ESRC is making important changes to our applicant-led mode schemes. The refreshed approach will encourage agility, innovation and excellence from early-stage exploration to major programmes.
The key changes are:
- more outcome-focused funding opportunities
- more strategic management and curation of our applicant-led portfolio
- greater support for novelty, disruption and responsible risk taking
- faster funding for the best ideas
We will be launching five opportunities in a phased approach. Two pilots have already launched, and detailed pre-announcements for other opportunities are expected in September 2026. Our research grants, new investigator grants and secondary data analysis opportunities will remain open to applications, with no submission deadlines, until the new Grow and Explore opportunities are opened.
During this townhall we will set out full details of the refreshed applicant led mode.
To help us shape and plan the content for the next town hall use the feedback and questions form to set out what questions you would like answered. The form will close on Wednesday 23 September to give us time to review and address in the content of the town hall.