Funding to support innovative research that uses smart data to help solve real-world challenges.
Smart data is generated through everyday digital interactions – including apps, social media, navigation systems and other connected devices.
ELIGIBILITY
Standard UKRI eligibility rules apply.
You don’t need to be a smart data expert, but you should have strong data skills, a compelling question, a creative approach, and a clear view of the impact your work could lead to.
Projects must clearly align with at least one of SDR UK’s four research themes:
- Productivity and prosperity: interrogating the drivers of economic growth and prosperity in the UK, at local, regional and national scales.
- Health and wellbeing: supporting improvements in population and public health to enable healthier, longer, and fulfilling lives.
- Digital society: understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid advances in technology and our increasing engagement with digital systems.
- Sustainability: enabling environmental sustainability and supporting decarbonisation and the green transition.
Proposals are welcome from all disciplines and career stages, with encouragement for early career researchers to apply.
If you are unsure whether your proposed research falls within the remit of this opportunity, you contact the Smart Data Research team for advice: smartdataresearch@ukri.org.
VALUE AND DURATION
Up to £200,000 FEC per project.
All projects must finish within 18 months.
KEY DATES
Deadline: 23 September 2025
Awards announced: December 2025
Projects start: 1 February 2026
More information including detailed objectives and data requirements can be found on the opportunity webpage.