UKRI-SBE Lead Agency Opportunity

About this grant

This opportunity allows UK and US-based researchers to submit a collaborative proposal that will go through a single review process.The goal is to reduce some of the barriers that researchers and funding agencies encounter when trying to work internationally.This opportunity does not represent a separate research funding scheme – applications will be integrated into existing programmes at the relevant lead agency.The participating agencies include UKRI councils AHRC, BBSRC and ESRC, and the NSF/SBE.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Meet the UKRI eligibility criteria.
• Be actively engaged in postdoctoral research and hold postdoctoral standing.
• Possess a doctorate or demonstrate equivalent research experience, training, or both.
• Be eligible regardless of whether you are an established member of a recognised research organisation.
• If not an established member of a recognised research organisation, be hosted by one and have access to appropriate research facilities.
• Provide evidence of host organisation support and facilities in the application.
• For US applicants seeking NSF funding, participate as an international co-investigator and meet NSF eligibility requirements.
• Comply with any additional eligibility requirements specified by the participating funding organisation.

What the funding covers

• For AHRC-led proposals, UK costs must be between £50K and £1 million.
• For BBSRC-led proposals, UK costs must not exceed £1 million.
• For ESRC-led proposals, UK costs must be between £350K and £1 million.
• For NSF-led proposals with AHRC as the UK funder, UK costs can be up to £350K.
• For NSF-led proposals with ESRC or BBSRC as the UK funder, UK costs can be up to £1 million.
• For NSF-led proposals, applicants should consult the relevant programme for budget guidance and funding norms.
• There is no minimum UK funding amount requirement when NSF is the lead agency.

How to apply

1. 1Discuss with the research team whether the lead agency should be UKRI or NSF.
2. 2Determine the lead agency based on where the majority of the research will be conducted.
3. 3Complete the two-stage application process, beginning with an expression of interest.
4. 4Submit a full proposal if invited to proceed to the second stage.
5. 5If applying through NSF as the lead agency, identify the most relevant SBE participating research programme.
6. 6Review and comply with the submission deadlines for the selected NSF/SBE programme.

Application tips