NERC

Exploring the Frontiers of Environmental Research

£100,000–£200,000 (80% FEC funded)| Deadline: 12 November 2026 (in 25 days)|Up to 2 years

16:00 UK time

Last seen in a scan/import: 18 Oct 2026.

Catalog updated: 18 Oct 2026.

These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.

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NERC's Exploring the Frontiers of Environmental Research programme funds early-stage, high-risk environmental projects up to £200,000 (80% UKRI cover) over two years. The call targets UK-based researchers at eligible institutions working on curiosity-driven questions within NERC's environmental remit, with no requirement for preliminary data. Multidisciplinary teams and Norwegian co-leads are welcome, and applicants can draw down equipment costs over £25,000.

Details

Funder	NERC
Budget	£100,000–£200,000 (80% FEC funded)
Deadline	12 November 2026
Duration	Up to 2 years
Consortium	No - individual project lead based at UK research organisation; project co-lead (international) may be based in Norway under UKRI-Research Council of Norway agreement
Application	Single stage
Eligible countries	GB

Eligibility & scope

Supports early-stage, curiosity-driven, high-risk environmental research projects lacking preliminary data, within NERC's research remit. Project lead must be UK-resident and affiliated with an eligible UK research organisation; international co-leads only accepted from Norway. Not for studentships, fellowships, equipment purchase, or training activities.

Who Should Apply

•Early-career and established researchers at UK-eligible research organisations
•Project leads who are UK-resident and employed by a UK institution
•Researchers with curiosity-driven environmental questions (no preliminary data needed)
•Teams open to multidisciplinary collaboration; Norwegian co-leads eligible under RCN agreement
•Researchers whose work falls within NERC's remit (atmospheric, biological, marine, earth sciences)

Key Dates

•Deadline 12 November 2026, 4:00pm UK time
•Up to two-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓Preliminary data is not a gating criterion, pitch the question and the approach, not preliminary results.
✓Flag equipment items over £25k early in the proposal; justify their necessity, as NERC scrutinises large-item justification.
✓If you intend a Norwegian co-lead, confirm RCN Money Follows Cooperation eligibility before finalising the budget split (100% UKRI cover for Norwegian leads simplifies the sums).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget range for NERC Exploring the Frontiers?

Full Economic Cost (FEC) between £100,000 and £200,000, with UKRI funding 80%; Norwegian co-leads receive 100% UKRI cover.

Who can be the project lead for Exploring the Frontiers?

The project lead must be UK-resident and employed by an eligible UK research organisation.

Do I need preliminary data to apply?

No, NERC funds early-stage, curiosity-driven research and does not require preliminary data.

Can I include equipment over £25k in the budget?

Equipment items over £25k are not eligible for funding under this call.

Are international collaborators permitted?

Yes, multidisciplinary collaborations are encouraged; Norwegian institutions can be co-leads under the UKRI, RCN Money Follows Cooperation agreement, but other international partners may be collaborators only.

nercenvironmental-scienceearly-careercuriosity-drivenhigh-risk-researchuk-basedmultidisciplinary

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.