Funding for projects that could reshape social policy and improve wellbeing by driving systemic change based on one or more of the following priority questions:
- How can we build a prosperous and fair society, where people are secure and can fulfil their potential?
- How can we build an inclusive society, where people thrive and feel they belong, in the context of changing demography and ways of life?
- How can we ensure that developments in science and technology work for people and society?
- How can policies to address climate change be developed in a way that promotes a prosperous, fair and inclusive society?
- How can we build and maintain the effective, accountable and trustworthy institutions that our society and democracy need?
ELIGIBILITY
Proposals for projects should be directly concerned with UK issues and society – this includes comparative work between the four nations, and international work which results in lessons for UK policy and practice.
Proposals must also meet the following general assessment criteria:
- Relevance: Is the proposal relevant to at least one of the priority questions?
- Impact: Is there a clear path to how the research and related activities might make a difference to people’s lives?
- Conceptual framework: Is there a clear conceptual framework?
- Rigour: Is the research methodology appropriate and rigorous?
- Experience: Does the team have the appropriate experience, expertise and potential?
- Value for money: Is the budget requested appropriate, and does it offer good value for money?
The following will not be funded:
- Individuals without formal employment or other relationship with the institution hosting the grant
- Projects led by individuals unaffiliated to any particular organisation
- Projects led by undergraduates or master’s students
- PhD fees or projects where the main purpose is to support a PhD
- The establishment of academic posts
- Ongoing costs or the costs of ‘rolling out’ existing work or services
If in doubt, use Nuffield’s grant eligibility tool.
VALUE AND DURATION
This award offers up to £500,000.
Most grants awarded are below £300,000. Smaller grants (under £15,000) are also available, and these may be fast-tracked if there is a case for an accelerated decision.
Funded projects usually last between six months and three years, but projects with shorter or longer timelines are occasionally funded.
KEY DATES
Outline application deadline: 13 April 2026
Full applications invited: May/June 2026
Earliest start date: January 2027
More information, including FAQs and previously funded projects, can be found on the opportunity webpage. See also Nuffield’s guidance for applicants.