Doctoral focal award plus: innovating in data-driven research
Limited submission
UK Research and Innovation’s Doctoral focal award plus supports advanced data-driven research and interdisciplinary training for social science researchers at all career stages.
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Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 14, 2026 (Closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to £5.85 million total; supports at least 30 studentships over 3 years plus training for researchers at all career stages.
Summary: Supports a single doctoral training initiative to advance data-driven research skills in social sciences, including interdisciplinary capacity building and sustainable training resources.
Key Information: Only one application as project lead per organisation; minimum 10 studentships/year required (8 funded by ESRC, 2 via other sources).
Description
This opportunity, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), aims to establish a single, high-impact doctoral focal award plus programme. The award is designed to develop a new generation of social scientists with advanced data-driven research skills through both doctoral studentships and targeted training/capacity-building activities for researchers at all career stages. The programme prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative pedagogical approaches, and flexible learning pathways, with a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The investment seeks to strengthen the UK’s research infrastructure and workforce, ensuring sustainability and impact beyond the funding period.
