AHRC Responsive Mode: UKRI NSF-SBE Lead Agency (Grant)

About this grant

Funding to work with overseas researchers in the United States. Collaborative research grant within remit of AHRC and US National Science Foundation, Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences Directorate.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Must be based at UK research organisation eligible for AHRC funding
• Actively engaged in postdoctoral research
• Doctorate or equivalent research experience

What the funding covers

• Full economic cost between £300K and £1.5 million
• AHRC funds 80% FEC
• Maximum duration: 5 years

How to apply

1. 1Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) using the NSF-SBE UKRI EOI template in PDF format.
2. 2Email the completed EOI to the chosen lead agency.
3. 3If AHRC is the lead agency, email the EOI to sbeleadagency@ukri.org.
4. 4If NSF-SBE is the lead agency, email the EOI to sbe-ukri@nsf.gov.
5. 5The EOI must outline the proposed research, research teams, and estimated funding required.
6. 6The EOI must include a summary, objectives, research challenges, methodologies, outputs, impact, and beneficiaries.
7. 7The EOI must not exceed 1,000 words or two pages.
8. 8The EOI will be shared with non-lead agencies for eligibility checks.
9. 9If approved, applicants may submit a full research application to the lead agency.
10. 10If the EOI is accepted, applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
11. 11Applicants must be aware of NSF priorities and potential longer processing timelines.
12. 12Applications must be submitted through the UKRI Funding Service, not the Je-S system.
13. 13The project lead is responsible for completing the application, with contributions from all team members.
14. 14Only the lead research organisation can submit the application.
15. 15Total costs in the full application must not vary by more than 10% from the approved EOI without justification.
16. 16Full applications should be submitted within one year of EOI approval.
17. 17Submitting a full application before EOI approval will result in rejection.
18. 18If NSF-SBE is the lead agency, applications must be submitted via Fastlane, Grants.gov, or Research.gov.
19. 19To apply, confirm project lead status and create or sign in to a Funding Service account.
20. 20Ensure your organisation is registered on the Funding Service, allowing at least 10 working days if not listed.
21. 21Complete application questions in the Funding Service and upload required documents.
22. 22Review the application before submitting it to the research office for checking.
23. 23The research office will submit the final application to UKRI.
24. 24Use images only when necessary, with captions, and ensure file size and format requirements are met.
25. 25Applications must be self-contained, and references should be clearly cited without relying on external links.
26. 26Do not include hyperlinks to extend application content.
27. 27Use of generative AI is permitted with caution.
28. 28There is no fixed deadline; applications are accepted continuously.
29. 29Applications cannot be changed after submission.
30. 30Rejected applications may be invited for resubmission, with assessment completed within nine months.
31. 31AHRC will begin assessment upon receipt of application.
32. 32Personal data will be handled according to UK data protection laws.
33. 33Application data will be shared with NSF-SBE for assessment.
34. 34Sensitive information should be emailed separately with appropriate subject details.
35. 35No matched funding is required beyond standard 20% FEC.
36. 36Third-party contributions are encouraged but not mandatory.
37. 37Successful applications may have summary information published publicly.
38. 38Provide a plain English summary of up to 550 words describing the project.
39. 39List core team members and assign appropriate roles.
40. 40Select one primary discipline classification from the provided list.
41. 41Provide secondary discipline keywords describing research area and approach.
42. 42Upload NSF-SBE budget form and letter of support from US institution as a single PDF.
43. 43In the Vision section, explain objectives, importance, and potential impact of the project.
44. 44In the Approach section, describe methodology, feasibility, risks, and expected outcomes.
45. 45In the Team Capability section, demonstrate skills, experience, and contributions of the team.
46. 46Use the R4RI format to present team qualifications and contributions.
47. 47Include optional additional context such as career breaks if relevant.
48. 48Provide details of project partners, including contributions and contact information.
49. 49Upload letters of support from project partners in a single PDF.
50. 50Ensure project partners confirm their commitment and contribution.
51. 51Do not include support letters from host or co-lead research organisations.
52. 52Address ethical and responsible research and innovation considerations.
53. 53Explain how data will be managed, including legal and ethical considerations.
54. 54Provide justification for resources and costs required for the project.
55. 55Include only UK costs in the resource summary; US costs are covered separately.
56. 56Justify major expenses such as staff, travel, consumables, and infrastructure.
57. 57Ensure resources are appropriate and represent value for money.
58. 58Funding is not provided for individual equipment items over £25,000.

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