XClose

Research and Innovation Services

Menu

Closed calls

Find details of previous funding calls that require a UCL internal selection process managed by our Research Coordination teams.

Closed calls (last 12 months)

2026

Mental Health Research UK PhD Competition 2027 | UCL Deadline: 15 April 2026

Scope

Mental Health Research UK (incorporating the Schizophrenia Research Fund) is inviting applications for 4 PhD Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year. Scholarships are available in the following areas:

  1. Karen Menzies MHRUK PhD scholarship: Developing and validating novel biomarkers for schizophrenia and related psychotic conditions
  2. Karen Menzies MHRUK PhD scholarship: Childhood neuro-developmental antecedents for schizophrenia and related psychotic conditions
  3. John Grace QC MHRUK PhD scholarship: Antecedents, causal factors, clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of peri-menopausal first-onset psychosis and related psychotic conditions
  4. Clair Chilvers MHRUK PhD scholarship: Risks, benefits and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in mental health care

Applications are invited from prospective supervisors or supervisory teams (eligible PIs and Co-Is) based at UK universities. Once an award has been made, the supervisors will select a student with support from the Mental Health Research UK trustees.

Awards cover fees and stipend only, based on the Medical Research Council’s minimum stipend and fees for UK students.

Details

  • Funding: Fees and stipend only
  • Duration: Up to 4 years or on thesis submission (whichever is earlier)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 per scholarship
  • UCL internal deadline: 4pm, 15 April 2026
  • Funder deadline: 12am (midnight), 29 May 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the Mental Health Research UK website for the full call details.

Interested applicants should complete the UCL Expression of Interest (EOI) form and submit it as a single PDF document via email to lms.facilitators@ucl.ac.uk by the internal deadline, using the subject line: ‘Mental Health Research UK PhD Competition 2027’.

AMS Springboard | UCL deadline: 9 April 2026

Scope

The Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) Springboard Award supports biomedical (non-clinical) researchers at the start of their first independent post who have yet to receive substantial funding to help launch their research careers.

Proposals are accepted across the breadth of biomedical research, including molecular, cellular and structural biology, anatomical, physiological, psychological, epidemiological, and public health research. Applications from researchers using mathematical, physical, or engineering approaches are also eligible, provided the research aims to improve human health.

Details

  • Career stage: Early career (first independent post)
  • Funding: Up to £125,000 over 2 years, plus access to the AMS mentoring and career development programme.
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 4
  • UCL deadline: 12pm, 9 April 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the AMS website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Applicants should complete an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) form following the guidance in the supporting documents below.

For queries about the call or internal process, contact Ruth Wainman at r.wainman@ucl.ac.uk.

Supporting documents

IUK SNPN 5G Assured Integration (CR&D) |  Funder deadline: 1 April 2026

Scope

In this call, UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £18.5 million to integrate UK-anchored advanced connectivity components at a system level into technically assured, end-to-end architectures ready for early market evaluation. This competition aims to overcome the system-level integration gap that prevents high-value UK advanced connectivity components from forming complete, procurable solutions.

As UCL can only submit a limited number of applications as the host institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place. 

Details

  • Funding: £2 million - £4 million (project total eligible grant funding)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as lead organisation, and a further 2 as a collaborator
  • Funder deadline: 11am, 1 April 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the GOV.UK Innovation Funding Service website for full call details and eligibility criteria. 

Through conversation with the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, we understand UCL is unlikely to submit to this call. If you do have an interest in applying to the call, contact our BEAMS Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk.

IUK Semiconductors and components for smart electronic platforms |  Funder deadline: 1 April 2026

Scope

In this call, Innovate UK will invest up to £18.5 million for CR&D and R&D projects working on maturing and accelerating the availability of components that include semiconductors or novel technologies, required to deliver Smart Electronic Platforms. This competition aims to drive forward the availability of a UK-anchored catalogue of components, ready for integration and delivery into next-generation smart electronic platforms. The target sectors for these platforms will be across industrial and tactical edge environments for automation and autonomy.

As UCL can only collaborate on a limited number of applications, an internal coordination process has been put in place. 

Details

  • Funding: £500,000 - £2 million (project total eligible grant funding)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 3 as a collaborator (academic institutions cannot lead or work alone)
  • Funder deadline: 11am, 1 April 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the GOV.UK Innovation Funding Service website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering will coordinate the UCL response to this call. For queries about the call, contact the BEAMS Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk.

EPSRC Fundamental AI Research Lab | Funder deadline: 31 March 2026

Update: The UCL-led proposal is progressing in collaboration with Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge. At UCL, Computer Science (FES), Statistical Science (MAPS), the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (FLS) and ARC (Advanced Research Computing) will form the first phase. DSIT and UKRI currently advise that proposals should focus on fundamental AI. If funded, the second phase - planned to begin in May 2026 - will offer opportunities for broader involvement.

Scope

The EPSRC Fundamental AI Research Lab call offers funding to create a new UK research lab focused on advancing the foundations of artificial intelligence (AI). It aims to strengthen the UK’s global position in developing the core science underpinning novel fundamental AI methodologies and approaches, exploring breakthroughs in how AI systems learn, reason, and adapt. Funding covers an initial 18-month research phase plus long-term training support (£8million), with potential extension to a 6-year programme (£32million).

Details

  • Funding: £40million
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as a lead organisation
  • Individual limit: Researchers may only be named on a single bid
  • Funder deadline: 4pm, 31 March 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

The UCL response to this call will be led by the Department of Computer Science. Colleagues interested in joining the UCL bid, or planning to partner in a bid led by another institution, should inform the BEAMS Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk in the first instance. 

NIHR Global Health Research Professorships (Round 9) | UCL deadline: 31 March 2026

Scope

The Global Health Research Professorship is the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR’s) flagship career development award. It is designed to support research leaders by promoting the effective translation of research into practice and strengthening research leadership at the highest academic levels.

The programme supports outstanding academics to work at a professorial level, funding researchers whose work is intended to specifically and primarily benefit people in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). The scheme is open to all disciplines across health, public health, social care research, and research methodology.

Details

These details are based on the last round and are subject to change when the next round opens in April 2026.

  • Funding: Up to £2million (average cost of successful applications between £1.7-£1.8million)
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: Up to 2 nominees per year per institute (at least 1 female if 2 nominated)
  • Funder deadline: TBC (expected June/July 2026)
  • UCL EOI deadline: 12pm, 31 March 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the NIHR website for full call details and eligibility criteria. Applicants should complete an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) Form and EDI Monitoring Form following the guidance below.

Supporting documents

IUK Robotics Adoption Central Convening Body |  UCL deadline: 5 March 2026

Scope

This Innovate UK call will support the creation of a central convening body for the national network of Robotics Adoption Hubs. 

As UCL can only submit a limited number of applications as the host institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place.

Details

  • Funding: £1 million - £2 million (project total eligible grant funding)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as lead organisation, and a further 2 as a collaborator (or any number as collaborator if not leading an application)
  • UCL deadline: 5pm, Thursday 5 March 2026
  • Funder deadline: 11am, 15 April 2026 

Further information and how to apply

Visit the GOV.UK Innovation Funding Service website for full call details and eligibility criteria. 

Anyone planning to lead or partner in a bid to the call should contact the UCL Robotics Institute (robotics@ucl.ac.uk) and the BEAMS Research Coordination Team (ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk) as soon as possible.

IUK Robotics Adoption Hubs |  UCL deadline: 5 March 2026

Scope

In this Innovate UK call, UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £38 million for creating one-stop shops to help end-users adopt robotics and autonomous systems with expert guidance.

This competition aims to bridge the knowledge gap to impact productivity, safety and growth, and deliver public benefit through accelerating the adoption of robotics. Hubs will be located within a region, may have single or multi-end user sector focus, and are expected to build on strengths and capabilities within the existing ecosystem.

As UCL can only submit a limited number of applications as the host institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place. 

Details

  • Funding: £2 million - £7.5 million (project total eligible grant funding) 
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as lead organisation, and a further 2 as a collaborator (or any number as collaborator if not leading an application) 
  • UCL deadline: 5pm, Thursday 5 March 2026 
  • Funder deadline: 11am, 15 April 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the GOV.UK Innovation Funding Service website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

The UCL Robotics Institute, working with BEAMS Research Coordination team, will coordinate UCL bids to this call. The Institute held a roundtable discussion on the call open to all interested parties on Friday 6 March 2026.

Anyone planning to lead or partner in a bid to the call should complete an expression of interest form no later than 5pm on Thursday 5 March 2026. 

For queries about the call, contact the Robotics Institute (robotics@ucl.ac.uk) or the BEAMS Research Coordination team (ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk).

Philip Leverhulme Prize | UCL deadline: 4 March 2026

Scope

The Philip Leverhulme Prize recognises early career researchers who have made a significant international impact and show exceptional promise for future research. The Prizes support outstanding research scholars who have made and continue to make original, significant contributions to their field.

No institution may submit more than three nominations in any subject area, for which reason a central selection process has been put in place.

For the 2026 competition, the subject areas are:

  • Biological Sciences
  • History
  • Law
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Philosophy and Theology
  • Sociology and Social Policy

The Leverhulme Trust usually award 5 prizes nationally in each subject area. Nominations are considered regardless of the nominee's departmental affiliation.

Details

  • Career stage: Early career
  • Funding: £100,000
  • Duration: 2-3 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 3
  • UCL application deadline: 1pm, Wednesday 4 March 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the Leverhulme Trust website for full call details and eligibility criteria. Further eligibility information can also be found below.

Departments can put forward up to 3 nominations for consideration in a subject area. Full details on how to submit nominations can be found in the central selection process document below.

Supporting documents

AHRC Creative Industries Clusters | Funder deadline: 3 March 2026

Scope

The UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Creative Industries Clusters programme brings together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries. Led by UK universities, the clusters create research and development (R&D)‑driven commercial opportunities, strengthen regional capabilities, and deliver real‑world impact.

AHRC is now inviting outline applications for Creative Industries Clusters: Round Two. Funding will support projects that:

  • Broaden the geographical reach of the clusters portfolio, enabling new regions to benefit from hosting a cluster or expanding the model into sub‑sectors and challenges not addressed previously
  • Contribute to the delivery of the UK Creative Industries Sector Plan objectives (growth, skills and wider impact)
  • Generate economic growth and social and cultural benefits, including protecting existing jobs and creating new ones
  • Create an ecosystem for new and experimental creative content, products, services and experiences
  • Generate long‑term strategic applied research partnerships between creative enterprises, higher education institutions (HEIs), and other sectoral or local stakeholders
  • Improve creative businesses’ access to the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to develop innovative products and services, including through training and skills development

Details

  • Funding: £6,750,000 (80% FEC)
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Funder deadline: 3 March 2026

Further information and how to apply

UCL is taking an institution‑wide approach to the current and forthcoming rounds of the Creative Industries Clusters programme.

Colleagues considering leading or joining a bid in this round or in future rounds are asked to contact Kristina Glushkova at k.glushkova@ucl.ac.uk and Rebecca Robinson at rebecca.j.robinson@ucl.ac.uk, who are coordinating UCL’s institutional approach alongside a cross‑faculty leadership group.

IUK Robotics Adoption Programme skills development |  UCL deadline: 2 March 2026

Scope

This is a call for proposals to create and deliver course content and materials that will support skills, talent and training in robotics. This competition is part of a £52 million Robotics Adoption Programme. It is designed to complement and feed into a new network of Robotics Adoption Hubs. The aim is to bridge the skills gap to address the lack of skilled workers able to specify, procure, integrate, operate and maintain robotics. £2.5M is available, and applications can come from all registered organisations including universities. 

As UCL can only submit a limited number of applications as the host institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place.  

Details

  • Funding: £100,000-£500,000 (project total eligible grant funding)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as lead organisation, a further 2 if included as a collaborator (or 3 if not leading any application)
  • UCL deadline: 12noon, Monday 2 March 2026 
  • Funder deadline: 11am, 25 March 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the GOV.UK Innovation Funding Service website for full call details and eligibility criteria.  

Anyone planning to lead or partner in a bid to the call should inform both the BEAMS Research Coordination Team (ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk) and the UCL Robotics Institute (robotics@ucl.ac.uk) as soon as possible and no later than midday on 2 March 2026. 

The UCL Robotics Institute is hosting a roundtable meeting on the call. For further information, contact robotics@ucl.ac.uk. 

For queries about the call, contact the BEAMS Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk. 

AHRC Design Generators | UCL deadline: 18 February 2026

Scope

The UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Design Generators call offers funding for innovative, design-led research projects that contribute to the green transition. Projects should generate new arts and humanities-based approaches that harness design to address environmental sustainability, decarbonisation, circular economies, policy design, and regenerative practices. 

Funding will support projects that:

  • Co-develop interventions with a non-academic partner to support sustained impact beyond the grant
  • Collaborate with communities or stakeholders to ensure relevance to lived experience
  • Promote behaviour change through policymaking, regulation, or ‘nudging’
  • Demonstrate the value of academic design research in tackling locally relevant, real-world challenges on the path to net zero
  • Projects need to include a non-academic partner listed as a co-investigator (subject to eligibility) and engage with Future Observatory throughout the lifetime of the project. 

The AHRC is investing £1million to fund 5-6 awards nationally. As UCL can only submit 2 applications as the lead institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place.

This is the first of 2 rounds taking place in 2026.

Details

  • Funding: £150,000-£200,000 FEC
  • Career stage: Any post-PhD (or equivalent experience)
  • Duration: 9-12months
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 2
  • UCL deadline: 12noon, 18 February 2026
  • AHRC deadline: 9 April 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Interested applicants should submit an Expression of Interest form to ovpr.slashioe@ucl.ac.uk by noon on 18 February 2026.

The AHRC hosted a webinar on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to provide further information about the call and offer applicants an opportunity to ask questions.

Internal selection process

If more than 2 EOIs are received, a prioritisation process will be initiated. A panel convened by our Research Coordination team will meet shortly after the UCL deadline to review submissions. Applicants will be informed of outcomes around the end of February 2026, or sooner if a panel is not required.

A budget is not required for the EOI form. However, due to the short turnaround, departments may wish to secure approval and draft a rough costing. Applicants should contact their departmental research support staff for advice.

Supporting documents

EPSRC Reimagining Circularity: Outline Stage | Deadline: 15 January 2026

Scope

The UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have pre-announced the Reimagining Circularity outline-stage call.

Proposals are invited to establish a NetworkPlus that will build new capacity, strengthen communities, and enhance research to innovation capabilities focused on the circular economy in 1 of the following priority areas:

  • Built environment
  • Textiles
  • Data and metrics

EPSRC and Defra will fund 3 NetworkPlus investments - 1 in each priority area - to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across research and stakeholder communities. Successful teams will need to adopt an interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary approach (or both), including industrial partners.

Details

  • Funding: up to £5.41million FEC (EPSRC will fund 80% FEC for up to 36 months)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: No institutional cap. Individuals can only appear on 1 application as project lead and only 2 projects in total
  • EPSRC deadline: 4pm, 15 January 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

For any queries, contact Debi Kenny at debi.kenny@ucl.ac.uk

UCL briefing and roundtable discussion

To support UCL’s response to the call, our Research Coordination team hosted an internal online briefing and roundtable discussion for UCL staff on Monday 24 November via MS Teams. Chaired by Professor Ian Hamilton (Vice Dean of Research at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment), the session included:

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships Round 11: Pre-announcement of UCL process | UCL deadline: 14 January 2026

Scope

UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) scheme provides funding for up to 7 years to develop, retain, attract, and sustain research and innovation talent in the UK, foster new research and innovation career paths, and offer long-term, flexible funding to tackle challenging and novel challenges.

Round 11 of the UKRI FLF scheme will open on 2 February 2026, as confirmed in their pre-announcement. The information below outlines UCL’s internal process for managing applications to the scheme to support planning.

Some details may change when the full call is announced on 2 February 2026. Please check back for the latest details.

Details

  • Career stage: Early-career researchers and innovators looking to transition to independence
  • Funding: No limit - requests should be appropriate to the project (previous projects have ranged from £300,000-£2,000,000)
  • Duration: Up to 7 years (4 years in the first phase with the option to renew for a further 3 years)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 10 (+2 additional clinical applications TBC)
  • UCL application deadline: 12noon, 14 January 2026
  • Funder deadline: 16 June 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria for Round 10. Requirements for Round 11 are expected to be broadly the same. 

The scheme requires substantial commitment from UCL as the host institution. Potential internal and external applicants are advised to contact the relevant department first to register their interest in this scheme and discuss support. Expressions of Interest (EOI) cannot be submitted without agreement from the relevant Head of Department.

Internal selection process

1. Department stage

Internal applicants should submit an internal EOI form using the internal applicant submission platform. External applicants should submit an EOI via the external applicant submission platform and send a copy to ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk for consideration by the relevant UCL department.

2. Faculty stage

Faculties will shortlist candidates within their allocated cap. Applicants should speak to their department for information on the shortlisting process.

3. UCL central stage

Faculty nominations should be submitted via email to ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk by 4pm, 6 February 2026. Nominations should be submitted by the Faculty Research Manager or Vice-Dean for Research (or named deputy). Nominated candidates will be invited to submit their application by 12noon on 23 February 2026. The central UCL panel will meet at the end of March 2026, and outcomes will be sent to candidates at the end of March/early April 2026. Selected candidates will need to submit their proposals to UKRI by 16 June 2026.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply to the FLF scheme. UCL will collect diversity and monitoring data for this selection process. EDI data for internal candidates can be collected via Inside UCL using your UCL email address. Internal candidates are encouraged to review and ensure their information is up to date if they consent to this data being collected. External candidates can submit their EDI data through the central submission platform linked above. Providing this data is optional. Read our privacy notice for details on data processing and usage.

Supporting documents

Additional resources for applicants

BBSRC 2025 Transformative Research Technologies (25TRT) | UCL deadline: 8 January 2026

Scope

This UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funding opportunity aims to support the development of cutting-edge research technologies with the potential for transformative impact in biosciences research. Eligible projects may include bioinformatics tools and computational approaches capable of achieving significant advances and redefining current research capabilities.

Awards will support small, short, early-stage studies focused on the development of innovative technologies with the potential for substantial future impact.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £225,000 FEC (BBSRC will fund 80% FEC)
  • Duration: 6-18 months
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: Individuals can submit 1 as project lead
  • UCL deadline: 8 January 2026
  • Funder deadline: 4pm, 11 February 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Interested applicants should submit an Expression of Interest form by 8 January 2026. For advice or support with this call, contact our Research Coordination team at lms.facilitators@ucl.ac.uk.

Individuals may submit only one application as Project Lead. You may also participate as part of a consortium on a separate application, provided you do not hold the Project Lead role. However, as these applications will be in direct competition, this is not recommended unless they focus on distinctly different areas.

2025

EPSRC Turing AI Global Fellowships | UCL deadline: 10 December 2025

Scope

The UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) invites applications for the Turing AI Global Fellowships scheme, aimed at exceptional AI researchers currently based outside the UK. The scheme seeks to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in AI by attracting world-class talent.

Applicants should have been based outside the UK for at least 24 months before applying. UKRI encourages applications from a diverse pool of candidates, including those with non-traditional career paths or interdisciplinary backgrounds.

Fellows will work with their host institution to establish a highly skilled research team and deliver a transformational programme of AI research. Projects should advance AI methodologies either at a fundamental or theoretical level, or at the interface between AI and other disciplines. Proposals focused solely on applying existing AI methods are not eligible.

Fellows should have physically relocated to the UK, be considered a UK resident and academic employee (lecturer or equivalent) at the host organisation before the fellowship starts. Host institutions are expected to provide substantive long-term support beyond the funding period to attract and retain international talent.

As UCL can only submit 2 applications as the host institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £4.5million per fellowship (price to funder).
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 2
  • UCL internal deadline: 12noon, 10 December 2025
  • Funder deadline: 4pm, 12 March 2026
  • Project start date: 1 February 2027

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

For queries, contact Dr Eugenio Zapata-Solvas at e.zapata-solvas@ucl.ac.uk.

Internal selection process

Heads of Department should notify our Research Coordination team of their intention to nominate a candidate, and provide the following information:

  • Candidate name and research area
  • Host department at UCL
  • Current affiliation
  • Confirmation of commitment to provide a substantial support package

Nominations should be sent by email to ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk by 12noon, 10 December 2025 at the latest. If more than 2 internal nominations are received, a prioritisation process will be put in place.

Institutional support

UKRI expects host organisations to provide strategic support beyond the fellowship period, enabling fellows and their teams to move toward a sustainable position. Institutional support for the delivery of the research programme may include access to PhD studentships and research staff, lab space, and access to facilities.

Host institutions are also expected to provide mentorship to support the fellow's transition to the UK and integration into the UK research community.

Support should reflect the fellow’s leadership role, enabling them to establish a competitive research programme in the UK that aligns with institutional strategic research initiatives and investments.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Heads of Departments are encouraged to consider nominations from researchers with varied backgrounds, career paths, and flexible arrangements, including part-time roles, job shares (minimum 50% FTE), or joint applications.

Leverhulme Trust Centenary Doctoral Scholarships | UCL deadline: 10 December 2025

Scope

The Leverhulme Trust Centenary Doctoral Scholarships scheme supports cohorts of doctoral students working in an interdisciplinary priority research area for an institution. Proposals need to demonstrate strong alignment with institutional research strengths, priorities, and strategy, and show a commitment to sustaining a legacy for research in the area beyond the award.

The call opens on 3 November 2025. As UCL can lead only one application to this call, an internal selection process has been put in place.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £5million (overheads and directly allocated staff costs will not be covered)
  • Duration: 9 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as lead; unlimited partner applications in different disciplinary areas
  • UCL deadline: 4pm, 10 December 2025
  • Funder deadline: 6 March 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the Leverhulme Trust website for full call details and eligibility criteria. 

All proposals submitted to the call, whether UCL is the lead or a partner, need to have firm support and commitment from the relevant host department and faculty.

Internal selection process

Our Research Coordination team, in collaboration with the Doctoral School, is coordinating the internal selection process.

Faculties are invited to submit expressions of interest via the central process. If you are interested in applying, contact your faculty to discuss the nomination process. The internal selection process document below provides details on how faculties should submit applications.

A briefing webinar for interested applicants, host departments, and faculties took place on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Access the webinar recording and presentation slides.

For queries about the call or the internal process, contact our Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk.

Supporting documents

UCL-Zurich Call (Round 3) 2025 | UCL deadline: 1 December 2025

Scope

The UCL Neuroscience Domain and Neuroscience Centre Zurich (ZNZ) Collaboration call offers short-term seed funding to support collaborative neuroscience research or networking initiatives. These awards are designed to support larger-scale applications for external research funding.

Funding may be used to generate preliminary data, support research staff, facilitate postgraduate exchanges, or enable short-term visits by group leaders to the partner institution. It can also cover essential research consumables. Alternatively, awards may support the organisation of seminars, workshops, symposia, or other events that promote collaboration through the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Applications require at least 1 group leader affiliated with UCL Neuroscience and at least 1 group leader affiliated with ZNZ.

Details

  • Funding: £20,000 or CHF equivalent (currently circa CHF 21,800)
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Number of applications allowed: 1 per group leader/team
  • Intention to submit deadline: 4pm, 31 October 2025
  • Full application deadline: 4pm, 1 December 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UCL Health website for full call details and eligibility criteria.  

NERC Pushing the Frontiers of Environmental Science | UCL deadline: 25 November 2025

Scope

This UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) call offers funding to pursue an ambitious, high-risk, high-reward environmental science project. Proposals should address a significant environmental science question within the NERC's remit, and may be pure, applied, technology-led, or policy-driven. Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches are encouraged where appropriate.

An internal review process has been put in place to manage the volume and quality of submissions.

Details

  • Career stage: All
  • Funding: Up to £950,000 (NERC will fund 80% FEC)
  • UCL deadline: 12noon, 25 November 2025
  • NERC deadline: 21 January 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Researchers based in Earth Science, Geography or GEE should speak to their department about the local internal triage process. Project leads based outside of these departments will be considered by a cross-disciplinary panel coordinated by our Research Coordination team. The panel will select up to 2 proposals.

If you have any questions or would like advice, contact Becca Burns at b.burns@ucl.ac.uk.

Internal coordination process

Applicants need to complete the following steps:

  • 13 November 2025: Submit a Notification to Submit MS Form. Project leads should also identify an independent reviewer in advance. Reviewers will receive proposals on 25 November and will need to return feedback by 12 noon, 4 December. This form is not assessed.
  • 25 November 2025 (12noon): Email the draft application documents to Becca Burns at b.burns@ucl.ac.uk. These should include the Summary (550 words), Vision (1,100 words), Approach (2750 words), and Applicant and team capability to deliver (1,650 words).

The cross-disciplinary panel will meet during the week commencing 8 December 2025 to select proposals for submission. Feedback will be provided to all applicants. Selected proposals will receive support from our Research Coordination team. Applicants not selected will be offered a follow-up meeting to explore alternative funding opportunities and further support.

NIHR Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship | UCL deadline: 24 November 2025

Scope

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship (Cohort 1) is a 7-year career development award aimed at senior postdoctoral clinical academics, including doctors, dentists, and other registered health and care professionals. It offers funded research time and tailored leadership training to support the transition into research leadership roles.

Applicants should be nominated by their host organisation, which is expected to provide tapered salary support and an open-ended research position during or following the fellowship.

As UCL can only submit 3 applications as the host institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place.

Details

  • Funding: No budget limit
  • Duration: 7 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: up to 3 nominations as host organisation
  • Application deadline: 5pm, 24 November 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the NIHR website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Applicants should complete an internal Expression of Interest form following the guidelines below.

Supporting documents

 

EPSRC Addressing nuclear fission challenges for a prosperous future | UCL event: 5 November 2025

Scope

The UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Addressing nuclear fission challenges for a prosperous future call invites large multidisciplinary consortia to adopt a whole-systems approach. Proposals should integrate reactor design, fuel cycles, decommissioning, waste management, materials science, modelling, and socio-economic impacts to inform policy, provide impact and drive innovation. 

Details

Funding: £5million to £8.5million per award
Duration: 5 years
Number of UCL applications allowed: No limit
Funder deadline: 15 January 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

If you have any questions about this call, contact Laura Fenner (l.fenner@ucl.ac.uk) or Jon Williams (jon.williams@ucl.ac.uk).

Internal briefing and roundtable

To support UCL’s response to the call, our Research Coordination team hosted an online briefing and roundtable meeting on Wednesday 5 November for interested UCL staff. Chaired by Professor Carmine Galasso, Vice Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, the session provided an overview of the call and facilitated early-stage collaboration.

Wellcome Doctoral Programmes for Healthcare Professionals | UCL deadline: 24 October 2025

Scope

Wellcome's Doctoral Programmes for Healthcare Professionals aim to train the next generation of healthcare professional academics in world-leading research environments across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The scheme supports institutions to host and administer multi-cohort programmes that retain talented researchers in the dual career pipeline.

Details

  • Funding: Average award value of £12 million
  • Duration: 5 cohorts, with the first intake in autumn 2027
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 as lead organisation
  • UCL Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: 24 October 2025
  • Funder deadline: 10 February 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit the Wellcome website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Potential applicants are encouraged to register for the Wellcome webinar on 4 November 2025 to hear directly from the Discovery Research team about the call’s objectives, eligibility, and assessment process.

To propose a theme and be considered as Programme Lead, please submit a 1-page Expression of Interest to Tom Muzyka (t.muzyka@ucl.ac.uk) by 24 October 2025. For questions or to discuss this opportunity further, contact Felipe Fouto (f.fouto@ucl.ac.uk), Head of the Academic Careers Office.

Internal coordination process

Senior academics across UCL are invited to submit thematic proposals to lead the institutional bid. Proposals should reflect UCL’s research strengths. The selected scheme will form the basis of UCL’s application to Wellcome.

EOIs will be assessed by the Vice Deans (Research) of the 4 Life and Medical Sciences (LMS) Faculties during the week commencing 27 October. A planning session to develop the proposal and engage consortium partners will follow from the week commencing 3 November.

EOIs should:

  • Outline a compelling and broad theme for the doctoral programme, building on UCL's research strengths (e.g., health data science, population health, digital innovation, experimental medicine, advanced therapies)
  • Demonstrate a clear intention to work across all 4 LMS Faculties, not a single Faculty or Department
  • Fit within the Wellcome Discovery Research
  • Take into account the NHS Strategic Priorities
  • Propose a multi-institutional programme led by UCL, identifying potential external university partners whose strengths complement UCL's in the chosen theme
  • Be relevant and engage multiple clinical professions
  • Nominate a Programme Lead (or Co-Leads) willing to coordinate the application
  • Be a maximum of 1 page

Programme Leads should:

  • Be senior clinical academics (of any clinical background) with a strong research track and international standing, with a record and experience as Principal Investigator (PI) on major grants
  • Demonstrate commitment and vision for innovative and transformational improvements in research culture
  • Lead external engagement efforts to build partnerships with other universities
  • Serve as PI for the application, working closely with the Academic Careers Office (ACO) and our LMS Research Coordination team
  • Write the funding application, with support from our LMS Research Coordination team and the ACO, and represent UCL at the interview stage
  • Work with the ACO to implement the programme if successful, integrating it into UCL's broader clinical academic training offer

Previous institutional award holders of the Wellcome Doctoral Programme can be found under "Individual Programmes" on the Wellcome website.

NERC Artificial intelligence (AI) for environmental science phase one | UCL deadline: 22 October 2025

Scope

The UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is investing up to £12 million over five years to support research and innovation projects in data science and AI aimed at addressing complex environmental challenges. Projects should focus on one or more of the following priority areas:

  • Environmental hazards and human health
  • Terrestrial ecology
  • Oceans and climate

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines and research communities to develop innovative, groundbreaking approaches and to engage with stakeholders from business, policy, the third sector, or other relevant sectors to maximise impact.

This funding will be delivered in 2 phases:

  • Phase 1 will support small-scale ‘pump-priming’ activities that are highly innovative, adventurous, and high-risk. Applications from consortia crossing disciplinary boundaries to develop and apply AI and data science to environmental challenges are strongly encouraged.
  • Phase 2 will be a closed call. Only projects funded in phase one will be eligible. The most promising, based on transformative outcomes and potential for high impact, will receive further funding for an additional 42 months.

Applications are being invited for Phase 1.

Details

  • Funding: £200,000-£400,000 (NERC will fund 80% of the FEC)
  • Duration: 18 months, starting 1 July 2026
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 4 as lead organisation
  • UCL Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: 12noon, 22 October 2025
  • NERC deadline: 11 December 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

For queries about the call, contact Dr Becca Burns in the BEAMS Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk.

NERC webinar

The NERC hosted a webinar in October 2025 to provide further details about the programme and answer questions. A recording will be made available to attendees.

Internal coordination process

As UCL can only submit 4 bids as the lead institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place.

EOIs should be submitted to ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk by the internal deadline. The document (maximum 3 sides A4, Arial 11pt) should outline the:

  • Project context and the challenge it addresses
  • Aims and objectives
  • Term expertise and capacity to deliver
  • Alignment with UCL's research strengths and priorities
  • Co-leads, partners, and involvement of early-career researchers in the proposal.

If more than four EOIs are received, a prioritisation process will be implemented by the BEAMS Research Coordination team in consultation with the Grand Challenges of Data Empowered Societies and Climate Crisis. EOIs will be assessed on:

  • Vision: Research quality, timeliness, and potential to advance or generate new knowledge
  • Approach: Feasibility and clarity of methodology
  • Team: Capability to deliver the proposed work
  • Strategic alignment: Fit with UCL’s research priorities 
Kennedy Trust Senior Research Fellowships 2025/26 | UCL deadline: 7 October 2025

Scope

The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research supports work addressing unmet needs in rheumatology and related musculoskeletal diseases, with the long-term aim of enabling breakthroughs in cures and preventative treatments.

The Trust has launched its latest round of Senior Research Fellowships, targeting scientific disciplines relevant to rheumatology. These fellowships are intended for independent researchers with a strong track record who are establishing their own research programmes.

As UCL can only submit 1 application, an internal selection process will be held to nominate a candidate.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £1.5 million 
  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1
  • UCL deadline: 12pm, 7 October 2025
  • Funder deadline: January 2026

Further information and how to apply

Visit The Kennedy Trust website for full call details and eligibility criteria. Contact Ruth Wainman at r.wainman@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions about the internal process. 

Supporting documents

NIHR Research Professorships (Round 16) and Global Health Research Professorships (Round 9) | UCL Deadline: 16 September 2025

Scope

This National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) call offers funding for outstanding academics, at or near the Professorial level, to develop research capacity in translational research, promote the effective translation of research, and strengthen research leadership at the highest academic levels.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £2million (average cost of successful applications between £1.7-£1.8million)
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: up to 3 Research Professorships, up to 2 Global Health Research Professorships
  • Application deadline: 12noon, 16 September 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the NIHR website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Applicants should complete an internal Expression of Interest form following the guidelines below.

Supporting documents

Sir Jules Thorn Biomedical Research Award 2026 | UCL Deadline: 16 September

Scope

The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust is seeking to support an outstanding research programme, in any discipline or disease area, at an advanced translation stage, which demonstrates a clear pathway to benefit patients. This will be awarded to one recipient in the UK.

Details

Funding: Up to £1.7million (direct costs only)
Duration: Up to 5 years
Number of UCL applications allowed: 1
Application deadline: 12noon, 16 September 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the Sir Jules Thorn website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Applicants should complete an internal Expression of Interest form following the guidelines below.

Supporting documents

UCL internal guidance
Frequently Asked Questions

British Council: Grants for UK-KSA research collaborations | UCL deadline: 1 September 2025

Scope

UK-KSA Research Collaboration grants will provide seed funding for collaborations between institutions in the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in two priority areas: healthy people and resilient planet.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £80,000
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: Up to 3 (max 2 per subtheme). There are no restrictions on KSA applicants
  • UCL deadline: 4pm, 1 September 2025
  • Application deadline: 12pm, 24 September 2025 (UK Time)

Further Information and how to apply

Visit the British Council website for full call details, eligibility criteria, and guidelines.

Interested applicants should contact the relevant Research Coordination team by 4pm, Monday 1 September 2025:

To help manage demand, an internal coordination process will be implemented if required, in line with the objectives of the call.

UKRI Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships | UCL deadline: 14 August 2025

Scope

This UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) call supports established from non-artificial intelligence (AI) disciplines to build domain-relevant AI capability and apply advanced AI approaches to address a challenge in their chosen field. This opportunity forms part of the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. The scheme is open to established researchers from any discipline across the UKRI remit, except those with a background in core AI research.

Fellows are expected to develop a high-quality, ambitious research project alongside a programme of professional development and upskilling in AI. Proposals should also outline how AI will be embedded in the applicant’s field beyond the lifetime of the fellowship. Applicants are required to collaborate with an established AI specialist or researcher. This individual should be named as a Co-Lead if based at a UK university, or as a project partner if based in industry or at a non-UK institution.

Details

  • Funding: Up to £2,187,500 
  • Duration: Up to 3 years (mandatory start date: 1 October 2026)
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 4
  • UCL internal deadline: 12noon, 14 August 2025
  • UKRI webinar: 11 September 2025
  • UKRI closing date: 14 October 2025

Further Information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria. 

To discuss the call or UCL’s internal coordination process, please contact Jon Williams at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk and Ella Sivyer at lms.facilitators@ucl.ac.uk.

UCL internal process 

As UCL can only submit 4 applications, an internal coordination process has been put in place. Interested applicants should complete the UCL expression of interest (EoI) form by 12noon on 14 August 2025. 

As the EoI deadline falls over the summer period, if you anticipate any difficulties in submitting your interest for this call, please reach out to the above Research Coordination team contacts as soon as possible to discuss your individual circumstances.

A central academic panel will assess EoIs based on the UKRI criteria and alignment with UCL's strategy. Candidates will be selected ahead of the UKRI webinar in September. If a high volume of EoIs is received, the process may include additional shortlisting at departmental, faculty, or other levels.

Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. UCL will collect diversity and monitoring data for this process via Inside UCL. Candidates who consent to this are encouraged to review and update their information via Inside UCL using their UCL email address.

NIHR Research consortium to prevent cardiovascular disease | Deadline: 13 August 2025

Scope

As part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Inequalities Challenge, the NIHR are looking to fund a £50 million UK-wide research consortium focusing on the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The consortium will produce high-quality research evidence and innovative solutions to support improved prevention, detection, and monitoring of cardiovascular disease.

The aim is to save lives and reduce inequalities across the UK, including those related to sex, geography, age, deprivation, and ethnic background. 

Details

  • Funding: £50 million 
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1 (as lead, co-applicant, or collaborator)
  • Deadline: 13 August 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the NIHR website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

UCL’s application is being led by the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science. If you are interested in being involved, please contact Professor Alun Hughes via email at alun.hughes@ucl.ac.uk. 

This is a 2-stage, commissioned funding opportunity:

  • Stage 1: Organisations are invited to submit a consortium application. NIHR will then appoint consortia organisations and co-leads 
  • Stage 2: Selected consortium members will be invited to develop a shared work business plan.
UKRI Nuclear Skills Doctoral Focal Award (DFA) | UCL deadline: 12 August 2025

Scope

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched a call for a Doctoral Focal Award (DFA) in Nuclear Skills. Led by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with involvement from other Research Councils, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the scheme will support cohort-based doctoral training aligned with the UK’s civil and defence nuclear sectors, with the first student intake expected in autumn 2026. 

This DFA call differs from previous calls as only Home fee status students will be eligible, and there is a requirement for leveraged and matched funding. The initiative is part of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills, with funding from the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, subject to the government’s spending review. The call will be open to both new and existing centres and aims to develop the next generation of researchers and innovators in nuclear science and engineering. Proposals are expected to address skills needs across the nuclear lifecycle, including but not limited to:

  • Reactor and detector system design
  • Construction and manufacturing
  • Operation and environmental monitoring
  • Decommissioning and waste management
  • Environmental impact of nuclear energy

Details

  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 1
  • UCL Expression of Interest: 12noon, 12 August 2025
  • EPSRC Intention to Submit: 12 September 2025
  • EPSRC deadline: 23 October 2025
  • Duration: 4 annual cohorts of at least 10 students (4-year full-time equivalent studentships)

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

If you have any questions about the call, please contact our Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk or Helen Jones in the UCL Doctoral School at helen.jones@ucl.ac.uk.

UKRI webinars

UKRI held 3 webinars to explain the opportunity and answer questions that took place on 31 July, 6 August, and 12 August 2025.

Internal coordination process

As UCL can only submit 1 bid as the lead institution, an internal coordination process has been put in place. The university will also need to coordinate any partner-led bids. 

Colleagues should register their interest, whether as supervisors, training developers, co-investigators, strategic contributors for a UCL-led bid, or as part of a partner-led bid, using our online Expression of Interest form by 12noon, Tuesday 12 August.

Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowships - Accelerated International Route (Round 1) | UCL deadline: 7 August 2025

Scope

The prestigious Royal Society Faraday Discovery Fellowships support the most talented mid-career research leaders to undertake high-quality, original research. Established in 2025, the Accelerated International Route is intended for outstanding international researchers nominated by their host UK organisation. This route will run for 2 years.

Candidates are expected to have a strong track record of managing significant research grants and the potential to establish world-leading research groups in the UK. The scheme is designed to enable fast-tracked recruitment of exceptional candidates where this would be strategically advantageous to UK research.

Open to researchers currently based overseas and nominated by their prospective UK host institution, the scheme does not require a confirmed job offer at the time of application. However, successful candidates will need to hold a full-time, permanent contract at UCL before the award begins.

The scheme is intended for time-sensitive or strategically important appointments, and nominations should include a clear justification for using the accelerated route. Applicants cannot apply to both the standard and accelerated routes in the same year. Around 5–6 Fellows are expected to be appointed over 2 years, with approximately 1 Fellow selected per round.

Details

  • Career stage: Mid-career researchers (10–20 years post-PhD) currently based overseas
  • Funding: Up to £4 million
  • Duration: 5 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: No limit
  • UCL internal deadline: 12noon, Thursday 7 August 2025
  • Funder deadline: Thursday 15 August 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the Royal Society website for full scheme details and eligibility criteria. 

For queries about the scheme or internal process, contact our Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk.

UCL internal process

All nominations require the full support of the relevant department and faculty. If a faculty wishes to nominate a candidate for Round 1, the Dean (or nominated representative) will need to:

  1. Notify our Research Coordination team (ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk) as soon as possible to confirm faculty support and outline the rationale for using the accelerated route.
  2. Submit the required nomination information to our Research Coordination team by 12noon on Thursday 7 August 2025, including: 
  • All Stage 1 information required by the Royal Society (see pages 15–18 of the scheme notes)
  • A draft of the 500-word statement of support to be signed by the UCL President & Provost.

Nominations will be submitted by the UCL President and Provost, with support from the Research Coordination team.

EPSRC Research and Partnership Hubs for a Healthy Society | UCL briefing: 6 August 2025

Scope

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is offering funding for large-scale multidisciplinary research hubs to support people to live healthier lives and prevent ill health. The hubs will be critical mass investments that form connections to the wider health technologies research and innovation ecosystem. The call has 3 priority areas:

  • Prevention and population health
  • Supporting people to manage their own health
  • Novel techniques for early diagnosis.

Details

  • Funding: £12.5 million
  • EPRSC deadline: 4pm, 21 October 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria. 

For questions about this call, contact Laura Fenner (BEAMS Research Coordination team) at l.fenner@ucl.ac.uk, Sarah Welsher (LMS Research Coordination team) at s.welsher@ucl.ac.uk (for LMS Faculties), or Luis Lacerda (Institute of Healthcare Engineering) at luis.lacerda@ucl.ac.uk.

UCL Briefing and Roundtable

To support the university's response to the call, our Research Coordination teams and the UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering held an internal briefing session, chaired by Professor Qasim Rafiq (Vice Dean (Health), Faculty of Engineering) on Wednesday 6 August 2025 via MS Teams. The session included briefings on the call, patient and public involvement engagement, partnership development, and insights on applying for large hub grants, followed by an open discussion to encourage collaboration.

EPSRC Canada-UK NetworkPlus in Semiconductor Research | UCL deadline: 21 July 2025

Scope

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is looking to support a Canada-UK academic NetworkPlus in semiconductor research to share expertise in areas of mutual interest and seed future projects. The NetworkPlus should focus on joint research and developing strengths in compound semiconductors, photonics, NEMS/MEMS, advanced packaging and chip design. The NetworkPlus will be expected to strengthen Canada-UK relationships and deliver a roadmap and long-term vision for a larger-scale collaborative initiative in semiconductors.

Details

  • Funding: £900k (80% fEC)
  • Number of UCL applicants allowed: 1
  • UCL deadline: 21 July 2025
  • EPSRC deadline: 10 September 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria. 

Potential applicants are also encouraged to register for the EPSRC webinar on 14 July 2025 for further information about this opportunity.

Individuals may only be named on 1 proposal submitted to this call. Additionally, UCL is limited to leading only 1 proposal. If you are interested in applying to this call, either as a UCL proposal or on a proposal led by another institution, inform the BEAMS Research Coordination team via email  at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk by close of play on 21 July 2025. Interested applicants will be contacted with further information on next steps.

RAEng Research Fellowships | UCL deadline: 12 June 2025

Scope

The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) Research Fellowships support outstanding Early Career Researchers to become future leaders in Engineering.

Details

  • Funding: £625,000 over 5 years
  • Number of UCL applications allowed: 4, with at least 2 from applicants from a persistently underrepresented group within engineering
  • UCL deadline: 12noon, 12 June 2025
  • Funder deadline: 4pm, 17 September 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the RAEng Webpage for full call details and eligibility criteria. The internal selection process document below provides details on how to submit applications. For questions about this call, contact Sobia Ashraf at sobia.ashraf@ucl.ac.uk.

Supporting documents

UK Space Agency International Bilateral Fund Call 2 | UCL deadline: 11 June 2025

Scope

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) invites proposals for projects through the second iteration of the International Bilateral Fund (IBF) that will help strengthen the UK space sector’s international partnerships. The objectives of the IBF are to:

  • Build stronger relationships with international partnerships, cementing our place as a trusted space partner of choice
  • Contribute to economic growth by driving UK space sector inward investment and exports
  • Leverage international partnerships to develop priority UK capabilities.

Applications need to outline how the partnership will support both UK and international space sector priorities. UKSA has restricted the number of applications to 2 per lead organisation. This measure applies to all types of organisations, including industrial, academic and public sector research bodies. 

Details

  • Funding: £5.5million to fund 15-30 projects
  • Duration: 7 months (starting 1 September 2025)
  • UCL deadline: 12noon, 11 June 2025
  • UKSA deadline: midnight, 7 July 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UK Space Agency website for full call details and eligibility criteria. Contact the BEAMS Research Coordination team at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions about the internal process.

Expressions of interest should be submitted to the BEAMS Research Coordination team via email at ovpr.beams@ucl.ac.uk by the internal deadline. The document (maximum 1 side A4, Arial font size 11) should summarise the proposed application and state how it aligns with the scope and objectives of the UKSA call. It should also describe how the proposal aligns with the research strengths and priorities of UCL. If more than 2 expressions of interest are received, a prioritisation process will be implemented by our Research Coordination teams in consultation with relevant faculty Vice-Deans (Research).

NERC Pushing the Frontiers of Environmental Research: July 2025 | UCL deadline: 12noon, 3 June 2025

Scope

Apply for funding to pursue an ambitious, high-risk, high-reward environmental science project.

Your research will need to address a significant environmental science question. This can include pure, applied, technology-led, or policy-driven research that addresses clearly defined scientific questions. Applications are welcome from individuals who demonstrate a capability to collaborate with experts from other disciplines to generate innovative research, as long as the research generally sits within NERC’s research areas.

An internal review process has been put in place for this call to monitor the quantity and quality of submissions. 

Details

  • Career stage: All
  • Funding: Up to £950,000 (NERC will fund 80% FEC)
  • UCL deadline: 12noon, 3 June
  • NERC deadline: 16 July 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the NERC Website for full call details and eligibility criteria.

Applicants will need to complete the Notification to Submit MS Form by 13 May, before submitting the Vision and Approach by 12noon on 3 June. See the timeline below for further information.

Researchers based in Earth Science, Geography or GEE should speak to their department about the local internal triage process and do not need to complete the intention to submit form. Submissions from staff based outside of these departments will go through the cross-disciplinary panel overseen by the Environment Domain. The panel will have a cap of up to 2 submissions per round for the July 2025 and January 2026 rounds. 

Timeline

  • Tuesday 13 May 2025: Notification to Submit form deadline. Project Leads will need to name an independent reviewer for their proposal. The reviewer should be informed in advance that the proposal review will need to be returned by 12noon, Wednesday 11 June.
  • 12noon, Tuesday 3 June 2025: Completed drafts of the Vision (1,100 words) and approach (2750 words) to be sent via email to Becca Burns at b.burns@ucl.ac.uk.
  • Week commencing 16 June 2025: Cross-departmental panel meeting to select submissions and feedback shared with applicants. Selected proposals will have Research Coordination support. Unsuccessful applicants will be able to meet with the Strategic Coordinator: Environment to discuss other funding options and receive further support. 
  • Tuesday 24 June 2025: All applicant names and Worktribe project numbers to be sent to Becca Burns at b.burns@ucl.ac.uk and shared with RIS Pre-Award.
  • Wednesday 16 July 2025: NERC submission deadline.
UKRI Creating opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activity | Deadline: 6 May 2025

Scope

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is inviting proposals for its ‘Creating Opportunities: Rethinking Economic (In)activity’ call. This initiative aims to boost economic activity in UK areas with high rates of ill health, disability, and informal care. Interdisciplinary proposals that cross multiple research council boundaries and use mixed-method approaches are especially welcomed.

Our Research Coordination teams held an internal roundtable on 26 February for interested UCL staff, chaired by Professor Rosalind Smyth. The meeting provided an overview of the call and UKRI's requirements and offered a platform for sharing ideas and fostering collaboration. You can access the meeting presentation recording by contacting our Research Coordination teams using the details below.

To support UCL's response, applicants working on a bid are invited to submit an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) form. EOIs will help facilitate collaboration between UCL teams either planning to submit a bid or interested in contributing to a bid led by someone else.

Details

  • Funding: up to £1.2million over 2 years
  • Number of awards available: 1
  • UCL roundtable: 1:30-3pm, 26 February 2025 via Teams 
  • UCL EOI deadline: 5pm, 10 March 2025
  • Funder deadline: 4pm, 6 May 2025

Further information and how to apply

Visit the UKRI website for full call details and eligibility criteria. Applicants should submit an EOI using the form below. Should you have any questions about this call or would like to access the roundtable presentation recording, contact:

Supporting documents

Page last updated: April 2026