ESRC (UKRI)
Future Data Services Sandpit: Transforming Discovery and Access
Full proposal deadline (post-sandpit). Sandpit takes place 12, 14, 19, 23 October 2026.
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The ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit funds projects that upgrade existing UK social science data service infrastructures, covering better data discovery, access to sensitive data, AI-enabled pipelines, and staff upskilling. Up to £21.6M is shared across an expected 5-10 projects at 80% FEC, running 24-48 months. Applicants must partner with an existing ESRC data service infrastructure investment and pass through a sandpit stage before submitting a full proposal.
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
- •Researchers and teams based at UK organisations holding or partnering with an existing ESRC social science data service infrastructure investment
- •Projects focused on improving data discovery, sensitive data access, or AI-enabled data pipelines
- •Teams able to include a dedicated upskilling work package for data service staff
- •Consortia open to co-leads from UK business, third sector or government (though these cannot lead the project)
- •Not suitable for proposals to build entirely new data services
Key Dates
- •Full proposal deadline: 3 December 2026, following a mandatory sandpit on 12, 14, 19 and 23 October 2026
- •Two-stage process: Expression of Interest, then Sandpit, then Full proposal
- •Projects run 24-48 months, starting by 1 April 2027 and ending by 31 March 2031
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Attendance across all four sandpit dates in October 2026 appears necessary before a full proposal can be submitted, so block out the full series early.
- ✓Partner explicitly with an existing ESRC data service infrastructure investment, proposals to create new services are out of scope.
- ✓Build a genuine upskilling work package into the design rather than a token training line, since it is a stated requirement, not an add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available in the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit?
Up to £21.6M is available in total, shared across an expected 5-10 projects at 80% full economic cost.
Who is eligible to apply for the ESRC Future Data Services Sandpit?
Only UK-based organisations can apply, and projects must partner with an existing ESRC social science data service infrastructure investment.
What is the sandpit stage in this ESRC call?
It's a mandatory in-person stage held on 12, 14, 19 and 23 October 2026 that applicants must go through before submitting a full proposal by 3 December 2026.
Can businesses or government bodies lead a project in this call?
No, business, third sector or government organisations can co-lead but cannot lead a project; the lead must be the UK research organisation partnering with the ESRC data service infrastructure.
How long can Future Data Services Sandpit projects run?
Projects can run between 24 and 48 months, starting by 1 April 2027 and ending by 31 March 2031.
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