Grant opportunity
SCGC-FIRST Sustainability and Technology Research Awards
Proof-of-concept funding for high-risk research in sustainable materials, industrial decarbonisation, circular chemistry, AI and low-carbon construction.
- Funder
- University of Oxford and SCG Chemicals
- Applications close 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UK time
- Applications close 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UK time: Oct 26, 2026
- Award
- Typically GBP 90,000-100,000 for projects up to 12 months
- Applicant
- University of Oxford academic staff and eligible independent fellows hosted by an Oxford department.
- Discipline
- Sustainable Materials, Energy and AI
- Region
- United Kingdom
- Posted
- Sep 28, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The fourth SCGC-FIRST round supports transformative Oxford research with a credible pathway toward real-world industrial and environmental impact.
Who can apply
Principal investigators must be eligible Oxford academic staff or qualifying independent fellowship holders with contracts extending through the project.
What it supports
- Future plastics and advanced materials
- Decarbonisation and energy transition
- AI and accelerated discovery
- Low-carbon building materials
Funding and duration
- Expected awards of GBP 90,000-100,000
- Projects may run for up to 12 months
Applications close 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UK time
Applications close 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UK time: Oct 26, 2026
How to apply
Prepare the required case for support and approved costing, then submit through Oxford's IRAMS system.
Call details
Source-based overview
The call opened on 14 September 2026 and favours bold, outcomes-driven proof-of-concept work with clear advantages in cost or environmental footprint.
Eligibility
Principal investigators must be eligible Oxford academic staff or qualifying independent fellowship holders with contracts extending through the project.
Funding and benefits
Expected awards of GBP 90,000-100,000
Projects may run for up to 12 months
Themes and supported activities
Future plastics and advanced materials
Decarbonisation and energy transition
AI and accelerated discovery
Low-carbon building materials
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UK time: Applications close 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UK time: Oct 26, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Prepare the required case for support and approved costing, then submit through Oxford's IRAMS system.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.