Research funding is awarded on a competitive basis, using independent expert peer review.
Potential applicants should refer specific questions about the applications process to the relevant Research Council.
Information about the research application processes for each Council can be located at the following:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Applications should be made to the relevant Research Council, using the Councils Joint Electronic Submission System (JeS). The "areas of research page" provides a broad indication of which Research Council is likely to be the most appropriate funder.
In May 2000, Research Councils agreed a joint approach on the peer review of research proposals at the interface of Councils’ remits. This statement was revised in August 2006 and can be found here.
Programme Managers from each of the individual Councils will also be able to advise applicants who feel their application may cross the boundary of two or more Councils. The same application should not be submitted for consideration by more than one Research Council at any one time.
Pathways to Impact
The Research Councils UK Pathways to Impact website provides a single point of access to RCUK guidance and resources for completing the Research Councils Je-S application form and understanding the pathways towards economic and societal impacts. The site can be accessed here.