Pre-announcement: NMIP sandpit: Digital materials for accelerated innovation

Upcoming UKRI funding opportunity · Grant. Closing date to be confirmed. Opportunity page: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/pre-announcement-nmip-sandpit-digital-materials-for-accelerated-innovation/

Apply to attend a three to five-day sandpit to develop high-impact projects that address the challenges and opportunities of integrating digital approaches to accelerate the translation of materials research.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding to receive project funding from the sandpit.

Attendance at the sandpit does not guarantee UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding.

This is a pre-announcement and the information may change. The funding opportunity will open later in 2026. More information will be available on this page then.

What we're looking for Aim

This funding forms part of the National Materials Innovation Programme (NMIP) announced as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The NMIP aims to establish a nationally coordinated approach to the UK advanced materials sector, driving the translation and adoption of materials across key industrial sectors.

EPSRC is inviting applicants to attend a three to five-day sandpit to deliver innovative, multidisciplinary and transformative approaches to the challenges and opportunities of integrating digital approaches to accelerate the translation of materials research.

Sandpit

The sandpit will be a residential, interactive and intensive workshop that brings together a multidisciplinary cohort of participants, including researchers and potential users of research outcomes. Working collaboratively, participants will develop innovative approaches to addressing complex research challenges within a thematic area.

The sandpit will be led by a director, supported by a team of mentors. The director and mentors will participate throughout the workshop but will not be eligible to…