Future data services sandpit: transforming discovery and access
UKRI's Future data services sandpit funds collaborative projects to innovate discovery, access, and staff skills in social science data using advanced technology within ESRC infrastructures.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: July 16, 2026 (EOI deadline) | December 3, 2026 (Full proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £21.6 million total; 5–10 projects funded; ESRC funds 80% FEC; project duration 24–48 months.
Summary: Intensive sandpit for co-developing projects that transform discovery and access to social science data via ESRC infrastructures, emphasizing technology, data pipelines, and staff upskilling.
Description
This funding opportunity, led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), supports an intensive, collaborative sandpit designed to revolutionize how researchers discover and access social science data. The sandpit brings together experts in data management, curation, discovery, technology, and workforce development to co-develop projects that address challenges in data discovery, access to sensitive data, adoption of advanced technologies (including AI), and upskilling of data service staff. Projects must enhance existing ESRC social science data service infrastructures, aiming to create a seamless, federated, and user-centered data service landscape that benefits researchers, data depositors, and data service staff.
