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Natural Environment Research Council

Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy

Proof-of-concept support for autonomous environmental observing capability.

OpenNatural Environment Research CouncilUnited Kingdom

This funding supports proof-of-concept projects to develop, integrate, deploy and demonstrate innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric science or autonomous aerial systems for environmental applications.

Projects can develop and demonstrate autonomous sensing, instrumentation and measurement capabilities that advance atmospheric science, or autonomous aerial systems (UAS), sensing technolo…

Projects must develop and demonstrate innovative autonomous sensing, instrumentation and measurement capabilities that advance atmospheric science, or autonomous aerial systems (UAS), sensing technologies, instrumentation and measurement systems for environmental applications. Autonomous aerial systems projects must have UAS as a central component of the proposed approach. Atmospheric solutions do not need to be based on aerial platforms.

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.21 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.In-kind assistance
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£4M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-199656Source: www.ukri.org