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ESRC Responsive Mode: New Investigator Grants

ESRC Responsive Mode New Investigator Grants

Supports first-time United Kingdom principal researchers with development-focused social science grants for independent project leadership.

OpenEconomic and Social Research CouncilUnited Kingdom
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About

ESRC Responsive Mode New Investigator Grants are an always-open funding scheme for early-career social scientists making the transition to independent research leadership. Applications are submitted at any time via the UKRI Funding Service with no fixed deadline; the current active round is Round Two, open since 29 September 2023. Awards range from £100,000 to £350,000 at full economic cost (FEC) …

What this grant funds

Any social science topic or methodology. Social sciences must represent more than 50% of research focus.

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–60 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.—
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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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Timeline

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.ukri.org