Economic and Social Research Council · United Kingdom

ESRC applicant-led: explore awards

Open

Deadline: Not published yet — check the official call
Grant amount: £300,000 – £2 million per applicant
Funding rate: UKRI usually pays 80% of full economic cost for research organisations Standard rule for this programme; the call can differ.
Likely applicant types: Universities & research, Non-profits From source categories or programme rules; the call decides.
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Reference: UKRI-202682
Last checked: 15 Nov 2026

Programme overview

Apply for funding to advance knowledge through ambitious, curiosity-driven social science. Explore awards support individuals or small teams to pursue bold, novel ideas within ESRC’s remit that advance knowledge.

Who can apply

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for ESRC funding.

Applicant categories are a starting point. The official call decides eligibility.

Timing

Closing date: Open - no closing date

How to apply

Apply through the funder’s official page (link below); it states the procedure, documents and deadline.

From the call text

Who can apply: Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page
Company stage: Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page
Single applicant or consortium: Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page
Where applicants must be based: Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page
Where to apply: Not stated in the call text we hold — check the official page

Official sources

Official call page

Facts on this page come from the official source and were last checked 15 Nov 2026. The funder's own documents, including later amendments, always take precedence.