UK National Coordinator and sur

Application Components: Project summary, vision, approach, team capability, data management, dissemination plan, cost justification, and supporting documents

Application Platform: UKRI Funding Service

Assessment Criteria: Vision, approach, team capability, ethics, resources, dissemination, data management, and collaboration

Data Requirements: Must produce and deliver survey datasets, technical documentation, and supporting materials to ESS Data Archive; ensure open access and compliance with data standards

Decision Process: Expert panel review followed by interview and final ESRC decision

Eligible Research Costs: Staff costs, survey data collection, dissemination, engagement activities, travel and subsistence

Funding Structure: ESRC funds 80% of FEC; subcontracted survey costs may be funded at 100%

Funding Structure (Delivery): Includes funding for national coordination, survey implementation, communication, dissemination, and data delivery

Governance Requirements: Must comply with ESS ERIC specifications, UKRI terms, GDPR requirements, and national ethical procedures

Important Notes: Strong emphasis on collaboration, data quality, and dissemination; strict adherence to ESS specifications required; funding focused on infrastructure, not standalone research

Ineligible Costs: Standard research projects, publications, literature reviews, general conference attendance, studentships

International Participation: Allowed; international collaborators can be included as co-leads or partners

Key Organisational Requirements: Must deliver ESS data collection in line with ESS ERIC specifications; appoint or manage survey agency; ensure high-quality, representative data; comply with data protection regulations

Monitoring Requirements: Regular reporting including six-monthly updates, risk and progress tracking, and engagement with ESRC and ESS ERIC oversight structures

Objectives: Deliver high-quality ESS data in the UK, support international collaboration, enable research and policy insights, and maximise public benefit through data use

Project Duration: Up to 48 months

Project Start Date: From August 2026 (must start by 1 October 2026)