Statements of Need in Research Infrastructure
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) · United Kingdom
Opportunity inviting representatives of scientific communities to submit statements of need for large-scale research infrastructure in order to inform future investment decisions. The aim is to understand the scale, range and strategic importance of potential infrastructure investments in the UK research landscape.
Summary
Deadline
17 Mar 2026
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Opportunity inviting representatives of scientific communities to submit statements of need for large-scale research infrastructure in order to inform future investment decisions. The aim is to understand the scale, range and strategic importance of potential infrastructure investments in the UK research landscape.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Research, Charity Community
Business size
Research organisation
Industries
Engineering and physical sciences research infrastructure supporting UK research communities.
Match funding
Needs verification
Requirements
Researchers based at UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding under standard EPSRC eligibility rules. Applications must be submitted by a project lead based at an eligible UK research organisation. Statements describing the need for large-scale research infrastructure or facilities that would support strategic research capability in the UK. Infrastructure may be physical or digital ...
Eligible applicants
Researchers based at UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding under standard EPSRC eligibility rules.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
No direct funding available. Statements of need typically relate to infrastructure investments exceeding £5 million.
Total fund available
Not specified
Funding intensity
Not applicable
Payment type
Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
Eligible scope
Statements describing the need for large-scale research infrastructure or facilities that would support strategic research capability in the UK. Infrastructure may be physical or digital and should demonstrate strategic value to the research community.
Eligible expenses
- Not applicable as no funding is provided through this opportunity. Applicants must provide indicative full economic costs for the proposed infrastructure.
Ineligible costs
- Costs not eligible under UKRI Statements of Need in Research Infrastructure process.
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Closed / Not accepting applications
Decision timeline
Not specified
Assessment process
Statements of need are prioritised by an internal EPSRC panel based on their value to UK research and innovation and alignment with UKRI and government strategies. External advice may be sought where necessary.
Application sections
- Summary, vision, purpose and importance of the infrastructure, impact, users and community engagement, sustainability, data management and sharing, outline costs and justification, authors and ethics and responsible research and innovation considerations.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if they do not follow submission guidance or fail to demonstrate strategic importance and community support.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
Not specified
Project duration
Not specified
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Co-funders
Not specified
Collaboration rules
- Statements of need should represent the requirements of a wider research community rather than the needs of a single research group. Evidence of community consultation is expected.
- Not specified
Consortium requirements
- Not specified
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Research Category","value":"Research infrastructure planning and strategic research capability development."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Proposals must demonstrate clear community demand, strategic value to the UK research landscape and alignment with EPSRC, UKRI or government research strategies."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Uninvited resubmissions of previously submitted projects are not accepted."},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"This opportunity does not provide direct funding. Its purpose is to gather information about potential infrastructure needs that may inform future funding opportunities or investment decisions."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 17 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- No direct funding available. Statements of need typically relate to infrastructure investments exceeding £5 million.
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Other
- Payment type
- Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
- Audience
- Research Innovation, Charity Community, Mixed
- Industry
- Engineering and physical sciences research infrastructure supporting UK research communities.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 5 Mar 2025