EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity: full stage

Open UKRI funding opportunity · Grant. Closes 2026-11-03. Total fund £8.66 million. Opportunity page: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/epsrc-defra-reimagining-circularity-full-stage/

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) invite you to develop a NetworkPlus which builds new capacity, strengthens community and enhances research to innovation capabilities focused on the circular economy in data and metrics, or textiles. You must imaginatively use the ‘Plus’ element to accelerate impact in your chosen area. You must be at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding.

Teams must implement an inter or transdisciplinary approach, or both, including industrial partners. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £5.41 million. We will fund 80% FEC for up to 36 months.

What we're looking for Full applications should closely match the original outline application in terms of the activities proposed and partnerships. In costing the full application, careful consideration should be given to the value for money of the proposed activities. The scope detailed at the outline stage can be found in the Additional Information section.

As noted at the outline application, projects funded through this funding opportunity must be predominantly in EPSRC remit. Full applications not meeting this requirement in the judgement of EPSRC staff will be rejected without recourse to assessment stages.

Aim

The industrialised world continues to produce and consume unsustainable levels of resources. Extending the life of existing structures, products, components and materials, as well as prioritising approaches which maximise use, much more effectively reduces environmental impacts and increases the sustainability of the product supply systems.

To deliver a more resilient and regenerative economy, we need to consider new and innovative approaches, as well as revisit or refine current approaches and methodologies (or both) to move towards a…