EPSRC new investigator award: applicant-led mode
EPSRC new investigator award: applicant-led mode supports early-career researchers with discovery-led research funding to develop an independent vision, establish a group and build research leadership.
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Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications) | August 5, 2026, 9:00am UK time (opened)
Funding Amounts: 80% of full economic cost; no award-value or duration limit; typically one to three years
Summary: Supports early-career researchers developing an independent research vision, establishing a research group and building leadership.
Key Information: Normally your first EPSRC project-lead application; prior awards and postdoctoral supervision determine eligibility.
Description
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, funds discovery-led research through this applicant-led award. It supports early-career individuals transitioning to independence by developing their own research vision, establishing a group and leading a project team. Projects should pursue a single research vision with clearly defined objectives and outcomes, rather than complex, multi-faceted programmes.
Research can address artificial intelligence, resilience and security, clean energy, engineering, healthcare technologies, information and communication technologies, sustainable manufacturing, mathematical sciences, physical sciences or quantum technologies. The majority of the research must fall within EPSRC’s remit. Scientific and engineering merit, new knowledge, potential benefits and career development are central, alongside clear host-organisation support. This award is not intended as an alternative to a fellowship or standard-mode grant.
