Grant opportunity
NERC Large Grant Full Applications November 2026
NERC has announced the full-application stage of its large grants competition for ambitious, curiosity-driven environmental science.
- Funder
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Upcoming call opens 5 August and closes 5 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Upcoming call opens 5 August and closes 5 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time: Nov 5, 2026
- Award
- GBP 1.12 million to GBP 3.45 million full economic cost; NERC funds 80%; up to five years
- Applicant
- Invitation-only teams whose outline proposal was successful, led by an eligible UK research organisation; eligible Norwegian collaboration may be included under the applicable agreement.
- Discipline
- Environment, Climate and Natural Resources
- Region
- United Kingdom / Norway
- Posted
- Jul 27, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The large grant route supports substantial, integrated environmental research programmes that are beyond the scale of a standard grant and can deliver major scientific advances.
Who can apply
Only applicants invited after the outline stage may submit. The lead must be based at an eligible UK research organisation, with other participation governed by NERC and UKRI rules.
What it supports
- Large-scale, ambitious environmental science.
- Integrated research programmes requiring significant coordination and resources.
- Projects with clear scientific leadership and potential for major advances.
Funding and duration
- Full economic cost must be between GBP 1.12 million and GBP 3.45 million.
- NERC normally funds 80% of full economic cost.
- The round has approximately GBP 25 million available and projects may last up to five years.
Upcoming call opens 5 August and closes 5 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
Upcoming call opens 5 August and closes 5 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time: Nov 5, 2026
How to apply
Invited teams should prepare their full applications for submission through the UKRI Funding Service between 5 August and 5 November 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
NERC will open the invitation-only full-proposal stage of its November 2026 large grants competition on 5 August. Successful outline teams can seek multi-year support for integrated environmental research programmes at a scale exceeding standard grant awards.
Eligibility
Only applicants invited after the outline stage may submit. The lead must be based at an eligible UK research organisation, with other participation governed by NERC and UKRI rules.
Funding and benefits
Full economic cost must be between GBP 1.12 million and GBP 3.45 million.
NERC normally funds 80% of full economic cost.
The round has approximately GBP 25 million available and projects may last up to five years.
Themes and supported activities
Large-scale, ambitious environmental science.
Integrated research programmes requiring significant coordination and resources.
Projects with clear scientific leadership and potential for major advances.
Deadline and timeline
Upcoming call opens 5 August and closes 5 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time: Upcoming call opens 5 August and closes 5 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time: Nov 5, 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
Invited teams should prepare their full applications for submission through the UKRI Funding Service between 5 August and 5 November 2026.
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.