ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships

Summary: Your actual programme or proposed programme of activities should reflect your prior knowledge and experience and be designed to support your longer-term research career aspirations.

Your application must demonstrate a realistic and practicable programme of work. Some suggested activities which could be included are as follows, but it is important to note that you are not expected to complete all activities on this list:

• producing publications in order to help establish track record
• engaging with a range of different audiences to communicate research findings
• building networks to develop impact opportunities and inform and support further development
• collaborating with users through an internship or placement to help develop professional and transferrable skills and understanding of users’ organisations, provided they are an integral part of the fellowship
• further training to improve research and related skills
• developing funding proposals
• teaching, if this is aligned with the wider purposes of the fellowship (up to a maximum of six hours per week)
• research visits to internationally leading research organisations, either in the UK or abroad, for the purposes of research collaboration, training, and access to data or other resources not available at your host organisation.

New research cannot be funded through these fellowships.

Award: There’s no maximum limit but fellowships can only include the following costs: salary costs of the fellow; indirect costs; estate costs; up to a maximum of £7,500 for all other costs. The duration of this award is up to nine months full-time, or up to 18 months part-time. The duration of part-time awards should be pro-rated based on the fellow’s time commitment. Fellowships must start on 1 October 2026. We will consider requests for later start dates in exceptional circumstances.

Funder Deadline: 01 June 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: information@cam-dtp.ac.uk

Summary: Connect awards foster connections between researchers to scope, seed and grow emerging research fields and new areas of inquiry. The opportunity provides a space for early collaboration on ideas within and beyond the social sciences that are novel, exploratory and high-risk, helping to build the foundations for future strategically important research and innovation.

We will be looking for applications that bring researchers together, forming new collaborations across disciplines, or bringing together different fields of research to develop high-risk, exploratory or unconventional research ideas and approaches.

The size and length of awards will give researchers from different backgrounds the space to test the potential of emerging research fields and new areas of inquiry. Proposals should outline how collaborations will be developed and new areas of inquiry tested, for example, by applying ideas or methodologies from one field to another to stimulate new insights and challenge existing assumptions.

Award: The duration of this award is a maximum of six months, with projects expected to start on 1 October 2026. The FEC of your project can be between £50,000 and £150,000. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

Funder Deadline: 10 June 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: With widespread engagement across demographics, video games have become increasingly embedded in UK economy, culture and society. Over half of UK adults play video games (53%). This figure is higher among children and younger people, with nine in ten children aged 3 to 17 (89%) and young people aged 16 to 24 (85%) playing video games.

In recent years, a variety of practices have emerged at the intersection of video games and gambling, increasingly blurring the lines between the two and challenging traditional definitions. These include a wide spectrum of activities, such as esports betting, skins betting, loot boxes, social casino games and other simulated gambling products.

This opportunity will support research that investigates the relationship between gambling and video games. This can encompass both regulated gambling that is adjacent to video games, for example esports betting, and unregulated gambling-like activities in video games, for example social casinos and loot boxes. We are particularly interested to support research that explores:

• existing and emerging gambling and gambling-like phenomena in video games. This includes how different video games formats, platforms and technologies may intersect with gambling in distinct ways, with an eye to the potential need for different prevention and treatment strategies
• regulatory frameworks, both national and international, governing these phenomena. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of differing regulatory regimes and policy decisions, identifying grey areas, regulatory gaps and potential loopholes. It also includes proposing evidence-based recommendations to prevent or mitigate harms, promote player wellbeing and foster safe and responsible video games
• commercial determinants of health. This includes how market practices, design and monetisation approaches, and governance arrangements across relevant sectors may contribute to or mitigate gambling-related harms
• user engagement patterns, including how individuals interact with these phenomena, the platforms and channels through which they are accessed, and the role of advertising and promotion
• cross-sectoral connections, examining how gambling and gambling-like features in video games relate to other industries, and the regulatory environments within those sectors
• public attitudes towards the gamification of gambling and the incorporation of gambling-like features into video games. This includes the development of tools, resources and interventions aimed at enhancing public engagement, raising awareness and promoting positive behaviour change
• what works in terms of treating, preventing or reducing gambling-related harms associated with video games, including through game design and regulation

Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,000,000. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. Projects can last up to 36 months.

Funder Deadline: 23 July 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: React awards enable time-critical research to support policymakers and practitioners delivering frontline public services in the UK. Researchers must work with public sector partners to respond to emerging and urgent evidence needs and deliver impactful outputs within six months.

To facilitate this, the pilot will be open to applications on a responsive basis and use a streamlined decision process, allowing proposals to be assessed, funded and start delivering within weeks. Successful projects will be expected to start within a month of funding confirmation.

A central objective of this opportunity is to allow researchers to support urgent policymaker or practitioner evidence needs in the UK. Therefore, applications will be required to include at least one collaborating partner from the UK public sector who needs and is able to action the planned project outputs within six months of them being produced. Partnerships must be confirmed at the time of application, fully aligned in terms of activity objectives, and able to begin the collaboration immediately from the start of an award.

Award: The duration of this award is a maximum of six months. Projects must start within one month of funding confirmation. The FEC of your project can be between £50,000 and £100,000. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

Funder Deadline: 08 October 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

With the publication of the 2026-27 Work Programme of Horizon Europe and the UK’s associated member status, there are numerous funding opportunities available to Cambridge researchers. Net4Society have published a document highlighting SHSS Opportunities that span across the different clusters. Please click here to read. This PDF [here] also outlines specific opportunities for AHSS researchers.

The European Commission adopted the main Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, a €14 billion investment designed to drive research and innovation (R&I) across the EU's strategic goals. These goals include achieving climate neutrality, boosting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and innovation, and ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing world.

If you are a researcher working in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences and you have any questions about applying to Horizon Europe funding, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Dr Elizabeth Penner, AHSS Research Facilitator (EU/Intl funding)

You can sign up for our free daily EU grants and funding newsletter (English) by filling out this form. A digest of upcoming funding opportunities will arrive directly to your mailbox. If you would like to access all funding opportunities on our portal, you need to subscribe to the membership.

NEWS: ERC Scientific Council readjusts rules for reapplication

The ERC Scientific Council has listened to the concerns from members of the research community about the recent announcement on changes to the re-submission rules. The changes, intended to manage the surge in demand for ERC grants, pertain to calls for proposals in the 2027 ERC Work Programme. The Scientific Council has decided to readjust some of the announced changes. Read their response to the community.

RESOURCE: Horizon Europe National Contact Points Portal

The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe. NCPs are also established in many non-EU and non-associated countries ("third countries").

Summary:The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.

Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities. 

Funder Deadline: 27 August 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The ERC Plus Grant supports outstanding principal investigators who address major scientific challenges. Applications for ERC Plus Grants should be for projects that could not be carried out with a regular ERC grant. Applicants should explain how the proposed project goes beyond the scope of a regular ERC project, for example because it aims to transform the field or open new avenues of research. 

Scholars at all career stages can apply for an ERC Plus Grant if they have an outstanding record of scientific achievement at the forefront of their field. Their intellectual leadership will be evaluated in accordance with their career stage. A researcher will be allowed to hold only one ERC Plus Grant in their lifetime. 

Applications can be made in any field of research. The ERC's grants operate on a 'bottom-up' basis without predetermined priorities. 

Award: Up to €7 million with no possibility to request additional funding for projects a minimum of four years (48 months) and up to seven years (84 months) and with no reduction for projects that are shorter than seven years. 

Funder Deadline: 02 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The objective of PFs is to support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.

There are 2 types of Postdoctoral Fellowships:

European Postdoctoral Fellowships. They are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world to pursue their research career. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and can last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.

Global Postdoctoral Fellowships. They fund the mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts between 2 to 3 years, of which the first 1 to 2 years will be spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory return phase of 1 year to an organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of the EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.

Both types of fellowships may also include short-term secondments anywhere in the world during the fellowship (except during the return phase of a Global Fellowship).

In an effort to build bridges between the academic and non-academic sector, researchers can receive additional support to carry out a placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. This placement needs to take place at the end of their fellowship.

Award: Up to €7 million with no possibility to request additional funding for projects a minimum of four years (48 months) and up to seven years (84 months) and with no reduction for projects that are shorter than seven years. 

Funder Deadline: 09 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept funding is made available only to those who already have an ERC award to establish proof of concept of an idea that was generated in the course of their ERC-funded projects.

Frontier research often generates radically new ideas that drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges. The ERC PoC Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to PIs whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.

Proof of Concept Grants aim at maximising the value of the excellent research that the ERC funds, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects.

Award: A lump sum of € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.

Funder Deadline: 17 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The aim of the Synergy Grant is to support a small group (hereafter, the Synergy Grant Group) of two to four innovative and active Principal Investigators jointly addressing ambitious research problems that cannot be tackled by any single Principal Investigator and their team alone. Principal Investigators of any professional seniority, and with a competitive track record matching their career stage can apply. One of the Principal Investigators (except the Corresponding Principal Investigator) of the Synergy Grant Group may be hosted and engaged by an institution outside of the EU or an Associated Country.

Award: Up to a maximum of € 10 million for a period of 6 years (pro rata for projects of shorter duration). An additional € 4 million can be requested in the proposal in total to cover eligible “start-up” costs for researchers moving from a third country to the EU or an associated country and/or the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities and/or other major experimental and field work costs.

Funder Deadline: TBC, likely October/November 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: All applications should demonstrate that Academy funds are sought for a clearly defined, discrete piece of research, which will have an identifiable outcome on completion of the Academy-funded component of the research. The first recourse for funding should be to your own institution (where applicable).

Award: Applications will not be considered for less than £500. The maximum grant is £10,000 over two years.

Funder Deadline: 03 June 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.

Award: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses.

Funder Deadline: 21 July 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
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Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.

Funder Deadline: 28 July 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. 

Research questions should generate knowledge that leads to a shift in understanding or delivers new insight into how human life and health work. We welcome proposals that may have a clinical or societal impact or have translational potential, but the focus should be on discovery research.   

We fund research into the: 

• fundamental processes that underpin biology, to understand more about how human life works
• complexities of human health and disease, including clinical and population-based approaches
• burden of disease and its determinants where this brings new and transformational knowledge
• development of methodologies, conceptual frameworks, technologies, tools or techniques that could benefit health-related research
• needs, values and priorities of the people and communities affected by disease and health disparities
• social, ethical, cultural, political, economic and historical contexts of human health and disease.

Award: The average size of a Discovery Award is £3.5 million. Applications above £5 million will be subject to additional scrutiny. Awards can be up to 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and may be longer if held on a part-time basis. The average duration of a Discovery Award is 7 years, although we have supported awards from 3 to 8 years.

Funder Deadline: 22 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: The Trust invites applications for Leverhulme Research Centres that will not only conduct research of outstanding originality but also aspire to achieve a significant step-change in scholarship. The Trust aims to encourage new approaches that may establish or reshape a field of study and so transform our understanding of a significant contemporary topic. Applicants are, therefore, invited to be bold in compiling their bids. The centres should have the capacity to become recognised internationally for excellence in their chosen area. 

The Trust has a reputation for encouraging higher-risk research, which is therefore often fundamental or curiosity-driven – so-called ‘blue skies’ – and multi-disciplinary. The expectation is that centres will draw upon a range of disciplinary perspectives and expertise, perhaps bringing new disciplinary mixes to bear on a particular topic. 

Award: Up to £10 million is available for up 10 years.

Funder Deadline: February 2027. This will be a restricted call.

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and the Research Strategy Office.

Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.

Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.

Funder Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk

Summary: The Impact Starter Fund sits within the schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities wider AHSS impact hub, providing a supportive space for researchers to explore early-stage impact and knowledge exchange ideas. As the first step to achieving impact, it helps researchers develop skills, explore approaches, build the collaborations needed for creating real-world impact, and longer-term engagement with partners and collaborators. 
 
At a glance: 

• Funding available up to £15,000 per project   
• Rolling call with no deadline  
• Project duration can be up to 6 months, and all funds must be spent within the project timelines  
• Activities must demonstrate a link with underpinning research  
• Applicants are encouraged to consider novel and innovative approaches to participatory methods and knowledge exchange  
• Applicants are encouraged to consider ways in which projects might contribute to the broader culture of engagement and collaboration,  develop researchers’ skills, partnerships, participatory methods, and knowledge exchange approaches. 

 
All AHSS Researchers (post PhD) and UTOs are eligible to apply.
 

Award: Between £10,000–£15,000 to support 3–6 month projects.

Funder Deadline: Rolling basis

Research Facilitation Contact: All interested applicants are strongly encouraged contact Dr Lucy Sheerman (Arts and Humanities Impact Facilitator) and Dr Tina Basi (Social Sciences Impact Facilitator) to discuss their proposal before application.

Summary: Designed to provide support for emergency bridging or underwriting needs for early career, postdoctoral, researchers. Such needs will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should focus on retaining exceptional staff members during funding gaps.

Award: Up to £30,000 for a project duration between 3 and 6 months.

Funder Deadline: 04 June 2026

Contact: Katie Barnes, Deputy Trust Administrator, at administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk

Beyond participation: Route into sport for girls and women
REMINDER: The Women and Equalities Committee will examine different ways women and girls can be involved in sport beyond participating as athletes, players and competitors.

It will consider coaching, sports science, officiating as referees and umpires, roles in club administration and sports governance, plus access to sports journalism and broadcasting. The inquiry will explore access from grassroots level and pathways to professional and elite careers. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 08 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Geography, Law, Media and Communication Studies

Neuroscience and digital childhoods
REMINDER: Exposure to digital technologies is an everyday experience for children, in how they play, learn, and connect with their families, friends and wider society. This exposure results in a complex picture of benefits and risks related to children’s physical and cognitive development and physical and mental health. There is a lot of data about device use and online habits but how the use of a wide range of digital devices affects development in childhood and adolescence is less clear.

The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is launching an inquiry into neuroscience and digital childhoods to examine the impact of digital devices on brain development, as well as physical impacts, the differences between devices and uses, and the differing impacts on those of different ages and from different backgrounds.

Deadline to submit evidence: 10 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Education, Geography, Law, Linguistics, Media and Communication Studies, Science and Technology Studies

The transition from child to adult health and social care services
REMINDER: The Health and Social Care Committee has established and commissioned a politically impartial panel of experts to conduct an evaluation – independently of the Committee – of the services provided to individuals moving from child to adult health and social care. The Expert Panel will produce a report after each evaluation which will be sent to the Committee to review and undertake follow-up work. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 10 May 2026

Security, safety and protest: the role of Human Rights
REMINDER: The Joint Committee on Human Rights has launched a new inquiry to examine recent changes to laws relating to protest. 

In recent years, Parliament has passed legislation to give police more powers to police and restrict protest. New criminal offences have been established for protest related activities. The Government has argued that the growth of protests in recent years had placed an intolerable pressure on police resources. It also cited the changing nature of protest, with an increase in “guerilla tactics” causing unacceptable levels of disruption to wider society and fear in targeted communities. 

Civil liberties organisations and protest groups have criticised the measures for restricting the right to protest, warning that the crackdown on protest and harsh new powers that treats the peaceful expression of dissent as a criminal act. 

In this new inquiry, the Joint Committee on Human Rights will examine if the Government has struck the right balance between its duty to protect the public and its duty to respect the right to protest. It will also examine the reforms meet the UK’s human rights obligations. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 13 May 2026
Relevant discipline: History, Law, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, Political Theory, Science and Technology Studies, Visual Arts

Investment in research infrastructure
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Government has an ambition for the UK to be “one of the top three places in the world to create, invest in and scale-up a fast-growing technology business by 2035”. Overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will be central to achieving this aim. UKRI is responsible for almost all of the UK’s research and innovation facilities and equipment, and spent £1.2bn on building, maintaining and upgrading research infrastructure in 2024-25.  

In 2025, a report from the Public Accounts Committee warned there was a lack of clearly defined objectives for UKRI making it difficult for DSIT to hold it accountable. The report also warned that UKRI was reliant on outdated IT systems and was unable to demonstrate how it monitors and manages its risk appetite in relation to its investment portfolio.  

The National Audit Office’s (NAO) 2026 report found that although UKRI and DSIT appear to have a clearer understanding of future infrastructure requirements, they have been too slow in replacing the UK’s supercomputers. The report also warned that UKRI is not carrying out enough maintenance to keep its estate in an acceptable condition. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 14 May 2026
 

Low-energy computing
NEW OPPORTUNITY: AI model sizes and data volumes are growing significantly. At the same time, areas like quantum computing and protein synthesis also require increasing amounts of computational power.

This trend is exerting increasing demands on energy supplies, and it has been suggested that new innovations in silicon photonics and neuromorphic computing could offer a solution. 

The Science, Innovation and Technology committee is examining how realistic a possibility this is, when breakthroughs might be expected to take place and what the government is doing to support research and innovation activity in this area.

This inquiry has been launched following pitches made to the committee as part of its Under the Microscope initiative. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 14 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Architecture and Design, Science and Technology Studies

Numeracy for Life
REMINDER: The Committee is looking to hear from as many individuals and organisations as possible with an interest, experience or expertise in numeracy. The Committee hopes to learn about opportunities, challenges and barriers, success stories and practical examples, and prospects for the future. In particular, evidence of successful outcomes in the teaching of adults- be it remedial or for those were not engaged in learning during their childhood.

We are interested in practical approaches that have worked in real world situations, and would be interested in hearing from any person or organisation with examples that they believe are scalable and cost effective to motivate and support adults in navigating personal financial decisions, managing their health and succeeding in their work lives.

 
Deadline to submit evidence: 15 May 2026

Government's intervention in British Steel
REMINDER: Rising energy prices, decarbonisation, uncertainty over trade and tariffs from the EU and US, as well as increased global competition have placed the UK’s steel industry under significant pressure in recent years. In January 2026, British Steel employed 4,052 permanent staff and had a production capacity of three million tonnes per year. British Steel currently supplies 80% of Network Rail’s steel requirements under a £500 million contract and its Scunthorpe site is home to the UK’s last remaining blast furnaces. In April 2025, the UK Government passed emergency legislation in a day to prevent the closure of British Steel’s blast furnaces, following concerns that they would be closed, putting UK industries and jobs at risk.  

The Public Accounts Committee published a report in June 2025 which highlighted the competing priorities for government when supporting industries, such as steel, whilst also working within the constraints of existing policies, such as those designed to support decarbonisation. The Committee called for greater transparency on how decisions are made in such circumstances, and for government to set out the measures it will take to ensure it can respond effectively to emerging issues that affect UK businesses. 

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) found government has spent £377m on its intervention so far, with no clear end date or exit strategy. The report also stated that the intervention has not stabilised the company’s finances, and costs will continue to increase until the intervention has ended. Proceeding from the NAO report, the Committee will take evidence from senior government officials on topics including current operations, as well as future concerns and risks. The Committee also plans to hear from who are dependent on the successful delivery of the Government’s intervention. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 18 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Diplomacy and International Relations, Science and Technology Studies

Sizewell C
REMINDER: Sizewell C is a planned large-scale nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast. Funded by the government in partnership with the energy provider EDF, as well as private finance, the project is projected to cost £40.5bn to £47.7bn. When constructed, it will have a generating capacity of 3.2GW, meaning it will be able to generate around 7% of the UK’s current electricity demand. 

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) previously reported on the government's deal with EDF to construct a nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, the site with Sizewell C will be based on. The PAC were concerned that that government's negotiations were not championing the interests of consumers, who might be locked into an expensive deal for decades, and warned that the poorest would likely be the hardest hit. In its response, the Government accepted all of the PAC’s recommendations and stated the actions it planned to take in response. 

The National Audit Office (NAO) will publish its report on Sizewell C in spring 2026. Following the NAO’s investigation, which is likely to examine the government’s current spend, as well as the potential risks to achieving value for taxpayer’s money, the PAC will hear from senior officials at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Sizewell C on the reports key findings. 

Deadline to submit evidence: 18 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Law

Tourism
REMINDER: The inquiry, which will cover both domestic and international tourism, will explore how the UK promotes itself overseas, the role of culture and heritage in attracting visitors and how the UK competes with other destinations.

The Office for National Statistics estimated that tourism in the UK accounted for £58 billion of economic output in 2023, while 2024 was the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that visitor numbers have exceeded 2019 levels.

With the Government setting an ambition for overseas visitor numbers to rise from 42.5 million in 2024 to 50 million by 2030, the inquiry will consider whether its current policies are supporting the growth, international competitiveness and long-term resilience of the sector.

The inquiry will also examine the impact of policy changes, including the proposal to give mayors powers to charge an overnight levy, alongside wider challenges such as energy price inflation and rising employment costs.

MPs will also investigate the sector’s recovery from the pandemic and the effectiveness of the DCMS’s work with VisitBritain, VisitEngland and devolved administrations.

Deadline to submit evidence: 18 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Creative Industries, Culture and Museum Studies, Drama and Theatre Studies, Geography, Heritage Studies, Language and Literature, Music, Visual Arts

UK trade with the EU
REMINDER: At a Joint Summit in May 2025, the UK and EU agreed to a Security and Defence Partnership, and published a “Common Understanding”, setting out shared commitments to deepen cooperation. Progress since that initial summit has been limited, with core areas for agreement still to conclude. 

The Business and Trade Committee therefore wishes to assess the delivery and expected benefits of the Government’s EU reset to date, and to examine whether the current approach is the right model to achieve the UK’s aims.

Deadline to submit evidence: 18 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Creative Industries, Diplomacy and International Relations, Drama and Theatre Studies, Law, Music, Visual Arts

UK trade with the US
REMINDER: The Business and Trade Committee is conducting its bi-annual stock take on the UK-US economic and trade agreements, building on its baseline report US Economic Prosperity Deal (HC 1306, 2024–26). 

Since that report, the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) framework has been extended through a Technology Prosperity Deal (TPD) and an agreement on pharmaceutical tariffs. The Committee invites evidence on what has been delivered, and the priorities for future UK-US collaboration.

Deadline to submit evidence: 18 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Diplomacy and International Relations, Law

HM Treasury and the economics of climate and nature
REMINDER: The Environmental Audit Committee is examining the role of HM Treasury in shaping the UK’s response to climate change, nature loss and wider environmental sustainability. The Government’s economic policy objective includes a commitment to “accelerate the transition to a climate resilient, nature positive and net zero economy”.

This inquiry will explore how HM Treasury influences the Government’s approach to climate change, nature loss and environmental sustainability through economic policy, appraisal frameworks and funding decisions. It will also assess the extent to which these objectives are reflected in practice, including whether climate, nature and environmental sustainability are recognised as contributors to long term growth and resilience. In addition, the inquiry will consider how effectively climate and environment related risks and opportunities are assessed within economic and fiscal decisions, and what impact HM Treasury has in addressing them.https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/letter/2024/mpc-letter-remit-2024.pdf

Remit for the Monetary Policy Committee

Read the call for evidence for more information about this inquiry, and to find out how to submit written evidence through the Committee's online evidence submission portal.

Deadline to submit evidence: 21 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Law

Trade in a turbulent world: how should the UK deploy its trade
REMINDER: The International Agreements Committee, chaired by Lord Johnson of Lainston, is launching an inquiry titled “Trade in a turbulent world: how should the UK deploy its trade instruments?”. Growing trade turbulence and tariff volatility internationally, along with the rise of the services sector and digital economy, has led to a proliferation in sector specific agreements and ‘mini deals’ in trade policy, going beyond traditional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The inquiry seeks to scrutinise the Government’s approach to different types of trade agreement within the broader geopolitical context for rules-based trade.

Deadline to submit evidence: 22 May 2026
Relevant disciplines: Architecture and Design, Creative Industries, Culture and Museum Studies, Diplomacy and International Relations, Drama and Theatre Studies, Heritage Studies, History, Information and Communication Technologies, Language and Literature, Law, Library and Information Studies, Media and Communication Studies, Music, Science and Technology Studies, Visual Arts

Reconciliation
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Reconciliation remains central to the vision of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, whose multi‑party negotiators affirmed that lasting peace in Northern Ireland depended not only on strong political structures but on honouring those who suffered “the tragedies of the past” by “dedicating ourselves to the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust, and to the protection and vindication of the human rights of all. (The Belfast Agreement - GOV.UK, p.1)

Almost 30 years later, however, reconciliation remains one of the most complex aspects of the peace process. Following our inquiry into the legacy of the past, we have agreed to examine societal reconciliation in greater depth, recognising the significance of reconciliation both within and, crucially, beyond the framework of legacy legislation.

Read our call for evidence here for more detail about the inquiry and how to contribute your views.

Deadline to submit evidence: 01 June 2026
Relevant disciplines: Architecture and Design, Development Studies and Area Studies, Diplomacy and International Relations, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Language and Literature, Law, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Political Theory, Social Anthropology, Theology Divinity and Religion, Visual Arts, War Studies / Peace Studies

Regulation of water, energy and broadband
NEW OPPORTUNITY: The Public Accounts Committee’s 2025 report on water sector regulation found that a failing sector had been left to flounder, with piecemeal regulators missing in action, further scrutinising the work of Ofwat in January 2026. Its inquiry into improving broadband in 2021 found that digital inequality was compounding the economic inequality harshly exposed by the COVID pandemic. Its 2022 report into the regulation of energy suppliers found that Ofgem’s failures had come at a considerable cost to energy billpayers.

The National Audit Office (NAO) will publish the findings of its report into Regulating water, energy and broadband to protect consumers in summer 2026.

The NAO is likely consider if regulators are meetings customer experience expectations and how they are protecting customers at higher risk of experiencing harm or detriment. Following the publication, the PAC will hear from senior officials at the key regulatory bodies Ofcom, Ofwat and Ofgem on the findings of the report, as well as consumer rights groups.

Deadline to submit evidence: 01 June 2026
Relevant disciplines: Law

Fiscal devolution in England
NEW OPPORTUNITY: The Economic Affairs Committee is launching an inquiry into fiscal devolution in England. The inquiry will consider what form fiscal devolution might take, its distributional consequences, and what governance arrangements might be needed as more powers are devolved to local areas. The committee has issued a call for written evidence and will be taking oral evidence from May 2025.

Deadline to submit evidence: 05 June 2026
Relevant disciplines: Archaeology, Architecture and Design, Creative Industries, Culture and Museum Studies, Development Studies and Area Studies, Drama and Theatre Studies, Geography, Heritage Studies, History, Law, Music, Philosophy, Political Theory, Visual Arts

Financial sustainability of the British Council
NEW OPPORTUNITY: The British Council is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Founded 90 years ago, the Council has a well-established history in promoting UK culture, education and the English language across the globe.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the British Council saw a steep fall in its revenues as it was forced to suspend many of its income-generating activities, such as English language teaching. In response, the FCDO provided the British Council with a loan, of which around £197m remains outstanding. The current loan term comes to an end in September 2026; however, the Council has indicated it is unlikely to be able to pay back the remaining balance under the current arrangements.

The National Audit Office (NAO) will publish the findings of its investigation into the financial sustainability of the British Council in summer 2026.

The investigation is likely to examine the current financial position of the British Council and its relationship with the FCDO. Following the publication, the PAC will hear from senior officials at the FCDO and the British Council to discuss the reports key findings.

Deadline to submit evidence: 05 June 2026
Relevant disciplines: Culture and Museum Studies, Diplomacy and International Relations, Education, Language and Literature

HMRC's anti-fraud intervention on child benefit
NEW OPPORTUNITY: In 2024-25, material levels of fraud and error in child benefit stood at £270m. HM Revenue & Customs launched a new intervention in 2025 to tackle fraud and error in child benefit cases, which aimed to save c.£350m over five years. HMRC used Home Office flight data to identify suspicious cases where the child or family might no longer be resident in the UK. Initially, this meant that HMRC suspended payments of Child Benefit immediately for identified cases, without notifying people first. As of January 2026, HMRC reports that it had reinstated payments for over 70% of initial cases, and has modified its approach.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has a long-standing interest in how government tackles error and fraud. The PAC found in 2023 that large gaps remained in government’s understanding of its exposure to the risks of fraud and corruption against it. The Treasury Select Committee (TSC) looked at HMRC’s intervention in this area in November 2025, criticising the tax authority’s approach as cavalier. The TSC found that HMRC removed employment checks when expanding the use of flight data to detect child benefit fraud, after which 23,794 claimants had their payments suspended.

The National Audit Office (NAO) publishes its independent assessment into HMRC’s child benefit fraud-and-error intervention in summer 2026.

Proceeding from the NAO’s investigation, which will examine the intervention in detail and what lessons have been learned from it, the PAC will hear from witnesses including senior HMRC officials as it examines how the risks and complexities associated with trialling new methods of tackling fraud and error can be managed by government.

Deadline to submit evidence: 03 July 2026  

Electronic Voting
Reminder: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: Electronic Voting. The Procedure Committee is interested in the potential merits and pitfalls of introducing electronic voting arrangements for divisions (votes) in the House of Commons. They are interested in:

• lessons from similar temporary arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as impacts on other procedures of the House. Political and constitutional historians may have useful insight;
• the impact of current, and potential other, arrangements on Members with protected characteristics, and the general impact of electronic voting on other procedures of the House. Lawyers and constitutional legal scholars may have useful insight;
• potential perceptual risks and the impact of current, and potential other, arrangements on Members with protected characteristics. Philosophers working either on issues around trust and respect for Parliament/authority or equality may have useful insight;
• potential perceptual risks and the impact of current, and potential other, arrangements on Members with protected characteristics. Political theorists working either on issues around trust and respect for Parliament/authority or equality may have useful insight.

No deadline to submit evidence.

Relevant disciplines: History, Law, Philosophy, Political Theory

Led by Professor Mónica Moreno Figueroa (University of Cambridge, Director of GRIST), this session invites participants to reflect on the personal, political, academic, and emotional realities of researching and living with racism, classism, sexism, ableism, and other intersecting injustices.

Through collective listening, guided reflection, and an embodied movement practice led by choreographer Bim Malcomson, participants will explore connection, collaboration, and new ways of thinking together.

A unique opportunity to deepen collective engagement, strengthen ethical scholarship, and build community.

This workshop is about recognising creative impulses in oneself and others and learning how to make space for playful self-expression despite the pressures. We will (1) demystify what it is to be creative in academia; (2) share our projects, ideas and fantasies; (3) imagine actionable plans on how to create a creative community at your institution.

The session will be facilitated by Anatoliii Kozlov, a scientist-turned-philosopher and a creative practitioner. In the past two years, he facilitated TheCultureLab project at the PDN and CST Departments.

“The depth of the conversations: I never spoke with anyone from the
Department on that level” – participant of TheCultureLab

Tea, coffee and snacks will be served.

The DAAD-University of Cambridge Research Hub for German Studies works closely together with the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG - German Research Foundation).
 
The DFG is the central self-governing research funding organisation in Germany. The DFG serves the sciences and humanities and promotes research of the highest quality in all its forms and disciplines at universities and non-university research institutions. The focus is on funding projects developed by the academic community itself in the area of knowledge-driven research. DFG takes particular care to promote international cooperation, early career researchers, gender equality and diversity in science and the humanities and supports international cooperation in all its funding programmes.
 
On 12 May, DFG colleagues will hold an information session to give a short overview about funding opportunities for international collaboration within the DFG funding portfolio, concluding with a Q&A session on UK-German research cooperation. We are also delighted to welcome Andreas Hoeschen, Director of the DAAD London Office, who will outline DAAD funding opportunities beyond the Cambridge DAAD Hub.
 
The event will take place at 15:30 on 12 May in the General Board Room at the Old Schools (please go to the reception at the Old Schools).
 
Please register for the event via Eventbrite and please note there are only 21 spaces available. Please also send this on to anyone you think might have an interest in attending the event.

The UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is holding an information webinar for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call (opening date: 9 April 2026, and deadline: 9 September 2026).

The webinar aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the call, including the eligibility criteria, budget, and other points for consideration.

The event is aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industry and funding organisations, who are interested in the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call.

Programme outline

The webinar will cover the following topics:

• Overview and Eligibility Rules
• Funding
• Novelties 2026-2027 Work Programme
• Submission and Evaluation Criteria
• Question and Answer Session

With the share of lump sum calls and topics in Horizon Europe increasing each year, applicants interested in learning more about this funding approach are strongly encouraged to participate in this or future events that form part of the Commission’s wider information campaign on lump sum funding.

Furthermore, lump sum funding is expected to become the default funding approach in the next next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), also called Horizon Europe (2028-2034).

Where can I find out more about lump sum funding in Horizon Europe?
Further information about lump sums in Horizon Europe can be found on the Commission’s dedicated website.

This section of the Funding & Tenders Portal includes links to useful guides, Q&A and tips from participants in lump sum projects.

Programme outline
(UK time)

09:00 – Welcome and agenda
09:10 – Lump Sum Funding in Horizon Europe: How does it work? How to write a lump sum proposal?
09:45 – Practical experience with lump sum grants.
Panel discussion with invited guests moderated by Andreia CHICOS (RTD.H3)
10:15 – Coffee break
10:20 – Q&A session
11:00 – End of the meeting

Technical specifications
The event is free of charge and registration is not required. It will be webstreamed live on the event page via You Tube. Participants will be able to ask questions via Slido. The presentation slides and video recording will be available on the event page after the event.

The UK National Contact Point for the European Research Council (ERC), is organising a webinar for researchers who are interested in applying for the 2026 ERC Advanced Grant call (ERC-2026-AdG).

Attendance will be free of charge, but registration for each webinar is required.  The webinar will provide information on the submission process, how proposals are evaluated and other elements you'll need to consider when designing a project for your research excellence idea. 

Also joining is, is Professor Adam Carter from the University of Glasgow who will share details of his journey towards getting an ERC Advanced grant.

The session will last 2 hours with a break midway through. The overall aim of this webinar is to provide participants with detailed, practical information about the ERC Advanced Grant scheme. 

Participants should gain a deeper understanding of the proposal format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing and costing a proposal. The evaluation procedure and how to approach writing an application will also be explained. 

The scheme implements doctoral programmes by partnerships of organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond to train highly skilled doctoral candidates, stimulate their creativity, enhance their innovation capacities and boost their employability in the long-term.

These doctoral programmes will respond to well-identified needs in various research and innovation areas, expose the researchers to the academic and non-academic sectors, and offer research training, as well as transferable skills and competences relevant for innovation and long-term employability.

Aim of the event
The webinar aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the call, including the eligibility criteria, budget, and other points for consideration.

Who should attend?
The event is aimed at researchers and other staff in UK academic and non-academic organisations, including industry and funding organisations, who are interested in the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 Call.

Programme outline
The webinar will cover the following topics:

• Overview and Eligibility Rules
• Funding
• Novelties 2026-2027 Work Programme
• Submission and Evaluation Criteria
• Question and Answer Session

The British Academy will be holding its next webinar for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences interested in applying for European Research Council (ERC) grants on Friday, 19 June, from 10:30-12:00 (BST). This webinar will focus on the ERC Advanced Grants 2026 Call, which will open on 28 May 2026.  

The webinar will be led by Professor Patrick Haggard FBA and British Academy Fellows who have experience with ERC Grants and panels. 

The aim of the webinar is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the proposal and evaluation format and the key issues they are required to address in planning, writing, and costing a proposal. 

There is an opportunity to have your B1 draft proposal reviewed by the panel. If selected, your B1 proposal will be discussed during the webinar (all names and personal details will be removed). Please note that the webinar will not be recorded. Please note that not all B1 proposals will be reviewed; however, the guidance provided is designed to benefit all attendees. 

If you would like to attend the webinar, please register using the form linked below by Thursday, 18 June at 12:00 (noon).

If you would like to submit a B1 draft proposal to be considered for feedback during the webinar, please register your interest on the registration form and send your B1 draft to Barbora Krasova (b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk) no later than Thursday, 4 June 12:00 (noon).

Please note that, as outlined above, it is not guaranteed that all B1 proposals will be reviewed. 

Summary: Your proposed activities should galvanise arts and humanities research previously funded by AHRC/UKRI to deliver meaningful real-world change through significant economic, social, cultural, or policy impact.

UKRI Translation: AHRC Proof of Concept Opportunity aims to:

• facilitate ambitious arts and humanities projects to realise measurable, real-world change
• provide flexible support for innovative pathways to impact, whether projects are pivoting to new contexts and collaborations, amplifying existing impact activity or at the early stage of developing commercialisation outcomes
• sustain and maximise excellent models of co-design, co-development and partnership working to deliver tangible outputs that demonstrate the transformational benefits of arts and humanities research
• encourage and enable a range of pathways to impact between arts and humanities research and a variety of user communities, including business, third sector and heritage sector, public policy, voluntary and community groups, or the general public
• celebrate and support meaningful arts and humanities contributions to economic growth and government priorities.

Award: Up to £150,000. AHRC will fund 80% of the fEC for projects up to five years in duration.

Funder Deadline: Open call

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: React awards enable time-critical research to support policymakers and practitioners delivering frontline public services in the UK. Researchers must work with public sector partners to respond to emerging and urgent evidence needs and deliver impactful outputs within six months.

To facilitate this, the pilot will be open to applications on a responsive basis and use a streamlined decision process, allowing proposals to be assessed, funded and start delivering within weeks. Successful projects will be expected to start within a month of funding confirmation.

A central objective of this opportunity is to allow researchers to support urgent policymaker or practitioner evidence needs in the UK. Therefore, applications will be required to include at least one collaborating partner from the UK public sector who needs and is able to action the planned project outputs within six months of them being produced. Partnerships must be confirmed at the time of application, fully aligned in terms of activity objectives, and able to begin the collaboration immediately from the start of an award.

Award: The duration of this award is a maximum of six months. Projects must start within one month of funding confirmation. The FEC of your project can be between £50,000 and £100,000. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

Funder Deadline: TBC

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: Connect awards foster connections between researchers to scope, seed and grow emerging research fields and new areas of inquiry. The opportunity provides a space for early collaboration on ideas within and beyond the social sciences that are novel, exploratory and high-risk, helping to build the foundations for future strategically important research and innovation.

We will be looking for applications that bring researchers together, forming new collaborations across disciplines, or bringing together different fields of research to develop high-risk, exploratory or unconventional research ideas and approaches.

The size and length of awards will give researchers from different backgrounds the space to test the potential of emerging research fields and new areas of inquiry. Proposals should outline how collaborations will be developed and new areas of inquiry tested, for example, by applying ideas or methodologies from one field to another to stimulate new insights and challenge existing assumptions.

Award: The duration of this award is a maximum of six months, with projects expected to start on 1 October 2026. The FEC of your project can be between £50,000 and £150,000. ESRC will fund 80% of the FEC.

Funder Deadline: TBC

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This is a pre-announcement and the information may change. When the funding opportunity opens, more information will be available on this page. Please contact us if you are interested in this opportunity and we will notify you when the opportunity is updated and open.

The aims of this opportunity will be:

• to identify a team and host institution to lead Northern Ireland Assembly and UK General Election studies in Northern Ireland between 2026 and 2036
• to deliver data collection on the anticipated 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly election and the anticipated 2029 UK General Election in Northern Ireland

ESRC’s objectives for the successful applicant will be to:

• produce high-quality data that meets the needs of the research, policy and practice communities, building on the existing politically independent time series data, and ensure those communities have timely access to the data
• promote the use of the data by the research and wider stakeholder communities, including to maximise the public benefit of the data through informing policy, practice and the public
• collaborate with the other UK election studies to facilitate meaningful comparison of elections in the UK and the views and behaviour of UK electorates

Award: The duration of this award is a maximum of 60 months. The scheme will fund: Staff costs; Data collection, distribution and promotion; Engagement and collaboration activity; Travel and subsistence.

Funder Deadline: TBC

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: The ESRC have announced their New Investigator Grant scheme. This scheme is suitable for early career researchers who have yet to make the transition to be an independent researcher. Proposals are welcome in any topic which falls within ESRC’s remit, including projects at the “interface with the wider sciences”, provided that social sciences accounts for at least 50% of the proposed research.
 
University Internal selection
The ESRC expect the University to run an internal selection process to ensure that we submit only bids from outstanding individuals with the potential to become the research leaders of the future. The University may only submit a limited number of applications. To meet these requirements, this call will be overseen by a cross-school Committee, as decided by University’s Research Policy Committee. 
 
There are three internal calls every year (MT, LT and ET).  Only applicants whose proposals have been approved through the internal selection process will be allowed to proceed with submission of their applications to ESRC. 
 
Interested applicants should submit an online application.   
 
You will be required to upload the following:

• Your research project proposal (template found here) 
• A letter of support from your Head of Department 
  • This letter is very important to the success of the application as it is needed to confirm the details of the departmental support and the applicant’s eligibility. The letter must also specify a department/faculty based mentor, and a reviewer, both of whom have agreed to provide feedback on the full proposal, should the applicant be selected to proceed. The reviewer may be from within or outside the applicant’s department/faculty. Please note that naming a reviewer is an internal requirement, and the reviewer will not be named on the full application to ESRC. The mentor and the named reviewer will be expected to provide feedback on the full proposal prior to submission to ESRC. This will be coordinated by the School Research Facilitator.
• A Worktribe report
  • The report should show the preliminary costing for the project, including the cost of the applicant’s salary and research assistance (if required).The costing should be created as a full project with submission set to 2150  - not a standalone costing. A UKRI Submission Report should be run. The Worktribe report should not be submitted for ROO approval at this stage; the costing is for indicative purposes only, to inform the internal selection. It will be possible to modify it after the internal selection. Please attach it as a .pdf document, rather than an Excel file. 

Award: The ESRC will award grants of between £100-350K (covered at 80%fEC).

Internal Deadline: 13 March 2026, internal selection deadline

Research Facilitation Contact: If you have any questions, please write to ESRCNewInv@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Summary: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has pre-announced their UKRI Translation: Proof of Concept call, due to open on the 4th March, to support the commercialisation of research.
 
This opportunity aims to support and accelerate the development of new or improved technologies, products, processes, and services arising from research activities. Supporting early-to-mid stage commercialisation activities that validate the development of concepts that arose from research, applications are welcomed from across all research disciplines and research councils’ remit (AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC and STFC) including cross and multi-disciplinary approaches.

This scheme aims to fund projects that are not eligible for funding applications via existing UKRI funding opportunities or those projects that have been funded by other mechanisms and that now require further de-risking at a larger scale. The programme will not support fundamental or curiosity-driven research, discovery research, the simple extension or continuity of on-going work between research grants, public engagement activities, or the filing of intellectual property, for example, patent, trademark or registered design. The full economic cost (FEC) can be up to £250,000 for 9 months duration (please note this change from the first round) with a minimum of £100,000. UKRI will fund 80% FEC. For further information, see the call webpage here.

University Internal selection:  

Please note that unlike the first round, there is no expression of interest stage for this call. The University can only submit 4 applications. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure. 

To participate in the internal selection process, please complete our online form by 19th March 2026. NB: if asked to log-in, please use your crsid/Raven details.

You will need the following documents and information to complete the online form:  

• Applicant name, department and email address
• Project title
• Project summary (maximum 800 words):
  • Clearly describe your proposed work in terms of:
    • the user needs and market opportunity your project addresses
    • the aims and objectives and how you are addressing this challenge
    • the proposed route to applications and markets
    • the benefits to potential users or customers
  • And briefly describe how the team has the relevant experience and right balance of skills to deliver the proposed work
• Applicant’s brief CV (maximum 3 pages): DORA principles should be considered when presenting research outputs
• A List of members of the core team and their roles
• Head of Department support letter confirming support for the application

Internal Assessment Criteria: 
Please note that the assessment of internal applications will be carried out by a specialist panel with knowledge of Proof of Concept, focussing on the following core funder criteria: 

• Opportunity: the project is timely given current trends and has the potential to address a business need, technological challenge, or exploit a market opportunity
• Route to market: how the proposed project progresses the innovation towards its intended users or markets
• Team capability to deliver: the individual or team has the relevant experience and right balance of skills to deliver the proposed work

Award: The full economic cost (FEC) can be up to £250,000 up to nine months duration. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC. We aim to support a range of projects across both the cost, length and remit permitted.

Important Dates:
UKRI Webinar: 18 March 2026 2:00pm to 3:00pm UK time (registration details TBC when call opens)
Internal selection deadline: 19th March 2026
UKRI Webinar: 25 March 2026 10:00am to 11:00am UK time (registration details TBC when call opens)
UKRI Webinar: 14 April 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm UK time (registration details TBC when call opens)
Funder deadline: 4pm, 13th May 2026 

Internal Deadline: 19 March 2026, internal restricted call deadline

Research Facilitation Contact: If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk. 

Summary: AHRC and Research Ireland are collaborating on a new research programme that will deliver transformational impact on creative economy research between the UK and Ireland. The programme will exploit complementary strengths in the creative economy between centres of excellence in both countries, leading to new and sustainable collaborations and strengthening world-class research and industry capacity across the UK and Irish ecosystems.

Award: Maximum £35,000. Each network must commence by 30 September 2026 and the grant will be for a fixed term of 12 months.

Funder Deadline: 24 March 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This funding opportunity aims to accelerate the generation of evidence on how we can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and inclusivity of the research and development (R&D) ecosystem. For this round, we are interested in how the adoption of AI is changing the research landscape , how to optimally design and lead research institutions; and how to measure and understand scientific progress at scale.
In this funding opportunity, we are focussing on three themes to build our metascience portfolio. Applications should fit under one of the following themes.

Science of AI for Science:
How the adoption of AI is changing the research landscape, how this helps and/or hinders scientific progress, and how governments, industry and funding organisations should respond.

Effective design and leadership of research organisations
This includes empirical comparison of institutional models, the drivers of programme manager and research performance, the application of evidence from management and behavioural science to improve organisational structures and practices in research environments, and the effectiveness of interventions to support inclusive, high-performing research cultures.

Scientometric approaches to understanding research excellence, efficiency, and equity
This includes the development, validation, and generalisable use of metrics and indicators to assess research quality, influence, and impact, the development or application of indicators to advance the curation and synthesis of science at scale, and the behavioural consequences of metric use in research evaluation and funding decisions.

Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £250,000 or £350,000 with an international partner. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC.

Funder Deadline: 23 April 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: The Marie Jahoda Innovation Fund offers opportunities for the wider research community to collaborate with us to advance and complement our research programme. We are now inviting applications for the first round of funding to support innovative research projects examining digitalisation and work. Proposals should align with our research programme and relate to how digital technologies are transforming work.

Our five research themes address:
•    Digital ecosystem governance
•    Technology adoption in organisations
•    Skills development and associated employee awards
•    Understanding of how digitalisation affects healthy working lives
•    Impacts on the location of jobs, regional development and the environment

Award: Funding is available for projects which cost between £10,000 to £40,000 (full economic cost). Projects must be costed at 100% full economic cost (fEC) and will be funded at 80% fEC.  

Funder Deadline: 28 April 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Megan McMichael, Centre Manager, digit@sussex.ac.uk.

Summary: This is a pre-announcement and the information may change. When the funding opportunity opens, more information will be available on this page. Please contact us if you are interested in this opportunity and we will notify you when the opportunity is updated and open.

The aims of this funding opportunity will be:

• to identify a team and host institution to lead the British Election Study (BES) between 2027 and 2037.
• to deliver data collection on the anticipated 2029 UK General Election in Great Britain, and surveys aligned to local elections.

Our objectives for the successful applicant will be to:

• produce high-quality data that meets the needs of the research, policy and practice communities, building on the existing politically independent time series data, and ensure those communities have timely access to the data
• promote the use of the data by the research and wider stakeholder communities, including to maximise the public benefit of the data through informing policy, practice and the public
• collaborate with the other UK election studies to facilitate meaningful comparison of elections in the UK and the views and behaviour of UK electorates

Award: The duration of this award is a maximum of 60 months. The scheme will fund: Staff costs; Data collection, distribution and promotion; Engagement and collaboration activity; Travel and subsistence.

Funder Deadline: 14 May 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are jointly inviting proposals for an independent, co-created What Works Centre (WWC) to identify, develop, test, and evaluate evidence-based locally delivered employment and labour market support to help people access, remain in, and thrive in work.

The What Works Centre for local employment support will focus primarily on the role and effectiveness of local and regional government levers to increase and sustain local labour force participation rates, with an emphasis on the role and effectiveness of locally-delivered active labour market policies (ALMPs) and other ‘active’ interventions aimed at achieving positive employment outcomes.

You are encouraged to adopt a whole-systems approach that drives collaboration and leverages evidence from across interconnected policy areas to improve local employment outcomes. We welcome proposals that look beyond traditional employment measures to include employment-related interventions in, for example, health, transportation, housing, and regional development, addressing the wider factors that shape people’s ability to access and sustain work.

Proposals must include team members and project partners from outside academia.

Award: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £15 million. ESRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is for a single award. The project must begin by 22 January 2027 and run for 60 months.

Funder Deadline: 19 May 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

With the publication of the 2026-27 Work Programme of Horizon Europe and the UK’s associated member status, there are numerous funding opportunities available to Cambridge researchers. Net4Society have published a document highlighting SHSS Opportunities that span across the different clusters. Please click here to read. This PDF [here] also outlines specific opportunities for AHSS researchers.

The European Commission adopted the main Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, a €14 billion investment designed to drive research and innovation (R&I) across the EU's strategic goals. These goals include achieving climate neutrality, boosting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and innovation, and ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing world.

If you are a researcher working in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences and you have any questions about applying to Horizon Europe funding, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Dr Elizabeth Penner, AHSS Research Facilitator (EU/Intl funding)

EU Grants Funding Newsletter

You can sign up for our free daily EU grants and funding newsletter (English) by filling out this form. A digest of upcoming funding opportunities will arrive directly to your mailbox. If you would like to access all funding opportunities on our portal, you need to subscribe to the membership.

Summary:The ERC Advanced Grant is for established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements in the last 10 years. PIs should be exceptional leaders in terms of originality and significance of their research contributions.

Award: € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years. An additional € 1 million can be requested to cover start-up costs, the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities. 

Funder Deadline: 27 August 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The ERC Plus Grant supports outstanding principal investigators who address major scientific challenges. Applications for ERC Plus Grants should be for projects that could not be carried out with a regular ERC grant. Applicants should explain how the proposed project goes beyond the scope of a regular ERC project, for example because it aims to transform the field or open new avenues of research. 

Scholars at all career stages can apply for an ERC Plus Grant if they have an outstanding record of scientific achievement at the forefront of their field. Their intellectual leadership will be evaluated in accordance with their career stage. A researcher will be allowed to hold only one ERC Plus Grant in their lifetime. 

Applications can be made in any field of research. The ERC's grants operate on a 'bottom-up' basis without predetermined priorities. 

Award: Up to €7 million with no possibility to request additional funding for projects a minimum of four years (48 months) and up to seven years (84 months) and with no reduction for projects that are shorter than seven years. 

Funder Deadline: 02 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The ERC Proof of Concept funding is made available only to those who already have an ERC award to establish proof of concept of an idea that was generated in the course of their ERC-funded projects.

Frontier research often generates radically new ideas that drive innovation and business inventiveness and tackle societal challenges. The ERC PoC Grants aim at facilitating exploration of the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC funded research and are therefore available only to PIs whose proposals draw substantially on their ERC funded research.

Proof of Concept Grants aim at maximising the value of the excellent research that the ERC funds, by funding further work (i.e. activities which were not scheduled to be funded by the original ERC frontier research grant) to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC funded projects.

Award: A lump sum of € 150,000 for a period of 18 months.

Funder Deadline: 17 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: The aim of the Synergy Grant is to support a small group (hereafter, the Synergy Grant Group) of two to four innovative and active Principal Investigators jointly addressing ambitious research problems that cannot be tackled by any single Principal Investigator and their team alone. Principal Investigators of any professional seniority, and with a competitive track record matching their career stage can apply. One of the Principal Investigators (except the Corresponding Principal Investigator) of the Synergy Grant Group may be hosted and engaged by an institution outside of the EU or an Associated Country.

Award: Up to a maximum of € 10 million for a period of 6 years (pro rata for projects of shorter duration). An additional € 4 million can be requested in the proposal in total to cover eligible “start-up” costs for researchers moving from a third country to the EU or an associated country and/or the purchase of major equipment and/or access to large facilities and/or other major experimental and field work costs.

Funder Deadline: TBC, likely October/November 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Elizabeth Penner

Summary: Applications for Being Human Festival 2026 are now open! Being Human Festival 2026 will take place from 5 - 14 November with the theme Crossroads. Each year we invite humanities researchers and staff from universities and research organisations to apply to take part in the festival by organising a public engagement event, activity or project. We offer two types of grants to enable events and activities to take place as part of the festival: Institutional Grants and Festival Event Grants.

Award: Institutional Grants offer £4,000–£8,000 to coordinate and deliver a Festival Hub. Festival Event grants offer up to £4,000 to run a single event or multiple events as part of the festival.

Funder Deadline: 16 April 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: beinghuman@sas.ac.uk

Summary: Our Public Health Research (PHR) Programme invites applications in response to specific research questions. These have been identified, developed and prioritised for their importance to stakeholders including the Department of Health and Social Care and other relevant government departments, devolved administrations, policy makers, local government, commissioners of public health services, public health leaders, public health practitioners, the third sector and the general public. Funded research will evaluate the effectiveness of community interventions that support female survivors and victims of domestic abuse in mitigating physical and mental health impacts. 

Research question:
How effective are community interventions supporting female survivors and victims of domestic abuse in mitigating physical and mental health impacts?

This is a 2-stage funding opportunity. To apply for the first stage you should submit an outline application. If invited to the second stage, you will then need to complete a full application.

Award: No limit. When applying, you should submit a thorough, realistic, and accurate costing. We will look at information you submit to assess value for money. Please see funding application guidance for further information.

Funder Deadline: 21 April 2026, Mandatory Outline Stage

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: For UK institutions to invite an eminent senior professor from overseas, to bring genuinely novel expertise and enhance the skills and knowledge of academic staff and students in an underrepresented area in the UK. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborations and visits with a variety of activities beyond research.

Award: Applications are invited for a minimum of £10,000 and a maximum of £150,000.  A Visiting Professorship must last at least 3 months. Grants between 3 and 6 months must be completed in one visit. Grants between 6 and 12 months can be spread over two or more visits, with 12 months being the maximum duration for a visit.

Funder Deadline: 01 May 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. The researcher will deliver shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the aware, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme. Project duration is usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines and longer if held on a part-time basis.

Award: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses.

Funder Deadline: 21 July 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing.
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Award: Provides a salary for the grantholder (if required) and research expenses. Please request for level and duration of funding that's justifiable for your proposed research.

Funder Deadline: 28 July 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. 

Research questions should generate knowledge that leads to a shift in understanding or delivers new insight into how human life and health work. We welcome proposals that may have a clinical or societal impact or have translational potential, but the focus should be on discovery research.   

We fund research into the: 

• fundamental processes that underpin biology, to understand more about how human life works
• complexities of human health and disease, including clinical and population-based approaches
• burden of disease and its determinants where this brings new and transformational knowledge
• development of methodologies, conceptual frameworks, technologies, tools or techniques that could benefit health-related research
• needs, values and priorities of the people and communities affected by disease and health disparities
• social, ethical, cultural, political, economic and historical contexts of human health and disease.

Award: The average size of a Discovery Award is £3.5 million. Applications above £5 million will be subject to additional scrutiny. Awards can be up to 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and may be longer if held on a part-time basis. The average duration of a Discovery Award is 7 years, although we have supported awards from 3 to 8 years.

Funder Deadline: 22 September 2026

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik

Summary: The Trust invites applications for Leverhulme Research Centres that will not only conduct research of outstanding originality but also aspire to achieve a significant step-change in scholarship. The Trust aims to encourage new approaches that may establish or reshape a field of study and so transform our understanding of a significant contemporary topic. Applicants are, therefore, invited to be bold in compiling their bids. The centres should have the capacity to become recognised internationally for excellence in their chosen area. 

The Trust has a reputation for encouraging higher-risk research, which is therefore often fundamental or curiosity-driven – so-called ‘blue skies’ – and multi-disciplinary. The expectation is that centres will draw upon a range of disciplinary perspectives and expertise, perhaps bringing new disciplinary mixes to bear on a particular topic. 

Award: Up to £10 million is available for up 10 years.

Funder Deadline: February 2027. This will be a restricted call.

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and the Research Strategy Office.

Summary: Research grant applications for funding over £1 million for AHSS subject areas can request financial contributions from this fund. Funding may be requested for activities that are complementary to the external funding and contributions from Departments / Schools / Non-school institutions. Activities that add value in the following areas are particularly encouraged: widening participation and inclusion; improving partnerships locally / nationally / internationally; capacity and capability building; working with less advantaged partners. Leveraging funding for existing grant awards is not in the remit of this fund. All applications must include one or more external partners and only applications led by Cambridge PIs are eligible.

Award: Up to 10% of the award value. PI buyout and equipment are not eligible costs for request.

Funder Deadline: Minimum 4 weeks before funder deadline.

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Anna Cieslik and Rpc@admin.cam.ac.uk

Summary: Impact Starter funding will be available on a rolling basis to fund short-term projects of up to three months duration. Projects are expected to be short, cost-effective ways of kick-starting impact creation from research findings. The Impact Starter Fund will only consider projects that do not qualify for other IAA funding calls.

Award: Varies.

Funder Deadline: Rolling basis

Research Facilitation Contact: Dr Lucy Sheerman

Summary: The University of Cambridge AHRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and the Social Science Impact Fund (SSIF) will open during Michaelmas term. 

The overall purpose of this fund is to support ‘on the ground’ impact and knowledge exchange activities. Awards will be made available to fund work that will significantly increase the probability of the ideas and findings generated by the research having a non-academic impact on the private, public, and third sectors. Collaborative, innovative, and co-funded projects are encouraged.  

Full information on eligible projects and the application process will be circulated as soon as possible.  

Award: Awards will be made in the region of £5,000 to £25,000, covering 100% of directly incurred costs but not indirect costs.  

Funder Deadline: Rolling basis

Research Facilitation Contact: All interested applicants are strongly encouraged contact Dr Lucy Sheerman (Arts and Humanities Impact Facilitator) and Dr Tina Basi (Social Sciences Impact Facilitator) to discuss their proposal before application. Preliminary discussions ahead of the call opening are welcome.

Summary: The Impact Starter Fund sits within the schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities wider AHSS impact hub, providing a supportive space for researchers to explore early-stage impact and knowledge exchange ideas. As the first step to achieving impact, it helps researchers develop skills, explore approaches, build the collaborations needed for creating real-world impact, and longer-term engagement with partners and collaborators. 
 
At a glance: 

• Funding available up to £15,000 per project   
• Rolling call with no deadline  
• Project duration can be up to 6 months, and all funds must be spent within the project timelines  
• Activities must demonstrate a link with underpinning research  
• Applicants are encouraged to consider novel and innovative approaches to participatory methods and knowledge exchange  
• Applicants are encouraged to consider ways in which projects might contribute to the broader culture of engagement and collaboration,  develop researchers’ skills, partnerships, participatory methods, and knowledge exchange approaches. 

 
All AHSS Researchers (post PhD) and UTOs are eligible to apply.
 

Award: Between £10,000–£15,000 to support 3–6 month projects.

Funder Deadline: Rolling basis

Research Facilitation Contact: All interested applicants are strongly encouraged contact Dr Lucy Sheerman (Arts and Humanities Impact Facilitator) and Dr Tina Basi (Social Sciences Impact Facilitator) to discuss their proposal before application.

Summary: Enhanced funding to deliver researcher development activities for PhD students is available to Departments and Faculties by application to support high-cost events and any activities involving external speakers or specialists.

Examples of activities funded in the past include workshops on the topics of communication and managing difficult conversations, translating research into practice, unconscious bias, self-confidence, etc.

Award: The budget for Enhanced Funding is £60k per annum. There is no specific funding envelope per round of applications); decisions will be made based on the quality of the proposals received. Expenditure and available funds will be kept under review by the central PgED team and Schools will be kept informed of progress.

Funder Deadline: 13 April 2026

Contact: Dr Sonja Tomašković at st560@cam.ac.uk

Summary: Designed to provide support for emergency bridging or underwriting needs for early career, postdoctoral, researchers. Such needs will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should focus on retaining exceptional staff members during funding gaps.

Award: Up to £30,000 for a project duration between 3 and 6 months.

Funder Deadline: 04 June 2026

Contact: Katie Barnes, Deputy Trust Administrator, at administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk

Summary: Designed to support the establishment of new, stellar quality, visionary projects. Trustees will be looking for relevant expertise and the attainment of results in the time available. Applications could be for seed-corn funding, collecting pilot data, or similar start-up or exploratory research.

Award: Up to £30,000 for a project duration of up to 12 months

Funder Deadline: 04 June 2026

Contact: Katie Barnes, Deputy Trust Administrator, at administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk

Summary: Designed to contribute match or top-up funding towards an externally awarded Early Career Fellowship to be held at the University. This may include salary or consumables support. Please note that the INT supports the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships under a different scheme.

Award: Up to £30,000 for a project duration of up to 3 years.

Funder Deadline: 04 June 2026

Contact: Katie Barnes, Deputy Trust Administrator, at administrator@newtontrust.cam.ac.uk

Following a successful pilot, the Early-Mid Career Academic Mentoring Scheme will run for a second year in Easter Term 2026.
 
The scheme is designed to support early–mid career academics in their professional development, leadership capability, career confidence, and wellbeing. Mentoring conversations provide a confidential space for guided reflection, personal development, and exposure to new perspectives. Mentees will be matched with mentors from outside their department and immediate area of work, creating a supportive and impartial environment.
 
The scheme is open to prospective mentees who are staff at grades 9–10 on either a Research & Teaching or Teaching & Scholarship contract. We’re particularly keen to hear from new mentors who are Senior Academics (grade 11 and above).
 
If you are interested in being a mentee or mentor or would like to find out more, please complete this short Expression of Interest form or contact LOD@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please note that submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a place on the scheme.

Expressions of Interest: Round Table Discussions
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Express your interest in participating in round table discussions with a select committee. A parliamentary select committee is seeking 20 experts to participate in round table discussions and to support future engagement and consultation on related topics. The committee is interested to hear from researchers with expertise or insight into matters relating to the Backbench Business Committee, the Petitions Committee, the role of backbench MPs, or the organisation of parliamentary business. Experts able to provide an international perspective may have relevant insight for this committee.

Deadline to express interest: midnight on 08 March 2026
  
Relevant disciplines: Development and Area Studies, Diplomacy and International Relations, Law, Political Theory

Children and Young Adults in the Secure Estate
Reminder: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: Children and Young Adults in the Secure Estate. The Justice Committee is interested in (among other things):

• whether the placement of children as young as 10-12 years old in custody is appropriate, and how their specific rights, such as access to education, are being upheld. Legal scholars working on children's human rights may have useful insight;
• whether the placement of children as young as 10-12 years old in custody is appropriate, and how their specific rights, such as access to education, are being upheld. Philosophers working on children's human rights may have useful insight;
• whether the placement of children as young as 10-12 years old in custody is appropriate, and how their specific rights, such as access to education, are being upheld. Political theorists working on children's human rights may have useful insight.

Deadline to submit evidence: 13 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Law, Philosophy, Political Theory
 

Road Safety Strategy
Reminder: Contribute evidence to a select committee inquiry into: Road Safety Strategy. The Transport Committee is launching an inquiry to examine the potential effectiveness of the Government's recently-published new Road Safety Strategy, setting out its approach to reducing death and serious injury. The Committee is interested in (among other things) the extent to which:

• the design of vehicles and of roads (especially in rural areas) can improve safety. Designers working in this area may have useful insight for the inquiry;
• lessons can be learned from Sweden and any other good international examples. Researchers working on this topic, and/or with specific expertise relating to Sweden, may have useful insight for the inquiry;
• how to ensure infostructure is safe, speed limits, compliance and deterrence in relation to motoring offenses and dangerous driving, and the best means of supporting road users (including novice drivers and safe driving later in life). Human geographers working in this area may have useful insight for the inquiry;
• questions around how to best support road users. Historians may have useful insight from past policy and/or practice for the inquiry. Deadline to submit evidence
• measure to improve compliance and deterrence in relation to motoring offences, and the role of the type and severity of sanctions in deterring dangerous driving. Lawyers working in this area may have useful insight for the inquiry;
• how the Government might take advantage of technology, data and innovation for safer vehicles and post collision care, including the benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, response to issues such as headlamp glare, increasing vehicle size, and any other issues not being currently considered by the Government's official consultation. Researchers working on technology from an Arts and Humanities perspective (e.g. how people interact with these kinds of new technologies) may have useful insight for the inquiry.

Deadline to submit evidence: 13 March 2026.

Relevant disciplines: Architecture and Design, Development and Area Studies, Geography, History, Law, Science and Technology Studies
 

Youth Employment, Education and Training
Reminder: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: Youth Employment, Education and Training. Among other things, the Work and Pensions Committee is interested in:

• whether there are any international initiatives that could be learned from in terms of providing effective support to young people not in education, employment or training. Researches working in area and development studies may have useful insight;
• factors leading to young people not being in education, employment or training (NEET), and whether there are some people more likely to be NEETs than others, as well as examples of effective Government-funded interventions. Human geographers may have useful insight.

Deadline to submit evidence: 13 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Development and Area Studies, Geography

  
The Work of the COVID Counter-Fraud Commissioner
Reminder: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: The Work of the COVID Counter-Fraud Commissioner. The Public Accounts Committee has a long-standing interest in policy delivery with relation to tackling fraud against the public purse. As part of its ongoing scrutiny of work to recover money lost to fraud and error during the Covid-19 pandemic, and of government's efforts to protect the taxpayer from fraud more generally, the committee will take evidence from the COVID Counter-Fraud Commissioner. Lawyers and legal experts may have relevant expertise.

Deadline to submit evidence: 16 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Law
  

Government compensation schemes
Reminder: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: Government compensation schemes: update. The Public Accounts Committee will take evidence from senior responsible government officials following the National Audit Office's 2025 and forthcoming 2026 report on the design and implementation of compensation schemes. The committee's inquiry will explore the challenges in planning and designing schemes across government, and how to address them to ensure such schemes are effective, timely, proportionate for those making a claim, and fair. Lawyers and legal scholars may have relevant expertise.

Deadline to submit evidence: 16 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Law

Facial Recognition for Age Verification
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Contribute to a short (1500 words) briefing by POST. The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) aims to produce a short briefing for Parliament on the topic of facial recognition for age verification. They are looking for an external expert to work with POST staff to develop the briefing, which will be impartial, relevant and timely. Among other things, this may include:

• how effective the technology is. Designers working in this space may have useful insight;
• issues arising from use in immigration enforcement, links to the Online Safety Act and/or human rights law. Lawyers working in this space may have useful insight
• links to the Online Safety Act and related law. Experts in media and communications working in this space may have useful insight;
• ethical implications of age verification. Philosophers working in this space may have useful insight ;
• ethical implications of age verification, its use in immigration enforcement, prevalence in the UK and human rights law. Political philosophers working in this space may have useful insight;
• how effective the technology is, especially how well it works in determining the age of children. Experts in science and technology studies working in this space may have useful insight. 

Deadline to respond: 20 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Architecture and Design, Information and Communication Technologies, Law, Media Studies, Philosophy, Political Theory, Science and Technology Studies

Impact of Serious and Organised Crime on Local Neighbourhoods
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: The impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods. The Home Affairs Committee will examine the extent of the links between serious organised crime and neighbourhood crime and explore the capacity of neighbourhood policing to support the wider police response to serious organised crime. It will investigate the extent to which the new structures outlined in the Government's White Paper on police reform will support the role of neighbourhood policing in tacking serious organised crime on high streets and in local communities, with the aim of ensuring that local, regional and national approaches work together effectively and are resourced appropriately.

Deadline to submit evidence: 20 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Geography, Law

Express your interest in joining a G20 Discussion Forum
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Express your interest in joining a G20 Discussion Forum formed by one of Parliament's policy groups. The International Relations and National Security policy Hub in UK Parliament is forming a G20 Discussion Group. It is seeking 8-10 experts on countries that are members of the G20, and on those countries' approaches to foreign policy and multilateralism. The group will focus on Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Türkiye, and the African Union. Experts on these countries/groups and/or broader experts on G20 summitry are welcome to express their interest in participating.

Deadline to express interest: 25 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Development and Area Studies, Diplomacy and International Relations, Geography, Law
 

Defence of the High North
Reminder: Contribute evidence to a select committee inquiry into: Defence of the High North. Researchers in diplomacy and IR may have relevant insight for the Defence Committee's inquiry, which is interested in (among other things):

• how the UK will work with, and without, key allies and partners in the region, both within and outside NATO;
• historians (particularly military and/or political historians) may have relevant insight for the Defence Committee's inquiry, which is interested in the UK’s defence and security interests in the High North, and identifying what are the current and emerging threats relating to the region;
• researchers in War Studies may have relevant insight for this Defence Committee inquiry into the UK's defence and security interests in the High North, and current and emerging threats in the region.

Deadline to submit evidence: 25 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Diplomacy and International Relations, History, War Studies

Reviewing the Electricity Market
NEW OPPORTUNITY: Contribute evidence to a select committee inquiry into: Reviewing the electricity market. The Energy Security and Net Zero committee is inquiring into what reforms are needed to the UK electricity market to enable the transition to clean, lower-cost energy. Lawyers working in this area may have useful insight for the committee.

Deadline to submit evidence: 27 March 2026

Relevant disciplines: Law

Electronic Voting
Reminder: Contribute to a select committee inquiry into: Electronic Voting. The Procedure Committee is interested in the potential merits and pitfalls of introducing electronic voting arrangements for divisions (votes) in the House of Commons. They are interested in:

• lessons from similar temporary arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as impacts on other procedures of the House. Political and constitutional historians may have useful insight;
• the impact of current, and potential other, arrangements on Members with protected characteristics, and the general impact of electronic voting on other procedures of the House. Lawyers and constitutional legal scholars may have useful insight;
• potential perceptual risks and the impact of current, and potential other, arrangements on Members with protected characteristics. Philosophers working either on issues around trust and respect for Parliament/authority or equality may have useful insight;
• potential perceptual risks and the impact of current, and potential other, arrangements on Members with protected characteristics. Political theorists working either on issues around trust and respect for Parliament/authority or equality may have useful insight.

No deadline to submit evidence.

Relevant disciplines: History, Law, Philosophy, Political Theory

Steve Peters, author of the UK's most popular self-help book, The Chimp Paradox, will speak in Cambridge (Homerton College) on 9th March 2026 at 13:30, in an event hosted jointly by Michael Coleman (Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Churchill College) and Jane Warwick (Faculty of Education). Attendance will be free and is open to all researchers, postgraduate students and administrators throughout the University. Seats are limited, however, so please register early if you are interested, and only if you are sure you can make it on the day.
 
Professor Peters is particularly well known for providing highly effective psychological support to many elite sportsmen and women, from Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton at the 2012 London Olympics to Adam Peaty in the Paris Olympics and snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. However, his simple and well-communicated model for the working of the human mind that lies behind these successes is highly transferable to all endeavours, including academic research, teaching, and administration. This talk will explain how.
 
To register please use: https://spetersmanagingyourmindstayingresilientworkplace.eventbrite.co.uk/

Curious about turning research in women’s health into commercial impact? This interactive half‑day workshop introduces the essentials of innovation, from assessing commercial value to understanding early‑stage fundraising. Connect with peers, explore practical pathways to change and leave with a starter toolkit for next steps. Open to University staff and postgraduates, with networking to follow.

The Research Office EU Team invites you to join our European Innovation Council (EIC), European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and Lump Sum Funding Financial Aspects  Information Event — a chance to hear directly from UKRI’s Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs) and get tailored advice on your EIC funding plans.  
Important Note: One of the attendees has a severe latex allergy. Please do not bring any latex items into the venue.
 
Morning plenary (open to all) — 09.30am to 2.20pm  
 
Hear from UKRI NCP experts: 

• Claire Griffin — NCP & Global Innovation Lead (EIC & EIE) 
• Chris Young — Legal & Financial NCP
• Teresa Arumardi —   European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), UKRI

 
  What you'll learn: 

• How the EIC works and its main funding streams 
• What evaluators and Jury Members look for 
• How to prepare for the EIC interview 
• Practical insights to strengthen your EIC proposals
• EIT Overview
• Legal and Financial aspects of Lump Sum funding 

 
 Afternoon parallel sessions (limited places for 7 slots) — 2.30pm to 5.20pm 
 
2.30pm to 5.20pm: Pre‑booked, personalised discussions with the EIC NCP on: 

• Proposal ideas 
• Specific questions or challenges 
• Planned or in‑progress applications 

 
2.30pm to 3.30pm: Session with EIT NCP on further queries on the Programme (no booking required)
 
2.30pm to 3.30pm Session with Legal and Financial NCP on further queries on legal and financial aspect of Lump Sums (no booking required)
 You can view the full event agenda on the Research Services website LINK. Please note: the event will not be recorded. 
 
Why attend? 
The European Innovation Council (part of Horizon Europe) is one of the world’s largest innovation funding programmes, with €10.1 billion supporting breakthrough technologies from lab to market. It offers: 

• Funding across all technology readiness levels 
• Support in areas such as advanced materials, biotech, quantum, semiconductors, hydrogen, and more 
• Access to business coaching, mentors, and investor networks 
• Strong pathways for European Research Council (ERC) projects to transition into EIC opportunities 

 
 If you're exploring cutting‑edge innovation, this event will help give you the clarity, insights and connections you need. 
 
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an EU body dedicated to strengthening Europe’s capacity to innovate. As part of Horizon Europe, it supports solutions to global challenges by nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering sustainable growth and skilled jobs across Europe.
The EIT operates through dynamic, pan‑European partnerships known as Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which bring together leading companies, research organisations, and universities. Together with these partners, the EIT Community delivers a wide range of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives across Europe, supporting new ideas, talent, and collaborative opportunities.
 
Lump Sum funding is used by the European Commission as a way of simplifying EU grants by reducing administrative burden and minimise financial errors, as beneficiaries no longer need to report actual costs. Lump Sum is being more widely adopted across Horizon Europe. Understanding the financial and legal aspects of Lump Sum funding enables beneficiaries to prepare stronger proposals, manage their grants more effectively, and ensure full compliance with funder terms and conditions.
 
Book your place 
Register your place by Monday 9 March 2026 using the booking form European Innovation Council (EIC), European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and Lump Sum Funding Financial Aspects Information Event | Research Services
 
Places for 1:1 sessions with EIC NCP are limited and will be allocated based on your registration details and availability. 
 
Questions? Email horizongrants@admin.cam.ac.uk.  

In this practical workshop, we will explore how innovative, co-creative and entrepreneurial approaches can enable the transformation of research outputs into real-world products and services.

From social enterprises delivering peacekeeping initiatives, to educational technologies improving best practice in UK schools, to videogames and creative assets enabling deeper engagement with cultural history, SHAPE researchers are increasingly taking entrepreneurial routes to connect with real-world beneficiaries of their research. Using case studies from academics in SHAPE disciplines, we will explore how new interventions, toolkits, technologies, training and educational materials and consultancies are created, delivered and scaled up outside of the university.

What we’ll cover:
•    What is social innovation and social enterprise?
•    Creating an innovative value proposition from your research
•    The journey of a university idea to reality
•    Understanding intellectual property in the arts, humanities and social science
•    Research funding landscape and support for SHAPE entrepreneurship

ESRC will once again be running webinars aimed at supporting early career social scientists in applying to the scheme. These will be held as Microsoft Teams presentations hosted by Tracy Davies Head of ESRC Early Career Support, and Dave Newton ESRC Research Talent Development Team Portfolio Manager.
 
We are running the same webinar on two separate dates:
 
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (2pm – 3.30pm) and Thursday 26 March 2026 (10.30am – 12noon).
 
Each webinar will start with a presentation, anticipated to last about 45 minutes, followed by plenty of time for questions and answers. The events will be suitable for both those who may have already applied by the time of the webinars and those thinking of applying.
 
We would be grateful if you could circulate this message to early career social scientists at your institution.
 
We are keen to keep the number of attendees to a manageable level for questions and answers and places at the webinars will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Could you please ask those interested in attending to register as soon as possible for their preferred date using one of the two Citizen Space links:
 
Wednesday 25 March 2026 (2pm – 3.30pm)
https://engagementhub.ukri.org/esrc-1/65bbb29b
 
Thursday 26 March 2026 (10.30am – 12noon)
https://engagementhub.ukri.org/esrc-1/9b852fd3

This information day aims to inform (potential) applicants about the 2026 topics included in the Cluster 2 'Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society' work programme 2026-2027.

Under the Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe, Cluster 2 "Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society" aims to meet EU goals and priorities on enhancing democratic governance and citizens’ participation, on the safeguarding and promotion of cultural heritage and Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), and on to responding to and shaping multifaceted social, economic, technological and cultural transformations.

Cluster 2 mobilises multidisciplinary expertise of European social sciences and humanities (SSH) for understanding fundamental contemporary transformations of society, economy, politics and culture. It aims to provide evidence-based policy options for a socially just and inclusive European green and digital transitions and a post-COVID 19 recovery.

Future projects should deliver on the three intervention areas matching the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan (2025-2027):

• Green transition
• Digital transition
• A more resilient, competitive, inclusive and democratic Europe

All topics under this Cluster are expected to mainstream Social Sciences and Humanities and to include a gender dimension in their research.

We invite you to submit your proposal to participate in the inaugural Cambridge Climate and Nature Research Showcase, on Friday 26th June 2026 at the Ray Dolby Centre. 
 
This one‑day event aims to bring together Cambridge researchers from all disciplines addressing climate change and/or nature conservation, showcasing world‑leading research on energy, materials, infrastructure, conservation, food, health, policy, law, and more.  All researchers from postgraduates to professors across all six Schools are welcome to apply to present their research at this inaugural pan-University event.
 
Call for Proposals: Please submit your proposal by Sunday 12th April, 23.59pm.
 
Options to showcase your research:

• Lightning Talk: 3 minutes to speak, one single slide. 
• Poster: A0 in size (841 x 1189 mm), portrait orientation.
• Exhibit/Stand: allocated table/space to showcase your research group/institute's work.

Registration to attend the Showcase will open later in March.
 
Any questions or suggestions: please get in touch with the organising team at comms@zero.cam.ac.uk