Applying for funding with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) involves several key steps. UKRI oversees seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK, and each council has specific funding opportunities and requirements.
Identify funding opportunities
Start by exploring the UKRI funding finder as it provides details of current funding calls, eligibility criteria, deadlines and application guidelines.
Check eligibility
Ensure that you and your institution meet the eligibility criteria. Different grants have specific requirements regarding the type of research, the applicant’s status and the institution’s capabilities.
Prepare your application
Proposal development
Develop a clear and compelling research proposal. It should outline your research objectives, methodology, impact, and the project’s relevance to UKRI’s strategic priorities.
Budget planning
Prepare a detailed budget that justifies the requested funding. Include costs for personnel, equipment, travel and other necessary expenses.
Supporting documents
Gather necessary supporting documents, such as CVs of key team members, letters of support, and institutional endorsements.
Submit your application
You should submit your application online through The Funding Service, UKRI’s new platform. Register an account, complete all required fields, upload your documents, and submit before the deadline. Find out more information on how to use The Funding Service.
Assessment process
Peer review
Your application will undergo peer review by experts in the field. They assess the proposal’s quality, feasibility and potential impact.
Panel review
Following peer review, a funding panel evaluates the applications and makes funding recommendations.
Decision and feedback
You will receive notification of the funding decision. If successful, you will enter into a grant agreement outlining the terms and conditions. If unsuccessful, you may receive feedback to improve future applications.
Project management
Once funded, manage your project according to UKRI guidelines, including regular reporting on progress and finances.
Read detailed information and guidance on the funding process.