ESRC React Awards (pilot): outline
The ESRC React Awards (pilot) from UK Research and Innovation fund urgent, co-produced social science research to deliver actionable evidence for UK policymakers or public service practitioners within six months.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 8, 2026 (closing date)
Funding Amounts: £50,000–£100,000 per project (ESRC covers 80% FEC; awards last up to 6 months)
Summary: Responsive funding for urgent, co-produced social science research to address time-critical evidence needs of UK policymakers or frontline public service practitioners.
Key Information: Requires a confirmed UK public sector partner able to action outputs within 6 months; rapid, two-stage application process.
Description
This opportunity offers responsive, rapid-turnaround funding for time-critical social science research designed to support UK policymakers or frontline public service practitioners. The scheme enables researchers to collaborate with UK public sector partners to deliver research outputs that are needed and intended to be put into action within six months. The pilot emphasizes co-produced research, a streamlined application and decision process, and immediate real-world impact. Projects must be driven by urgent, unforeseen evidence needs that cannot be addressed through standard ESRC or UKRI funding routes.
