ESRC
AI Supported Research Using UKRI Social Science Data
4:00pm UK time
Last updated:
This call funds 12-month projects developing AI-supported social science research using ESRC, ADR UK, or SDR UK data infrastructure, with budgets up to £184,000 (80% FEC). Applicants must have attended the AI Supported Research Sandpit in Manchester (June 2026) and must be based at a UK organisation to lead; international co-leads may join as co-investigators. This is a one-off follow-on call from a competitive sandpit selection, so the pool is small and focused.
Details
| Funder | ESRC |
| Budget | Up to £184,000 (80% of £230,000 FEC); ~£875,000 total across ~4 projects |
| Deadline | 14 October 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Consortium | Optional — international researchers can apply as project co-lead (international); project co-leads do not have to have attended the sandpit; teams can include collaborators not present at the sandpit |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open only to project leads who attended the AI supported research sandpit in Manchester (23–24 June 2026) and were invited to apply. Applicants from non-UK organisations are not eligible to lead. Projects must use at least one ESRC/ADR UK/SDR UK data infrastructure and start by 31 March 2027. UKRI funds 80% FEC; up to £230,000 FEC per project.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based researchers who attended the AI Supported Research Sandpit (23-24 June 2026) and received an invitation to apply
- •Project leads at UK academic or research institutions eligible to hold UKRI funding
- •Teams planning to use at least one ESRC, ADR UK, or SDR UK data infrastructure
- •Projects with international partners welcomed as co-leads; no requirement for sandpit attendance by collaborators
Key Dates
- •Deadline 14 October 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- •Projects must commence by 31 March 2027
- •Single-stage application; funding supports 12-month projects
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Sandpit attendance is mandatory: only invitees can apply. If you attended but did not receive an invite, contact ESRC.
- ✓Specify your ESRC, ADR UK, or SDR UK data infrastructure early in the proposal; lack of clarity on data access will weaken the application.
- ✓International co-leads strengthen consortia but cannot be the project lead; ensure your UK-based PI has capacity to manage administration and reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I get from the ESRC AI Supported Research call?
Up to £184,000 (80% of £230,000 FEC) per project, covering a 12-month period.
Do I have to have attended the sandpit to apply?
Yes, applicants must have attended the AI Supported Research Sandpit in Manchester (23-24 June 2026) and received an invitation to apply; sandpit attendance was mandatory for project leads.
Can international researchers apply to lead this grant?
No, the project lead must be based at a UK organisation; however, international researchers can join as project co-leads or collaborators.
What data infrastructure must I use?
Projects must use at least one of the following: ESRC data infrastructure, ADR UK, or SDR UK.
When must my project start?
Projects must commence by 31 March 2027.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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