AHRC Responsive Mode: Catalyst Awards

About this grant

Awards to support researchers without prior experience of leading a significant research project to accelerate their trajectory as independent researchers, to unlock their potential and build leadership and convenor experience.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Based at UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding
• Cannot be current/former project lead on AHRC or UKRI research grants (with specific exceptions)
• Cannot be current/former project lead on research grants from other funders (with exceptions)
• Must have appropriate skills to lead project
• Applications welcomed from archivists, curators, librarians, technicians, practitioners

What the funding covers

• Support for researchers without prior leadership experience
• Accelerate trajectory as independent researchers
• Build leadership and convenor experience
• Award range: up to £300K FEC (AHRC funds 80%)
• Duration up to 5 years
• Mentoring costs can be claimed

How to apply

1. 1Use UKRI Funding Service only; Je-S cannot be used
2. 2Ensure your organisation is registered on the Funding Service
3. 3Only the lead research organisation can submit an application
4. 4Project lead completes the application, with contributions from team members and project partners
5. 5Select 'Start application' on the Funding Finder page
6. 6Confirm project lead status
7. 7Sign in or create a Funding Service account
8. 8If organisation is missing, email support@funding-service.ukri.org
9. 9Allow at least 10 working days for organisation setup
10. 10Create an organisation Administration Account (recommended)
11. 11Answer questions directly in text boxes or draft offline and paste later
12. 12Upload documents as instructed in Funding Service
13. 13Check application in read-only mode before sending
14. 14Submit application to research office for review
15. 15Research office submits final checked application to UKRI
16. 16Use images sparingly and only when necessary
17. 17Put each image on a new line with descriptive legend
18. 18Keep image files under 5MB and in approved formats
19. 19Use references within sections only; do not use links to extend the application
20. 20Persistent identifiers (like DOIs) are preferred for references
21. 21Generative AI may be used with caution following UKRI policy
22. 22Funding opportunity is always open; ignore system-generated closing date
23. 23Applications cannot be amended after submission
24. 24Rejected invited resubmissions aim for assessment within 9 months
25. 25Sensitive/confidential matters should be emailed separately to AHRC
26. 26No institutional matched funding required beyond standard 20% FEC
27. 27Third-party in-kind or direct partner contributions are encouraged
28. 28Successful applications may have summary information published
29. 29Prepare Summary section (550 words): context, challenge, aims, benefits
30. 30List Core Team roles and assign UKRI-approved role types
31. 31Select one Primary Discipline classification
32. 32Provide Secondary Discipline keywords
33. 33Prepare Vision section (550 words): excellence, innovation, timeliness, impacts, beneficiaries
34. 34Prepare Approach section (1650 words): methods, feasibility, risks, outputs, environment
35. 35Prepare Applicant and Team Capability section (1650 words) using R4RI format
36. 36Cover R4RI modules: knowledge creation, team development, community contribution, societal benefit
37. 37Use Additions section only for contextual factors, not extra CV content
38. 38Add project partner details including contributions and values
39. 39Upload single PDF of project partner support letters or enter N/A
40. 40Support letters must confirm commitment, benefits and added value
41. 41Prepare Ethics and RRI section (500 words): ethics, data governance, compliance
42. 42Prepare Resources and Cost Justification (1000 words): justify major costs and resources
43. 43Equipment over £25,000 is not funded
44. 44Watch Funding Service and research office guidance resources/webinars
45. 45Ensure application follows all guidance or it may be rejected

Application tips