ESRC (UKRI)
Future Data Services Sandpit: Transforming Discovery and Access
Up to £21.6M (shared across 5–10 projects, 80% FEC)| Deadline: 3 December 2026 (171 days)|24–48 months (start by 1 April 2027, end by 31 March 2031)
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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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.
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