UK International Ocean Drilling Programme Site Survey
Funds UK-led site survey research to support international ocean drilling expeditions, advancing multidisciplinary studies of Earth's subseafloor, climate, tectonics, and hazards.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: July 14, 2026 (application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Total fund: £800,000 | Typical award: up to £500,000 (ship borne) or £187,500 (virtual); NERC funds 80% FEC; project duration up to 24 months
Summary: Supports UK-led site survey investigations to enable scientific ocean drilling expeditions, advancing multidisciplinary Earth and climate system research.
Description
This funding opportunity supports UK-led ship borne and virtual site survey investigations essential for developing applications to international scientific ocean drilling expeditions. Aligned with the 2050 Science Framework, it targets multidisciplinary subseafloor research addressing Earth's habitability, tectonic cycles, climate dynamics, feedbacks, tipping points, global cycles of energy and matter, and marine natural hazards. The grant aims to enable detailed geophysical characterisation of proposed drilling sites, facilitate early career researcher involvement, and foster international and industrial partnerships to maximise scientific impact and align with global research priorities. Both new data collection and processing of existing geophysical data are eligible, with a strong emphasis on innovative, collaborative, and impactful research proposals.
