Economic and Social Research Council logo
ESRC Connect Awards (Pilot)

ESRC Connect Awards Pilot

Supports United Kingdom social science pilots with early funding bridges from ideas to applied innovation.

ClosedEconomic and Social Research CouncilUnited Kingdom
View on funder site
About

ESRC Connect Awards are a 2026 pilot programme funding exploratory, high-risk social science activities that build the foundations for future research. Awards range from £50,000 to £150,000 at 80% of full economic cost, drawn from a total pilot fund of £3,000,000. The programme opened on 7 April 2026 and closes for applications on 10 June 2026 at 4:00pm UK time via the UKRI Funding Service. All pr…

What this grant funds

Novel, exploratory, high-risk social science ideas. Activities include networking, seminars, workshops, knowledge exchange, initial data collection. Primary focus must be social sciences.

Key facts
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.null–6 months
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.£3M
Funding analytics

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Create free accountSign in
Industries

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Create free accountSign in
Eligibility criteria

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Create free accountSign in
Application process

Sign up free to see how to apply

Create free accountSign in
What you have to submit

Sign up free to see what you submit

Create free accountSign in
How they score you

Sign up free to see how they score you

Create free accountSign in
Timeline

Sign up free to see the timeline

Create free accountSign in
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.ukri.org