ESRC Connect Awards (pilot)

ESRC Connect Awards support researchers to collaborate on novel, exploratory, and high-risk ideas that build foundations for future research and innovation.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) lists this opportunity for Researcher, Social Sciences, Policy & Governance, United Kingdom. Applicants should use the official call page to confirm final requirements before submitting.

Applicants must be based at UK organisations eligible for ESRC funding.

Applications must have a project lead from social science disciplines within ESRC's remit; international project co-leads may be included where permitted by the guidance.

Networking, seminars, workshops, focused events, conferences, knowledge exchange, scoping activity, initial pilot studies, and initial data collection.

Projects should be applicant-led, primarily social-science focused, and designed to test novel collaborations or new areas of inquiry.

Awards can request GBP 50,000 to GBP 150,000 full economic cost. ESRC funds 80% FEC. Awards can last up to six months and must finish by 31 March 2027.

Application deadline: Jun 10, 2026.

Confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, and submission route on the official call page.

Plan internal approvals, partner confirmations, budgets, letters, and portal submission before the final deadline.

Use the official UKRI Funding Finder page and submit through the UKRI Funding Service by 10 June 2026 at 4:00 pm UK time.

Before submitting, check required documents, eligible costs, attachments, page limits, institutional approvals, and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration, or nomination stage.