How to win money for research
In many cases, scientists will have a better chance in successfully bidding for funding if they are able to demonstrate how their research will support NERC's strategic priorities.
There are two ways of gaining money for research:
Responsive mode funding (once known as blue skies research) supports innovative research proposals brought to us by the environmental research community. These unsolicited proposals can address any area within NERC's remit and will strengthen the health of science disciplines and help set future priories.
Research programme funding will deliver strategically directed environmental research, training and related knowledge exchange. It is aimed at the science challenges and priorities identified by the NERC strategy to address some of the major global environmental challenges of the 21st century. It will have key features such as being time-limited, competitive and encouraging partnerships and collaboration.
Research programme funding can be sought by:
- Understanding and influencing NERC strategic priorities and investments. This will help you to align your research and capability with the NERC strategy.
- Developing strategic partnerships and collaborating with complementary researchers or organisations.
- Remember that NERC research centres have access to a vast array of national capability including: environmental survey and monitoring networks and data; shared services and facilities (from ships and planes to specialist labs, with bases across the UK and across the globe); specialist knowledge and expertise.
- Responding to open calls for programmes or projects by submitting research proposals that address NERC strategic priorities as specified in each call.
- Watch our funding news pages for announcements.
- Use the usual research application processes (e.g. Je-S forms) unless the call specifies an alternative tendering process.