ESRC responsive mode: secondary data analysis round two

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

Apply for funding to support research that exploits existing data resources for social and economic research, created by ESRC or other agencies.

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

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 (FEC) of your project can be up to £300,000. 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.

What we're looking for Scope

This funding opportunity supports research that exploits existing data resources for social and economic research. Applicants have considerable flexibility to focus on any subject area or topic providing that it falls within ESRC’s remit.

Proposed research is not required to use ESRC-funded data resources, though this is encouraged.

This funding opportunity also aims to develop the capacity and skills of social sciences communities in using large and complex existing data resources. We encourage partnerships with non-academic stakeholders to ensure generation of high-impact, policy and practitioner-relevant research.

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