How to Apply

We are inviting partners from every corner; industry leaders, researchers, innovators, investors, and policymakers to help shape and support this national mission, while confirming that eligibility to apply for FlexFund awards rests with academic institutions as project leads and that these partners will not receive funding directly. Funding will be at 80% FEC and end of project reports will be collated and details shared (within the rules of confidentiality) with UKRI in the Annual Reports. Awardees will be expected to provide an end of project report and case study which will be shared on our website. Guidance will be provided to investigators on commencement of the projects to enable them to gather the relevant information and establish the required cross-disciplinary collaborations.

All applications will be evaluated and scored in alignment with EPSRC processes, with research and partnership quality being the major criteria. Feedback will be provided. The funding assessment panels will be made up from the Great British Chemicals core membership. The calls will be staggered throughout the year, with the People fund being open all year round. The balance and prioritisation of funding will be reviewed annually, with guidance from our strategic advisory board and UKRI. The scheduling of calls will ensure inclusivity and diversity, and applications will need to outline mechanisms to ensure RR&I, EDI and TR are embedded in the project/activity.

Financial and in-kind contributions from Partners will be accepted in accordance with the budget holder’s (Sheffield) Ethics Policy. We will promote activities in inclusive ways to help balance the portfolio and diversity of award holders. We will review the award value and Partner financial/in-kind contributions, based on an assessment of the Partner’s size and profitability to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of resources, a wider regional impact footprint, and strengthened societal value.

Under the terms of the award, studentships and student-incurred expenses cannot be supported; all applicants must be based at an eligible UK research organisation and are expected to demonstrate appropriate employment status, research excellence, embedded RRI/EDI principles, and completion of trusted-research and ethics due-diligence requirements in accordance with EPSRC and NERC eligibility rules.

Further details and guidelines will be provided when the call for proposals is launched.