Standard research grants are available for researchers at eligible research organisations.
There is no limit on the value of the grant or length of the project. You should ask for what is needed to deliver the proposed programme of research.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will award 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) of the project.
Aim
We are committed to the continued support of excellent discovery led research as detailed in EPSRC’s strategic delivery plan 2022 to 2025.
Through EPSRC standard research grants we fund a wide range of projects, from small, short-term grants to multi-million-pound research projects including:
- high-risk or high-return research embracing new concepts or techniques
- feasibility studies
- instrument development
- project specific equipment
- collaborative projects that cross different disciplines
Scope
You can apply for a standard research grant in any field of research relevant to our remit. We support high quality research in:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- digital security and resilience
- energy and decarbonisation
- engineering
- healthcare technologies
- information and communication technologies (ICT)
- manufacturing and the circular economy
- mathematical sciences
- physical sciences
- quantum technologies
Find out more about our research areas and themes.
Critical technologies
EPSRC particularly welcomes high quality applications where engineering and physical sciences research can generate new knowledge and addresses challenges associated with the advancement, development, and deployment of these technologies as follows:
- artificial intelligence (AI): machines that perform tasks normally performed by human intelligence, especially when the machines learn from data how to do those tasks
- engineering biology: the application of rigorous engineering principles to the design of biological systems
- future telecommunications: evolutions of the infrastructure for digitised data and communications
- semiconductors: a class of electronic materials with unique properties that sit at the heart of the devices and technology we use every day
- quantum technologies: devices and systems which rely on quantum mechanics, to provide capabilities that ‘classical’ machines cannot
Applications for research addressing these areas should ensure complementarity with existing funding, including via strategic initiatives in the area and where applicable existing UKRI strategies, for example Transforming our world with AI.
Applications received will be considered on their scientific and engineering merit in competition with all other applications. The signpost will not be used to change the rank order of proposals for funding.
The majority of your research must fall within our remit.
We will work with other research councils to ensure that applications close to remit boundaries are assessed by the most appropriate lead council. We encourage you to contact us first to discuss your application if you believe your research may cross research council boundaries.
See our remit query form.
Duration
There is no limit on the length of your project.
Funding available
There is no limit on the value of the grant.
We will fund 80% FEC of your project.
What we will fund
We will fund:
- staff costs
- equipment (up to £400,000 per item)
- other items required to carry out the project
- costs related to impact
- travel and subsistence
Quotes for equipment do not need to be included in your application, but please retain quotes for equipment costing more than £138,000 as we may ask for these at post-panel stage before releasing funds.
Supporting skills and talent
We encourage you to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment.
International collaboration
If your application includes international applicants, project partners or collaborators, visit UKRI trusted research and innovation for more information on effective international collaboration.
Find out about getting funding for international collaboration.
