Design Generators round two
Design Generators round two by UK Research and Innovation funds design-led arts and humanities research for innovative, sustainable interventions supporting the UK’s green transition.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 29, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: £150,000–£200,000 FEC per project (80% FEC funded by AHRC); project duration 9–12 months
Summary: Funds design-led, arts and humanities research projects that create innovative interventions for the green transition, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement in the UK.
Key Information: Each eligible research organisation may submit only one application as lead and one as co-lead, with at least one non-academic UK-based co-lead required per project.
Description
This funding opportunity, managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), supports design-led research projects that address the green transition. The scheme encourages integration of design thinking with arts and humanities methodologies to tackle environmental sustainability, decarbonisation, circular economies, policy design, and regenerative practices.
Projects must co-develop impactful interventions with non-academic partners and engage communities or stakeholders to foster behaviour change and support the green transition. Proposals should be collaborative, scalable, and grounded in arts and humanities disciplines, with an emphasis on community perspectives and creative approaches. The aim is to strengthen the effectiveness, resilience, and inclusivity of UK systems such as healthcare, food networks, governance, and finance, ultimately supporting sustainable economic growth and productivity.
