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Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

EPSRC new investigator award: applicant-led mode

Funding for early-career individuals to develop an independent research vision.

OpenEngineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilUnited Kingdom

This award supports early-career individuals in developing their own research vision, establishing a research group to pursue it, and building research independence and leadership in their field.

Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. It must be their first application to EPSRC as a project lead, subject to stated exceptions and eligibility requirements…

Applications may be in any field of research relevant to EPSRC’s remit, including artificial intelligence (AI), resilience and security, clean energy, engineering, healthcare technologies, information and communication technologies (ICT), sustainable manufacturing, mathematical sciences, physical sciences, and quantum technologies. The majority of the research must fall within EPSRC’s remit. Complex, multi-faceted research projects with many objectives are not appropriate, and the award is not intended as an alternative to a fellowship, standard mode grant or similar funding mechanism.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.20%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-196920Source: www.ukri.org