ESRC responsive mode: new investigator grants round two

Open UKRI funding opportunity · Grant. Closes 2026-11-04. Opportunity page: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/esrc-responsive-mode-new-investigator-grants-round-two/

This opportunity supports researchers at the start of their careers to enable their transition to become independent researchers through gaining experience of managing and leading research projects and teams.

It also provides an opportunity for them to support their own skill development, and that of any research staff employed on the grant.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding.

Proposals can draw from the wider sciences, but the social sciences must represent more than 50% of the research focus and effort.

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can range from £100,000 to £350,000. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

This opportunity will be closing on 4 November 2026. Our applicant-led funding is being refreshed with new opportunities. See details of the changes.

Update: Applications submitted from 1 April 2024 will be able to apply for up to £350,000 at 100% FEC. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC. This change to the award range closes the gap between the new investigator grant scheme and the standard grant scheme.

What we're looking for Scope

New investigator grants will support new researchers and academics at the start of their careers to become independent researchers through gaining experience of managing and leading projects and teams.

In addition, they will provide applicants with an opportunity not only to support their own skill development, but also the skill development of research staff employed on the grant.

Applications can be for a range of activities such as standard research projects, surveys and other infrastructure projects and methodological developments.

Proposals can draw from the wider sciences, as long as the social sciences are more than 50% of the focus and effort. For a full list of ESRC disciplines, or if you are unsure whether…