British Election Study (BES) 2027 to 2032

Document research last revised 2026-08-10.

Grant Name

British Election Study (BES) 2027 to 2032

Opportunity Type

Research Infrastructure Funding Opportunity

Research Area

Political Science, Elections, Democratic Participation, Social Data Infrastructure

Project Start

From October 2026

Last Official Update

11 May 2026

International Participation

International researchers may participate as Project Co-Lead (International). Other international collaborators should participate as project partners where appropriate. (UKRI)

Programme Aim

Identify and fund the team and host institution to lead the British Election Study from 2027 to 2037 while ensuring continuity, methodological innovation and high-quality political data infrastructure. (UKRI)

Programme Objectives

Deliver politically independent election data; support academic research; inform policymakers, media and political stakeholders; facilitate UK and international comparative research; maximise public benefit through high-quality election datasets. (UKRI)

Geographic Coverage

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland election data is covered separately through the Northern Ireland Election Study (NIES). (UKRI)

Primary Data Requirements

Post-election survey of probability-based sample for the UK General Election; election surveys aligned with local elections in England, Scotland and Wales; panel survey maintaining time-series continuity. (UKRI)

Data Collection Requirements

Nationally representative samples; high-quality politically independent data; deposit datasets with the UK Data Service; publish release schedule within one month of data collection; final datasets should normally be available within nine months and no later than one year after the election. (UKRI)

Subcontracted Survey Rules

Surveys costing £10,000 or more must follow competitive procurement procedures. Surveys costing £25,000 or more require full tendering procedures unless justified otherwise. (UKRI)

Data Management Requirements

Produce high-quality politically independent datasets; promote timely public access; collaborate with other UK election studies; maintain robust data management, sharing and preservation arrangements. (UKRI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applicants are encouraged to explain how AI could improve delivery of the study and enable responsible user-led AI applications on BES data. Use of generative AI in preparing funding applications is permitted in accordance with UKRI guidance. (UKRI)

Host Organisation Requirements

Host institution must provide a strong statement of support demonstrating commitment, appropriate infrastructure, research environment and any aligned institutional support for successful delivery of the BES. (UKRI)

Governance Requirements

Appropriate governance structure; independent advisory board; regular monitoring and reporting; stakeholder engagement; project management arrangements suitable for a national research infrastructure. (UKRI)

Monitoring Requirements

Regular monitoring against agreed milestones, deliverables and KPIs; reporting to ESRC; compliance with ESRC Research Funding Guide. (UKRI)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

ESRC encourages applications from diverse researchers and supports flexible working, career breaks, caring responsibilities, accessibility and disability support throughout the funding process. (UKRI)

Important Conditions

Only the lead research organisation may submit an application. Applications cannot be amended after submission. Funding must support BES as national research infrastructure rather than standalone academic research projects. Applicants must comply with the ESRC Research Funding Guide. (UKRI)

Official Grant Page

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/british-election-study-2027-2032/

Application deadline in source document

14 May 2026, 4:00 pm UK time

Official source

Read the funding authority guidance