Available awards
Funding awards can be split into a number of main areas:
Research grants
The NERC research grants schemes are intended to provide financial support for environmental scientists to carry out research projects of international quality at UK universities and other approved institutions. We provide a number of different schemes designed to support the varying needs of the community. Research grants
Fellowships
We fund around 90 Fellowships at any one time with up to 30 new awards each year. These awards provide opportunities for outstanding environmental scientists to devote their time to research, developing their research careers and producing work of international importance. Fellowship awards
Postgraduate training (studentships)
We fund around 1,100 PhD students each year. Studentships are funded through university departments and NERC research centres, so we do not deal directly with applications from prospective students. Studentship awards
NERC is introducing a new approach to investments in postgraduate training.
Knowledge exchange funding schemes
NERC provides funding for specific activities that encourage the use and uptake of NERC science including training, people and knowledge flow and networks; collaborative research with users; and commercialisation. Knowledge exchange funding schemes
Undergraduate research experience placements
NERC is running the Research Experience Placements (REP) scheme for a third year in 2012. These placements provide opportunities for undergraduate students with good quantitative skills to undertake a ten week environmental research project. The scheme aims to encourage more of these individuals to consider a career in environmental research. Research Experience Placements scheme
For more general information and context please see the Funding Introduction page.