Doctoral focal awards in data-intensive sciences
Funds doctoral training programmes in data-intensive sciences, supporting interdisciplinary research and advanced data skills development across fields like physics and astronomy.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 16, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £2,100,000 per award; total fund £10,500,000; supports 5+ studentships per cohort over 4 years; award duration 7 years.
Summary: Funds doctoral training programmes in data-intensive sciences, supporting interdisciplinary research and cohort-based skills development for students working with large, complex datasets.
Key Information: All studentships require a minimum 6-month placement outside the host centre; only one application as project lead per organisation.
Description
This funding opportunity supports doctoral focal awards in data-intensive sciences, aiming to advance methodologies, tools, and techniques for managing, analysing, and interpreting large and complex datasets. The programme is designed to build interdisciplinary research capacity and equip doctoral students with advanced computational and data science skills relevant to sectors such as astronomy, accelerator physics, planetary and particle physics, and nuclear physics. It emphasises strong engagement with industry, public sector, and third-sector partners, requiring each student to complete at least six months of placement outside the host centre. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration, innovation, and the development of a community of researchers able to address key environmental, economic, and societal challenges through data-driven approaches.
