EPSRC
EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 (Invite Only)
Earliest deadline: 3 Sep 2026 4:00pm UK time (Feb 2026 outline panel cohort); 8 Oct 2026 4:00pm UK time (Jul 2026 outline panel cohort). Invite-only — full proposal stage only.
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EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 is an invite-only call for proposals to build or upgrade research infrastructure at UK and overseas institutions. Route one funds capital and digital infrastructure items over £400k with 100% Full Economic Costing for capital items; Route two funds non-capital resources to improve existing infrastructure utilisation over a maximum of two years at 80% FEC. This is a 2-stage process: early outline applications inform the invitation to submit a full proposal, with separate cohorts for February and July 2026 outline panels.
Details
| Funder | EPSRC |
| Deadline | 3 September 2026 |
| Duration | Route one: reflects procurement/installation timeline; Route two: max 2 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: open outline application (no deadline) → invited full proposal |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Invite-only full proposal stage for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure. Route one funds capital/digital infrastructure items over £400k (100% FEC for capital; 80% FEC non-capital). Route two funds non-capital resources to improve utilisation of existing infrastructure (max 2 years, 80% FEC). Open to UK and overseas organisations meeting EPSRC eligibility. UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply.
Who Should Apply
- •UK and overseas organisations meeting EPSRC eligibility criteria
- •Research-performing institutions seeking to build or upgrade capital infrastructure items valued over £400k
- •Institutions with existing infrastructure looking to improve utilisation through non-capital resources (Route two)
- •Consortia or single-institution applicants with clear infrastructure development strategy
Key Dates
- •Invite-only full proposal: deadline 3 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time) for February 2026 outline cohort or 8 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time) for July 2026 outline cohort
- •Two-stage process: open outline application (no deadline) followed by invited full proposal submission
- •Route one: duration reflects procurement and installation timeline; Route two: maximum two-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This is invite-only at full proposal stage, you must submit a qualifying outline to enter the full competition; early engagement with EPSRC programme team is critical.
- ✓Route selection shapes costings significantly: Route one allows 100% FEC for capital items but Route two is capped at 80% FEC and two-year duration, so ensure your infrastructure need maps to the correct route.
- ✓UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply here; check full eligibility criteria on the EPSRC website as this call has bespoke rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 open to applications?
No, it is invite-only at the full proposal stage. You must first submit an outline application (no deadline) to be considered for invitation to the full round.
What is the budget threshold for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure Route one?
Route one funds capital and digital infrastructure items over £400k. Capital items receive 100% Full Economic Costing; non-capital items receive 80% FEC.
Can overseas organisations apply to EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026?
Yes, overseas organisations can apply if they meet EPSRC eligibility criteria, though the call is primarily aimed at UK institutions.
What is the maximum duration for Route two projects?
Route two projects to improve utilisation of existing infrastructure have a maximum two-year duration and are funded at 80% FEC.
What are the full proposal deadlines for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026?
Full proposals from the February 2026 outline panel are due 3 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time); those from the July 2026 outline panel are due 8 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time).
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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