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ESRC Doctoral Focal Awards

Doctoral Focal Award Plus: Data-Driven Research

Supports United Kingdom doctoral data science teams with fellowships for evidence methods and innovation.

ClosedEconomic and Social Research CouncilUnited Kingdom
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About

The Doctoral Focal Award Plus: Data-Driven Research is a solo-ESRC programme pre-announced in May 2026, forming part of ESRC's Doctoral Focal Award programme line. The total fund is £5,750,000. When fully open, the award is expected to fund institutions to develop social scientists across career stages in data-driven research innovation, delivering doctoral training as well as targeted capacity-bu…

What this grant funds

Data-driven research innovation across social sciences. Training must span qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods. Funds up to eight studentships per year for three years.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.14 Oct 2026
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.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£5.8M
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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.ukri.org