Work with US-based Researchers on Environmental Science

About this grant

Apply for funding to work with US-based researchers on an environmental science application.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• UK-based applicants must meet the NERC and UKRI eligibility requirements.
• Applicants must satisfy NERC's individual eligibility criteria.
• The proposed project must fall within NERC's research remit.
• US-based applicants must be eligible for funding under the relevant NSF solicitation.
• US applicants will be funded by NSF rather than NERC if the application is successful.

What the funding covers

• Funding for collaborative environmental science research projects involving researchers from the UK and the United States.
• Support for international research partnerships between UK-based and US-based research teams.
• Access to joint funding through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).
• A lead-agency application process that allows a single proposal to be reviewed by one funding agency on behalf of both funders.
• Support for research addressing fundamental environmental science questions.
• Funding for projects within NERC's research remit and eligible NSF GEO and BIO programmes.
• Opportunities to combine expertise, resources, data, and facilities across UK and US institutions.
• Support for interdisciplinary environmental science research collaborations.
• Funding for the UK component of successful projects through NERC.
• Funding for the US component of successful projects through NSF.

How to apply

1. 1Form a collaborative research team and determine whether NERC or NSF will act as the lead agency.
2. 2Choose the lead agency based on where most of the research will be conducted or which agency is expected to provide the majority of funding.
3. 3Contact the proposed lead funding agency if advice is needed regarding lead agency selection or project suitability.
4. 4Identify the appropriate existing funding programme under the chosen lead agency.
5. 5Prepare the application according to the requirements of the selected funding programme.
6. 6Submit the full application through the relevant NERC or NSF funding scheme rather than through a separate programme.

Application tips