ESRC responsive mode: research grants round two

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

This opportunity funds researcher-driven basic, applied, and strategic research from any disciplines and on any topics in ESRC’s remit. This includes standard research projects, methodological development, large-scale surveys or other infrastructures.

Proposals can draw from the wider sciences, as long as the social sciences are more than 50% of the research focus and effort.

Applications are via the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service and will run as consecutive rounds with closing dates.

The full economic cost of your project can range from £350,000 to £1 million. ESRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost.

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

What we're looking for Scope

This flexible opportunity funds basic, applied and strategic research from any disciplines and on any topics within ESRC’s remit. Ambitious and novel proposals addressing new concepts and techniques are encouraged, as are those with the potential for significant scientific or societal and economic impact.

There are no thematic or methodological priorities; we will fund the highest quality proposals received, regardless of focus or approach.

Proposals can draw from the wider sciences, as long as the social sciences are more than 50% of the focus and effort. ESRC will work with other research councils to ensure that applications close to remit boundaries are assessed by the most appropriate lead council. For a full list of ESRC disciplines, or if you are unsure whether your project is suitable for ESRC funding, please check the eligibility of your proposal.

Duration

The duration of this award is up to five years (60 months).

Funding available

The FEC of your project can range from £350,000 to £1…