Grant opportunity
Unlocking Advanced Capabilities in Conservation and Heritage Science
Major awards to strengthen nationally significant conservation and heritage-science facilities, improve access and build sustainable capability with industry partners.
- Funder
- Arts and Humanities Research Council
- Upcoming call opens 7 September and closes 25 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time
- Upcoming call opens 7 September and closes 25 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Nov 25, 2026
- Award
- GBP 500,000 to GBP 1.5 million per award; GBP 6.2 million total fund
- Applicant
- Eligible UK research organisations proposing sustainable conservation or heritage-science infrastructure and capability with appropriate access and partnership arrangements.
- Discipline
- Heritage, Conservation Science and Research Infrastructure
- Region
- United Kingdom
- Posted
- Aug 22, 2026
Call summary
Overview
AHRC is investing in facilities and expertise that can expand research access, strengthen conservation science and create durable links between research organisations and users.
Who can apply
The lead organisation must be eligible for AHRC funding and the proposal must meet the infrastructure, access, sustainability and partnership expectations in the full call.
What it supports
- Conservation science facilities
- Heritage research infrastructure
- National access and capability
- Industry and user partnerships
Funding and duration
- Awards range from GBP 500,000 to GBP 1.5 million
- GBP 6.2 million total programme fund
Upcoming call opens 7 September and closes 25 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time
Upcoming call opens 7 September and closes 25 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Nov 25, 2026
How to apply
Develop the institutional case and partnerships, then submit through the UKRI Funding Service after the call opens on 7 September.
Call details
Source-based overview
Projects should deliver more than equipment purchase: they must provide sustainable, accessible capability with a clear national role and credible plans for partnership, use and long-term value.
Eligibility
The lead organisation must be eligible for AHRC funding and the proposal must meet the infrastructure, access, sustainability and partnership expectations in the full call.
Funding and benefits
Awards range from GBP 500,000 to GBP 1.5 million
GBP 6.2 million total programme fund
Themes and supported activities
Conservation science facilities
Heritage research infrastructure
National access and capability
Industry and user partnerships
Deadline and timeline
Upcoming call opens 7 September and closes 25 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Upcoming call opens 7 September and closes 25 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Nov 25, 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
Develop the institutional case and partnerships, then submit through the UKRI Funding Service after the call opens on 7 September.
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.