EPSRC
Strategic Equipment Grant
Rolling deadlines throughout the year; previous Je-S deadline was 30 March 2023 — scheme is reopening on the Funding Service (date unspecified)
Last verified:
The EPSRC Strategic Equipment Grant funds major research equipment (£400,000+) to strengthen UK scientific infrastructure, open to researchers at lecturer level or equivalent in UK higher education institutions and UKRI-approved research bodies. The call runs on rolling deadlines throughout the year via Je-S, with a two-stage process: a 2-page outline business case followed by full proposal review and panel interview. Equipment-sharing arrangements across departments or institutions are required, ensuring facility access beyond the host team.
Details
| Funder | EPSRC |
| Budget | £400k minimum (100% FEC for capital equipment; 80% FEC for non-capital costs) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: outline business case (2-page, via Je-S) → full proposal with peer review and panel interview |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to researchers at UK HEIs, research council institutes, UKRI-approved independent research organisations, Public Sector Research Establishments, and NHS bodies. Applicants must be resident in the UK and hold at least lecturer-level employment or equivalent. Funds strategic equipment worth £400k+ that improves UK scientific capability; equipment-sharing across departments/institutions is required. Norway-based co-investigators are not permitted.
Who Should Apply
- •Lecturer-level and equivalent researchers UK-resident at eligible UK institutions
- •Research groups with a clear plan to share equipment across departments or external partners
- •Projects centred on capital equipment (100% FEC) or mixed equipment/infrastructure bundles
- •Researchers at UK higher education institutions, research council institutes, UKRI-approved independent research organisations, PSREs, and NHS bodies
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline throughout the year; submit outline business case via Je-S
- •Two-stage process: 2-page outline business case → full proposal with peer review and panel interview
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The outline business case is your entry gate, focus on strategic fit and UK capability gain, not technical detail; keep to 2 pages.
- ✓Equipment-sharing is not optional: demonstrate a credible plan for access beyond your immediate team (cross-department or inter-institutional partnerships strengthen your case).
- ✓Full cost recovery is 100% for capital equipment but 80% for non-capital costs; cost your proposal to reflect this split clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I request from the EPSRC Strategic Equipment Grant?
The minimum is £400,000; there is no stated upper limit. EPSRC funds capital equipment at 100% FEC and non-capital costs at 80% FEC.
Who is eligible to apply for the EPSRC Strategic Equipment Grant?
Researchers at UK lecturer level or equivalent, based at UK higher education institutions, research council institutes, UKRI-approved independent research organisations, PSREs, or NHS bodies; applicants must be UK-resident.
Is equipment-sharing mandatory in a Strategic Equipment Grant application?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate a plan for equipment-sharing across departments or institutions; sole-use proposals will not be competitive.
What is the application process for the EPSRC Strategic Equipment Grant?
Submit a 2-page outline business case via Je-S; successful outlines progress to full proposal, peer review, and panel interview.
When is the deadline for the EPSRC Strategic Equipment Grant?
The call has rolling deadlines throughout the year; check the EPSRC Funding Service for the next submission window.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from EPSRC
Hybrid Algorithms for Quantum Advantage
Deadline: 20 Aug 2026Up to £11,425,000 (up to £2,856,250 FEC per project, 80% funded)UKRI-Translation: EPSRC ACT Proof of Concept
Deadline: 3 Sept 2026Up to £500k FEC (80% funded, i.e. up to £400k EPSRC contribution); expected range £100k–£500k FECStrategic Infrastructure
Deadline: 3 Sept 2026Up to 100% FEC for capital costs; 80% FEC for non-capital costs. Minimum item threshold £400,000 (Route 1).EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 (Invite Only)
Deadline: 3 Sept 2026UK Japan Civil Nuclear Research Programme 2026
Deadline: 8 Sept 2026Up to £593,750 FEC (80% funded by EPSRC)
Browse Related
Could Strategic Equipment Grant be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →