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ESRC Responsive Mode: Research Grants

ESRC Responsive Mode Research Grants

Supports United Kingdom social science teams through flexible grants for independent evidence-building innovation.

Between cyclesEconomic and Social Research CouncilUnited Kingdom
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About

The Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Responsive Mode Research Grants are the UK's primary always-open funding mechanism for social science research. There is no fixed deadline — applications are submitted at any time via the UKRI Funding Service and assessed on a rolling basis. Awards range from £350,000 to £1,000,000 at full economic cost (FEC), with ESRC funding 80% and the host ins…

What this grant funds

Any topic or discipline within social sciences (>50% of effort). Basic, applied, and strategic research. Methodological development, surveys, and infrastructure projects included.

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