ESRC (UKRI)
Future Data Services Sandpit: Transforming Discovery and Access
Full proposal deadline (post-sandpit). Expression of Interest deadline not specified in this segment. Sandpit takes place 12, 14, 19, 23 October 2026.
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The ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit is a one-off, two-stage call for UK-based consortia to enhance existing social science data service infrastructures, with up to £21.6M (shared across 5-10 projects, 80% FEC) available over 24-48 months. Projects must partner an existing ESRC data service and focus on improving data discovery, access to sensitive data, and technology-enabled pipelines including AI, with a mandatory upskilling work package. Non-academic partners from business, third sector, or government may co-lead but cannot lead; only UK-based organisations are eligible.
Details
| Funder | ESRC (UKRI) |
| Budget | Up to £21.6M (shared across 5–10 projects, 80% FEC) |
| Deadline | 3 December 2026 |
| Duration | 24–48 months (start by 1 April 2027, end by 31 March 2031) |
| Consortium | Required — projects must partner with an existing ESRC social science data service infrastructure investment; co-leads from UK business, third sector or government permitted |
| Application | 2-stage: Expression of Interest → Sandpit (Oct 2026) → Full proposal (deadline ~3 Dec 2026) |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
UK-based organisations only (non-UK applicants ineligible). Projects must enhance existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures (no new services). Focus on improving data discovery, access to sensitive data, technology-enabled pipelines (incl. AI), and upskilling data service staff. Must include an upskilling work package. Business/third sector/government co-leads permitted but cannot lead projects.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based research institutions (universities, recognised research organisations) leading proposals
- •Consortia committed to partnering with an existing ESRC social science data service
- •Multi-disciplinary teams with data infrastructure, social science, and technical expertise
- •Projects addressing data discovery, sensitive data access, or AI-enabled data pipelines
- •Organisations able to commit to a mandatory upskilling work package for data service staff
Key Dates
- •Expression of Interest deadline not specified; Sandpit workshops 12, 14, 19, 23 October 2026
- •Full proposal deadline 3 December 2026
- •Project duration 24-48 months, start by 1 April 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The Sandpit is a gating stage, attendance and engagement at the October workshops is critical for progression to full proposal. Prepare to iterate your idea based on peer feedback.
- ✓Partner selection is strategic: identify your ESRC data service partner early and co-develop the enhancement plan; data services must endorse your use case.
- ✓The upskilling work package is mandatory and scored; include concrete deliverables (training modules, certifications, career pathways) rather than generic capacity-building language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available in the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit?
Up to £21.6M is shared across 5-10 projects (80% Funder's Estimate of Cost). Individual project budgets will vary.
Who can lead an ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit project?
Only UK-based academic or research organisations can lead; business, third sector, and government partners may co-lead but cannot be the lead organisation.
What is the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit looking for?
Projects that enhance existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures, focusing on data discovery, sensitive data access, technology-enabled pipelines (including AI), and staff upskilling.
Is the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit recurring?
No, this is a one-off call with a single funding round.
How long does an ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit project last?
Projects run 24-48 months, with a start date by 1 April 2027 and end date by 31 March 2031.
Related on Grantsby
- ESRC (UKRI) writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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