Research Infrastructure Renewal
UK Research and Innovation's Research Infrastructure Renewal grant funds upgrades to vital UK environmental science research facilities to boost capability and community access.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 21, 2026 (request approval for funding outside £300k–£1M) | October 21, 2026 (full application deadline, 4:00pm UK)
Funding Amounts: £300,000–£1,000,000 per award (100% FEC), total fund £8,000,000, project duration 3–12 months
Summary: Supports capital investments to renew and enhance existing environmental science research infrastructures, strengthening UK research capability and access.
Key Information: Applicants seeking funding outside the £300k–£1M range must obtain NERC approval by September 21, 2026.
Description
This opportunity, led by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), funds targeted capital investments to renew, replace, or enhance existing research infrastructures and facilities that are critical to environmental science in the UK. The scheme is designed to strengthen the resilience, performance, and accessibility of nationally important research capabilities, ensuring that the UK environmental science community retains access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. Projects must demonstrate broad community benefit, readiness for timely delivery, and clear plans to maximise the value and utilisation of upgraded infrastructure assets.
