Exploring the frontiers of environmental research 2026
UK Research and Innovation’s Exploring the frontiers of environmental research 2026 funds bold, early-stage projects that pursue transformative, high-risk ideas in environmental science.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 12, 2026 (Full application) | January 27, 2027 (Distributed Peer Review submission)
Funding Amounts: £100,000–£200,000 per project (NERC funds 80% FEC; up to 2 years; total fund: £8 million)
Summary: Supports high-risk, early-stage, curiosity-driven environmental research projects with transformative potential.
Key Information: All applicants must participate in distributed peer review; failure to complete reviews results in automatic rejection.
Description
This funding opportunity, offered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is designed to support early-stage, high-risk, and curiosity-driven environmental research projects. The scheme aims to encourage transformative, novel, and exploratory ideas that are too new or uncertain for traditional funding routes. Projects should focus on original concepts that could significantly advance environmental knowledge, capability, or application, and may include interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies. The program welcomes applications from researchers at all career stages and encourages collaborations across disciplines and organizations.
