EPSRC Network Plus

EPSRC Network Plus: Reimagining Circularity

Supports circular economy research in the United Kingdom through co-funded networking programmes in textiles and built systems.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), co-funded with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is investing £13 million across three Network Plus awards under the Reimagining Circularity programme. Each network addresses one of three circular economy challenge areas — textiles, the built environment, or data and metrics — with a maximum award of £4,328,000 per network (representing 80% of a £5.41 million full economic cost). The programme draws on the Network Plus model, which catalyses new research communities, coordinates interdisciplinary collaboration, and accelerates solutions to systemic circular economy challenges. Up to 50% of each award may be deployed as flexible funding for feasibility studies and pilot activities within the network.

The call follows a two-stage process: an outline stage that closed on 15 January 2026, followed by a full application stage for invited teams. UK universities must lead applications; businesses may participate only as project partners, not as applicants or leads. At least one industrial partner must be embedded in the network structure. Postdoctoral fellows cannot serve as project leads. International researchers may co-lead under specific UKRI international agreements. The programme spans interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, requiring teams that can bridge engineering, social science, design, and industrial practice.

Organisations shortlisted at the outline stage are now preparing full applications. This is an invite-only full-application stage for those already selected; new applicants cannot enter at this point. Teams that advance to full stage will undergo expert panel review and interviews before final decisions are made. Contact for queries is manufacturingandce@epsrc.ukri.org. The programme represents a significant EPSRC-Defra partnership to generate evidence and network capacity for the UK's transition to a circular economy across three strategically chosen domains.