Strategic infrastructure outlines
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) · United Kingdom
Funding to support the purchase and development of strategic research infrastructure that strengthens UK scientific capability and enables cutting-edge research aligned with EPSRC priorities.
Summary
Deadline
18 Jun 2026
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Funding to support the purchase and development of strategic research infrastructure that strengthens UK scientific capability and enables cutting-edge research aligned with EPSRC priorities.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Research
Business size
Research organisation
Industries
Engineering and physical sciences research areas within EPSRC remit.
Match funding
Not required
Requirements
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. Research technical professionals may apply as project lead or co-lead if their responsibilities and employment conditions meet EPSRC eligibility requirements. The lead organisation must be an eligible UK research organisation. Funding supports either the purchase and setup of strategic infrastructure or resources...
Eligible applicants
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. Research technical professionals may apply as project lead or co-lead if their responsibilities and employment conditions meet EPSRC eligibility requirements.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
Minimum £400,000 Full Economic Cost
Total fund available
Not specified
Funding intensity
Capital infrastructure may be funded up to 100% Full Economic Cost; associated non-capital costs are funded at 80% Full Economic Cost.
Payment type
Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
Eligible scope
Funding supports either the purchase and setup of strategic infrastructure or resources to support and maximise use of existing infrastructure.
Eligible expenses
- Capital equipment and infrastructure costs over £400,000, along with justified non-capital costs such as staff time, training, engagement activities, and infrastructure management costs.
Ineligible costs
- Costs not eligible under EPSRC strategic infrastructure outlines funding terms.
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Competitive Selection
Decision timeline
Applicants can expect to hear the outcome of outline submissions within approximately six months.
Assessment process
Outline proposals are reviewed by an EPSRC internal panel. Successful applicants are invited to submit a full proposal which undergoes peer review, panel assessment and potentially an interview.
Application sections
- Summary, theme classification, purpose and vision, approach including accessibility and sustainability, applicant and host institution capability, outline costs, and justification of resources.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if they do not follow submission guidance or exceed institutional limits on submissions.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
18 Jun 2024
Project duration
Not specified for infrastructure purchase; up to 2 years for resources supporting existing infrastructure
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Co-funders
Not specified
Collaboration rules
- Applications should demonstrate strategic collaboration and alignment with institutional research priorities.
- International collaborators may participate as project partners but cannot be project co-leads under this funding opportunity.
Consortium requirements
- Not specified
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Research Category","value":"Research infrastructure and equipment funding."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Yes, for shortlisted proposals at the full proposal stage."},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Applications must demonstrate strong institutional strategic importance and clear benefits for national research capability."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Uninvited resubmissions of previously submitted projects are not accepted."},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"Institutions are expected to prioritise strategic applications, and each institution is limited to a maximum number of submissions within the specified annual period."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Open
- Deadline
- 18 Jun 2026
- Funding amount
- Minimum £400,000 Full Economic Cost
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
- Audience
- Research Innovation
- Industry
- Engineering and physical sciences research areas within EPSRC remit.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 18 Jun 2024