ESRC
Research Grant
Rolling submission; no fixed closing dates
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No deadline is on file for this call. Check ESRC's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
The ESRC Research Grant funds social science research projects up to £1 million, open to established researchers at approved UK universities and independent research organisations. Projects can run up to five years and may include co-investigators from business, the third sector, government, or overseas institutions. The call runs continuously, making it suitable for researchers seeking flexible timelines.
Details
| Funder | ESRC |
| Budget | £350k–£1M |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Consortium | Optional — co-investigators from business, third sector, government or overseas research organisations can be included, not required |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funding for social science research at UK universities and independent research organisations; social sciences must represent more than 50% of research focus. Covers standard research projects, large-scale surveys, methodology or infrastructure development.
Who Should Apply
- •Established researchers based at approved UK universities or independent research organisations
- •Projects where social sciences represent more than 50% of the focus
- •Research including large-scale surveys, methodology development, or data infrastructure
- •Teams willing to collaborate with business, third-sector, government, or international partners
Key Dates
- •Continuous rolling call with no fixed deadline
- •Projects funded up to five years in duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Social sciences must clearly comprise >50% of the project effort; clearly map this in your proposal scope.
- ✓International collaboration is encouraged but not required; partnerships with overseas researchers strengthen the competitiveness of applications.
- ✓Multi-sector consortia (business, third sector, government) differentiate proposals, include named partners with formal letters of support where relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the ESRC Research Grant provide?
Awards range from £350,000 to £1,000,000 per project, depending on project scope and justification.
Who is eligible for the ESRC Research Grant?
Established researchers at approved UK universities and independent research organisations, working on social science projects where social sciences represent at least 50% of the focus.
Can I include co-investigators from outside academia?
Yes, co-investigators from business, third sector, government, and overseas research organisations are welcome and encouraged.
Is there a deadline for the ESRC Research Grant?
No, the call runs continuously with no fixed deadline, allowing researchers flexibility in submission timing.
How long can an ESRC Research Grant project last?
Projects can run up to five years in duration.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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