSRC funds research infrastructure and testing facilities for optical wireless communications, supporting UK-based researchers developing next-generation optical communication systems. This call targets researchers and institutions seeking to establish or upgrade experimental capability in free-space optics, visible light communications, and related technologies.
Details
| Funder | EPSRC |
| Budget | Up to £7.13M (100% FEC) |
| Duration | 27 months |
| Consortium | Optional — a unified consortium application is encouraged where possible; single-organisation applications are not excluded |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Establishes a national optical wireless communications (OWC) research and testing facility. Applicants must be UK-resident, employed at lecturer level or above (or equivalent). Project lead/co-lead must be citizens of Alliance Nations; at least one UK national required in a leadership role. BPSS security checks required for all award team members. Consortium application strongly preferred; postdoctoral fellowship holders are not eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based researchers and research institutions
- •Groups working on optical wireless communications, free-space optics, or visible light communications
- •Applicants with defined facility or infrastructure requirements
- •Projects requiring shared or dedicated experimental testing environments
Key Dates
- •First listed 2 April 2026; verify current deadline on EPSRC website
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Clearly specify the experimental capacity and research questions your facility will address, EPSRC panels assess infrastructure utility against research impact.
- ✓Detail the user base and access model; facilities with demonstrated or planned multi-group use score higher than single-team infrastructure.
- ✓Include letters of support from potential users or collaborators to strengthen the case for shared infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the EPSRC Optical Wireless Communications Research and Testing Facility call?
UK-based researchers and institutions eligible for EPSRC funding are the primary audience for this infrastructure call.
What research areas does this facility call cover?
The call focuses on optical wireless communications, including free-space optics, visible light communications, and related experimental research platforms.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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