Smart Data Research UK, led by ESRC under UK Research & Innovation, invites UK‑based researchers to submit bold interdisciplinary proposals that leverage smart data—such as interactions via mobile apps, social media, navigation or sensor systems—to tackle pressing societal and economic challenges. The fellowship supports up to ten projects, each receiving £200,000 (Full Economic Cost), funded at 80% FEC through UKRI†.↚
UKRI Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Researchers must be based at a UK organisation eligible for ESRC funding. All career stages are welcome, especially early career researchers. Applicants must commit a significant portion of their time (ideally ≥ 60% FTE). Those already leading existing SDR UK grants or funding projects starting beyond six months into 2026 are not eligible†.↚
Focus & Themes
Successful projects must align with at least one of four key themes: productivity and prosperity; health and wellbeing; digital society; or sustainability. While use of SDR UK’s federated data services (e.g. GeoDS, SDDS, HASP, FINDS, Imago, SENSE) is encouraged, use of other smart datasets combined with traditional data sources is also acceptable†.Benefits & Support
Awardees receive up to £200,000 per project, with access to support from national data services, expert mentorship, and a growing network of smart-data researchers. Fellows can influence public policy, build stakeholder relationships, and amplify societal impact†.↚
Application Process
The fellowship call opens 15 July 2025, with applications submitted via the UKRI Funding Finder platform. A webinar will be held 29 July 2025. The submission deadline is 23 September 2025 at 4 pm UK time. Awards are announced in December 2025, and successful projects begin 1 February 2026 and run for up to 18 months†.About SDR UK & UKRI
The SDR UK initiative is powered by UKRI, the UK’s research and innovation agency, operating across six national smart data services to enable secure data access, best-in-class infrastructure, and ethical governance. Its mission is to transform smart and human-generated data into meaningful research outcomes that benefit society†.↚