Funding for behavioural research relating to the environment and sustainability, supporting projects that develop innovative methods and approaches to address important societal and economic challenges.
For this call, applications should address one of two themes:
- Integration of knowledge across types of data, academic disciplines and sectors, involving methods that: triangulate different types of data; improve integration of knowledge across disciplinary ‘silos’; and advance how behaviours are measured.
- Explaining variations in effectiveness of behavioural interventions across contexts (e.g. types of populations, settings and behaviours). This will enable the accurate generalisation of research findings to specific contexts.
Researchers can choose to explore their chosen theme with reference to specific topics, settings or sectors. Proposals should address societal and economic challenges currently facing the UK.
Collaborative proposals involving academia, government, the voluntary sector and industry are encouraged.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications should be led by early career researchers (ECRs) who are employed by an institution which is eligible to receive UKRI funding for the duration of the project. Those applying as a PI must have a contract of employment that covers the duration of the project.
The following definition of ECR applies:
- An individual employed to conduct research activities on a precarious contract (e.g. fixed term or project-funded) and/or someone who has not previously held a research grant (as Principal Investigator) exceeding £100,000, including grants from organisations other than UKRI. This restriction does not apply to Co-Investigators playing a supporting role in a project or to named research staff. ECRs may self-identify and may include those returning from a career break.
Applications should be co-funded (cash or in-kind) by the applicant’s organisation or other partners.
Co-applicants from outside of the UK are permitted.
Business, third or government sector applicants are welcome. However, co-applicant costs must not exceed 30% of the total FEC request, and overheads and any other indirect costs are not eligible for inclusion.
VALUE AND DURATION
Awards are worth up to £50,000 FEC and are expected to last 12-18 months.
KEY DATES
Deadline: 11 September 2026
Notification of outcome: November 2026
More information, including FAQs and details of past awards, can be found on the opportunity webpage. An application form template is included below.