ESRC Responsive Mode: New Investigator Grant - 2026
Timeline:
- EOI deadline: 14th August 2026, 10:00am
- Internal selection outcome: early September
- Target submission to ESRC: 16 October
The School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography (SAME) invites expressions of interest (EOIs) for an internal selection process for the ESRC responsive mode: new investigator grants round two scheme.
This scheme supports early career researchers in establishing themselves as independent researchers through the leadership of a significant research project and the development of a programme of research and skills training.
Scheme overview:
The ESRC New Investigator Grants scheme is intended to support researchers at an early stage of their career to:
- lead their own research project
- gain experience of research leadership and management
- develop their research profile and trajectory towards independence
Applications may cover a wide range of topics, provided that social science constitutes over 50% of the research focus.
- Funding: £100,000–£350,000 (FEC, ESRC funds 80%) - please note that the scheme ceiling includes overheads and indirects, and we will advise on budget during application development.
- Duration: up to 5 years
The scheme allows flexibility in how projects are structured and delivered, including the possibility of alternative working patterns where appropriate, and may be particularly well suited to applicants seeking to structure their research on a part-time basis.
SAME internal selection – EOI stage – deadline 10:00 am on 14th August 2026
EOIs should be submitted by email to: research@anthro.ox.ac.uk
For informal enquiries, please contact the same address.
In line with ESRC expectations that institutions submit a limited number of high-quality applications, SAME will run an internal selection process. We expect to support one, or at most two, applications for submission. This process is intended to ensure that applicants receive appropriate institutional support and that submissions are of the highest possible quality.
Eligibility:
Applicants must meet ESRC eligibility criteria for the New Investigator scheme. In particular, applicants should:
- be early career researchers
- not have previously held a substantial UKRI research grant as project lead (ESRC postdoctoral fellowships are not included in this)
Applicants must hold a contract at an eligible UK research organisation for the duration of the award.
Expression of Interest
Please submit a Word document (font size 12, Arial) by the deadline. EOIs should consist of the following:
- Project summary (max. 200 words)
- Vision (max. 500 words )
- significance, originality, and timeliness of the proposed research
- expected academic and non-academic outcomes, and beneficiaries
- Approach (max. 2000 words)
- research design, methodology, and feasibility
- indicative workplan and key risks
- approach to impact and user engagement
- outline of research and skills development
- Applicant and team capability (max. 1500 words – can be expanded at full stage)
- track record and achievements (appropriate to career stage)
- evidence of readiness for research leadership (aligned to R4RI principles)
- list of project partners if relevant
- Data management and ethics (max. 200 words)
- brief indication of data management considerations and any ethical issues
- Resources and Budget (max. 500 words)
- brief indication of non-staff resources required for project (please do not estimate costs for resources at this stage; the scheme ceiling includes indirects and overheads and we will advise on the budget during application development)
- Statement of Support from Mentor (max. 2 A4 sides)
- how they have tailored their programme of support to your individual needs
- how they will ensure you are kept active and focused throughout the award
- how they will keep your long-term career prospects clearly in mind
- how they have the relevant skills and experience to be your mentor
