Pushing the frontiers of environmental research
UK Research and Innovation's Pushing the frontiers of environmental research grant funds bold, multidisciplinary projects that advance core environmental science through curiosity-driven and innovative research.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: Rolling (no closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to £950,000 full economic cost (FEC) per project; NERC funds 80% FEC; typical duration 3–4 years
Summary: Supports ambitious, curiosity-driven research projects advancing fundamental environmental science, encouraging multidisciplinary and high-risk/high-reward approaches.
Key Information: Applications can be submitted at any time; open to researchers at any career stage based at eligible UK organisations.
Description
This opportunity, offered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through its Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), funds adventurous and ambitious research projects that push the boundaries of environmental science. The grant is designed to support curiosity-driven, high-reward research—whether pure, applied, technology-led, or policy-driven—provided it addresses significant questions within NERC’s remit. Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborations are strongly encouraged, and projects leveraging novel and critical technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, engineering biology, quantum technologies) are particularly welcomed. Researchers at any career stage may apply, and the scheme is open to both individuals and research groups.
