NERC
Environmental Sciences Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund 2026
4:00pm UK time
Last verified:
NERC's Environmental Sciences Global Partnerships Seedcorn Fund offers up to £100,000 (80% FEC) for UK-based researchers to build international collaborations in environmental science, with support for international partner travel up to £15,000 at 100% FEC. The fund is open to researchers at any career stage and requires at least one new international project partner from outside the UK. Co-funding opportunities exist for partnerships with institutions in São Paulo (FAPESP) or Taiwan (NSTC), with projects running up to 24 months and starting by 1 February 2027.
Details
| Funder | NERC |
| Budget | Up to £100,000 (80% FEC funded by NERC) |
| Deadline | 16 July 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Consortium | Required — at least 1 international project partner (from any country outside UK) |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to UK research groups and individuals at any career stage (NERC eligibility applies). Must include at least one new international project partner (any country). NERC funds 80% FEC up to £100k; international partner travel/subsistence up to £15k at 100% FEC. Joint applications with São Paulo (FAPESP) or Taiwan (NSTC) partners eligible for co-funding. No PhD studentship costs or equipment ≥£25k. Projects must start by 1 February 2027.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based researchers at any career stage eligible under NERC rules
- •Research groups seeking to establish new international collaborations in environmental science
- •Applicants with confirmed interest from at least one international project partner outside the UK
- •Teams planning projects that start by 1 February 2027 and complete within 24 months
- •Researchers without substantial equipment needs (items ≥£25k are ineligible)
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 16 July 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- •Single-stage application
- •Project duration: up to 24 months, must start by 1 February 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The international partner is mandatory and must be genuinely new, clarify in the proposal why this collaboration is novel and strategically valuable.
- ✓Leverage co-funding if you have partners in São Paulo or Taiwan; the application can benefit from matched FAPESP or NSTC funding, which strengthens competitiveness.
- ✓Budget international partner travel and subsistence upfront at 100% FEC (separate from your 80% NERC funding cap); clarify these costs explicitly to avoid rejection on technicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the NERC Seedcorn Fund offer?
Up to £100,000 with 80% FEC funded by NERC; international partner travel and subsistence are funded at 100% FEC up to £15,000 additional.
Is an international partner required for the NERC Seedcorn Fund?
Yes, applicants must include at least one new international project partner from any country outside the UK.
Can I apply to the NERC Seedcorn Fund if I have FAPESP or NSTC partners?
Yes, joint applications with São Paulo (FAPESP) or Taiwan (NSTC) partners are eligible for co-funding, which may strengthen your application.
What is the project start date and duration for the Seedcorn Fund?
Projects must start by 1 February 2027 and run for up to 24 months total.
Can I include equipment costs in a Seedcorn Fund application?
No, equipment items costing £25,000 or more are ineligible; PhD studentship costs are also excluded.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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