Focal award: EPSRC and MHCLG Fire Engineering Skills Hub
Limited submission
UK Research and Innovation funds a national hub for doctoral training, postgraduate education, and CPD to advance fire engineering research and workforce capacity in the UK.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (EOI) | November 3, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to £5.9 million total; supports up to two skills hubs over 5 years; 100% of eligible costs funded (non-FEC).
Summary: Funds a national skills hub to deliver doctoral training, postgraduate education, and CPD in fire engineering, strengthening UK research, workforce capacity, and industry links.
Key Information: Expression of Interest is mandatory and must be submitted before the full application.
Description
This grant supports the establishment of a Fire Engineering Skills Hub in the UK, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The initiative addresses critical skills gaps in fire engineering, directly responding to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and aiming to build a highly skilled, sustainable, and regulated fire engineering profession. The hub will deliver high-quality, cohort-based doctoral training, develop advanced postgraduate (level 7) taught programmes, and provide continuing professional development (CPD) for both new entrants and current practitioners in the fire engineering field. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, research leadership, and alignment with national fire safety strategies and regulatory reform.
