UK Research and Innovation funds projects to advance the UK's conservation and heritage science infrastructure, fostering innovation and collaboration for long-term research capabilities.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 25, 2026 (Closing date)
Funding Amounts: £500,000–£1,500,000 per project (up to 24 months); total fund £6.2M; follow-on annual staff award of £120,000 (at 80% FEC) for up to 2 years post-project.
Summary: Supports projects to strengthen UK conservation and heritage science infrastructure, expand access and capability, and foster innovation through industry collaboration.
Key Information: Projects must start by April 1, 2027 and end by March 31, 2029.
This funding opportunity, administered by UKRI's Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), aims to enhance the UK's conservation and heritage science infrastructure. It is part of the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) Programme, focusing on expanding national capability, improving access to significant facilities, and addressing unmet user demand. The grant encourages collaborative projects, especially those involving industry partners (including SMEs), and supports the adoption of new technologies such as AI and genomics. Funded projects should deliver long-term improvements in capability and resilience, stimulate innovation, and reinforce the UK’s leadership in heritage science and conservation.