Doctoral focal award plus: innovating in data-driven research
UK Research and Innovation's Doctoral focal award plus funds innovative training in data-driven social science, advancing research methods and interdisciplinary collaboration across the UK.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 14, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £5.85 million total; supports 10+ studentships/year for 3 cohorts; award duration up to 4 years.
Summary: Supports innovative doctoral and researcher training in data-driven social science, fostering advanced skills and collaboration across the UK.
Key Information: Only one application as project lead per organisation; UKRI-eligible UK research organisations only.
Description
This ESRC-funded opportunity aims to develop a new generation of social scientists skilled in innovative, data-driven research methods. The award will fund a comprehensive doctoral training programme, alongside targeted capacity-building activities for researchers at all career stages. Emphasizing interdisciplinarity and innovation, the initiative seeks to expand and diversify doctoral education, pilot new pedagogical models, foster collaboration within and beyond academia, and disseminate best practices in data-driven research. The programme is designed to address pressing societal and economic challenges and ensure the sustainability and impact of training resources beyond the funding period.
