Call for ideas for strategic research highlight topics
NERC invites new ideas (strategic funding for research and innovation) for the ninth round of the highlight topics scheme.
Ideas can come from any individual or group, and any part of the environmental science community (including researchers and those who use environmental science research).
Once an individual or group has sent an idea to NERC, they will relinquish and transfer ownership of that idea to NERC. NERC may choose to publish or share any material they receive.
What is an idea?
By an ‘idea’, NERC means a statement of a possible course of research.
It can be presented, for example, as a sharply-focused question, gap, challenge or opportunity, that the proposer considers would work within the framework of the NERC strategic delivery plan 2022 to 2025.
What we’re looking for
Please refer to the guidance below, which explains what we are looking for in a highlight topic idea in more detail.
Guidance for developing and submitting ideas for strategic research
Further information: a community webinar was held in April 2022, which outlined the process and best practice for the highlight topic funding stream.
Watch the community webinar recording.
Access passcode: HTIdeas22!
How to submit an idea
Ideas for new highlight topics should be submitted by 4 May 2023 4:00pm UK time using the online submission form.
Ideas will have a lifetime of a single round to ensure they remain timely.
Feedback
All submitters of ideas will receive feedback depending on:
- whether their idea contributed to a highlight topic
- whether it is felt to have potential but needs further development
- whether it is not considered to be appropriate for strategic research investment at this time
We encourage the community to use this feedback and the ideas guidance to decide whether to resubmit ideas for future rounds.
Cut-off dates
Please note that timings are indicative only and so may change.
Timetable
- cut-off date for ideas: 4 May 2023 4:00pm UK time
- new highlight topics announced for round 10, feedback on ideas submitted available: December 2023
Contact
NERC encourages ideas from all parts of the environmental science community and NERC staff are available to discuss potential ideas and provide advice.
If you have any queries on the process or would like advice on a potential idea, please contact us at idea@nerc.ukri.org in the first instance, and we will put you in touch with a NERC colleague who can help.