ESRC React Awards (Pilot)
Provides fast-turnaround support for policy-relevant social science work that informs urgent government decisions.
React Awards are a pilot responsive-mode scheme for time-critical, policy-facing social science research. The total pilot fund is £1,500,000 with individual awards between £50,000 and £100,000. Projects must start within one month of funding confirmation and run for a maximum of six months. The programme requires at least one UK public sector collaborator who can action outputs within six months. Applications are submitted when ready (not to a single deadline) within the pilot window (7 April 2026 to 8 October 2026). The two-stage process involves an outline assessed within 10 working days before a full application is requested. Any career stage can apply; researchers new to ESRC grants are encouraged.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.