Large Grants Competition 2018

Institution: Economic and Social Research Council

Applicant Eligible Countries: Worldwide

Applications Open: April 16, 2018

Application Deadline: June 14, 2018

Funding: £1 million and £2.5 million (at 100% full economic cost) for a period of between three to five years

The Economic and Social Research Council of the UK Research and Innovation program invites talented researchers to submit proposals that will help generate significant economic or societal impact. Proposals may be submitted for traditional research projects, large-scale surveys, development projects, or infrastructure projects in any aspect of the social sciences. Interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged.

Proposals should be between £1 million and £2.5 million for between three to five years. Four awards will be funded, with projects that promote innovation and collaboration given highest preference. Projects that are within and beyond the social sciences will be accepted.

These grants should be highly ambitious and show a dedication to the career development of researchers, particularly researchers in their early career stages. They should make some significant contribution to science, the economy, or society, and involve potential future users of research. All projects should also be highly collaborative.

Research proposals may be submitted by more than one applicant, but candidates seeking studentships are not eligible to apply. For each project, a principal investigator will take the lead responsibility for conducting the research and communicating with the funding and organizational teams.

The application process will be conducted within two stages. Outline proposals should be submitted by June 14, with shortlist decisions made in September 2018. Successful applicants will be notified in November 2018, with funding decisions made the following May. Grants will begin on October 1.

Applications should be submitted online through the organization’s Joint Electronic Submission System. The application should include supporting documents including a high-quality proposal as well as a detailed applicant track record. This track record should evince demonstrated project planning and management skills, as well as engagement with users at all stages of project development. The application must also include justified costs for the entire project.

Questions about the program can be directed to the ESRC Large Grants team at largegrants@esrc.ac.uk.

To learn more and apply, click here.