NERC
Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions: Strategic Research Projects
Project must start by 14 February 2027; application deadline not stated in this segment
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The NERC Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions (RESET) Strategic Research Projects fund up to £2.5 million (80% NERC contribution) for interdisciplinary research on how ecosystems transition in response to environmental change. The call targets UK-based project leads at NERC-eligible institutions investigating terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems, with optional multidisciplinary UK and international partnerships. This is a one-off call ending by 14 February 2027, co-funded by NERC and Defra as part of the wider RESET programme.
Details
| Funder | NERC |
| Budget | Up to £2.5M FEC (80% funded, i.e. up to £2M NERC contribution) |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Consortium | Optional — multidisciplinary collaborations with other UK organisations encouraged; international project co-leads permitted; project partners and subcontractors allowed but not required |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funds interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary research on ecosystem transitions (terrestrial, freshwater, coastal seas within 3 nautical miles). Project lead must be at a UK NERC-eligible research organisation. NERC funds 80% FEC (100% for international co-leads, capped at 30% of total FEC). PhD studentship and ship-time costs excluded. Part of the RESET programme co-funded by NERC and Defra.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at UK NERC-eligible research organisations (academia, research councils, some institutes)
- •Project leads with interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research teams
- •Researchers studying terrestrial, freshwater, or coastal ecosystem transitions
- •Teams including optional UK collaborators and/or international co-leads
- •Consortia-style partnerships encouraged but not required
Key Dates
- •Project start deadline: 14 February 2027
- •One-off strategic call (not recurring)
- •Project duration: up to three years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓International co-leads are permitted but capped at 30% of total FEC at 100% funding; structure partnerships accordingly.
- ✓PhD studentships and ship-time costs are ineligible; budget for staff, equipment, and travel instead.
- ✓Position your work within the Defra and NERC co-funding context: emphasise both fundamental understanding of ecosystem transitions and policy or economic relevance to resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does NERC RESET Strategic Research Projects fund?
Up to £2.5 million full economic cost (FEC), with NERC contributing 80% (up to £2 million), and international co-leads funded at 100% but capped at 30% of total FEC.
Who can be the project lead for NERC RESET?
Researchers at UK NERC-eligible research organisations, including universities, research councils, and certain research institutes.
Can I work with international partners on NERC RESET?
Yes, international project co-leads are permitted and funded at 100%, provided they do not exceed 30% of the total project FEC.
What ecosystems does NERC RESET cover?
Terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems (within 3 nautical miles) and research on how they transition in response to environmental change.
Are PhD studentships and ship time eligible?
No, these are explicitly excluded; eligible costs cover staff, equipment, travel, and other project-related expenses.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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