ESRC New Investigator Grants will support new researchers and academics at the start of their careers to enable their transition to become independent researchers through gaining experience of managing and leading research projects and teams. In addition, the grants will provide applicants with an opportunity not only to support their own skill development, but also the skill development of research staff employed on the grant.
Applications can be for a range of activities such as standard research projects, surveys and other infrastructure projects and methodological developments. Proposals can draw from the wider sciences, as long as the social sciences are more than 50% of the focus and effort.
Applicants must be able to articulate why they should be considered an early career researcher and how the award of a New Investigator grant will have a demonstrable impact on their trajectory to becoming an independent researcher.
More info & eligibility requirements
Grants can be up to five years in duration, however please note that due to maximum available funding level of £300,000 at 100% full economic cost, a shorter duration of between 1.5 and 2.5 years is usually all that is feasible if the PI intends to request a significant amount of time on the grant. For an estimation of costs, or advice on what can be included in the budget for this scheme, please contact research@anthro.ox.ac.uk
ESRC is running this funding opportunity through the new UKRI funding services and the closing date for the first responsive mode round is 25th January 2024. We anticipate that round three will open shortly after.
The School is able to support only a very limited number of applications to this scheme in any round, and is therefore running a Gathered Field process:
SAME Gathered Field Stage
Candidates wishing to apply to the School’s gathered field must first ensure that they meet the ESRC eligibility requirements for this call.
Candidates should submit Expressions of Interest (see details below) to SAME Research Support Team by 10 am on Monday 20th November 2023.
Please mark “ESRC New Investigator Round Two gathered field” in the subject line.
Expression of Interest to include:
- An Outline proposal (no more than 3 pages A4, Arial font size 11) covering the following headings:
- Research Questions and Context
- Methodology
- Timetable
- Dissemination and Data Management
- Impact
- Resources Required (NB precise costings not required at this stage)
- Skills/Career Development Plan
- Mentor support statement (no more than 1 page A4, Arial font size 11) covering:
- Confirmation of required support for applicant – scientific and non-scientific (advice and assistance in developing their proposal; building suitable links with leading researchers in their field, as well as with potential beneficiaries and users of the applicant’s research; helping the grant holder review and implement the training and development programme)
- Benefits of hosting the project for the SAME
- Confirmation mentor can contribute required time as part of the host institution’s commitment to the project (i.e. not directly funded)
- Details of any secondary mentoring arrangements required (if applicable)
- Summary CV (no more than 1 page A4, Arial font size 11) demonstrating eligibility for the scheme
