NERC
Large Grant
Outline proposals accepted up to six weeks before closing date; full proposals invited at least four months before closing date. Panel usually meets in March.
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The NERC Large Grant funds ambitious multidisciplinary environmental science projects led by UK research organisations, with 80% full economic cost coverage (100% for equipment). The call is open to researchers across all NERC environmental science areas who can frame their work around major scientific questions requiring coordinated, cross-disciplinary approaches. This is an annual call with a two-stage application process: outline proposal, then invited full proposal and panel interview.
Details
| Funder | NERC |
| Budget | 80% full economic cost (100% for equipment) |
| Application | 2-stage: outline proposal → full proposal (with interview panel presentation) |
| Frequency | Annual |
Eligibility & scope
Open to researchers at eligible UK institutions in any NERC environmental science remit area (archaeology, climate, ecology, geosciences, marine, planetary science, etc.). Multidisciplinary proposals crossing other research council areas welcome. Projects must address big science questions via multiple interdependent work packages. Funded at 80% FEC (equipment at 100%). Submitted via Je-S system.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at eligible UK research organisations
- •Teams addressing large-scale environmental science questions
- •Projects spanning multiple disciplines and work packages
- •Multi-institutional collaborations with a coordinating lead organisation
- •Researchers positioned to lead and coordinate cross-organisation teams
Key Dates
- •Outline proposals accepted up to six weeks before the closing date
- •Invited full proposals must be submitted at least four months before closing date
- •Panel review typically meets in March
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Frame your outline proposal around a single big science question; NERC panels use this to fast-track or reject at stage one.
- ✓If leading a multi-organisation project, confirm institutional eligibility and Je-S submission authority with your research office before outlining.
- ✓The four-month gap between full proposal deadline and panel meeting is used for detailed assessment; include risk mitigation and resourcing detail proportionate to project complexity, not volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding level does the NERC Large Grant provide?
80% full economic cost for research and staff; equipment is funded at 100%.
Who can apply for the NERC Large Grant?
Researchers based at eligible UK research organisations working across any NERC environmental science remit area.
Is the NERC Large Grant a single-stage application?
No, it is two-stage: outline proposal followed by invited full proposal and panel interview. Outline proposals must be submitted at least six weeks before the closing date.
Can multiple organisations collaborate on a NERC Large Grant?
Yes, joint proposals across organisations are permitted, with one institution designated as the coordinating lead.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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