Resources to support existing strategic infrastructure - EPSRC

Scope of scheme

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) provides funding to procure new infrastructure through multiple routes, to enable researchers to access the infrastructure they require to deliver high quality research.

EPSRC can also provide support to improve access to existing infrastructure in order to maximise its usage. We welcome approaches to enable the better sharing of existing capital infrastructure through the resources to support existing strategic infrastructure scheme.

It is expected that awards will provide seed or invest-to-save funding to initiate increased use and sustainability of the infrastructure.

It is not expected that more funding through this specific route will be needed after the first application. Clear plans for sustainability must be articulated in the proposal.

Further applications to support sharing of the same item or items of infrastructure will not be accepted.

The infrastructure may be funded by EPSRC but could also have been entirely funded from other sources. However the research enabled by the infrastructure must be within the EPSRC remit. Proposals for this type of support will be assessed alongside proposals for items of infrastructure and using similar assessment criteria.

Pre-outline stage: discuss with EPSRC

Resources to support existing strategic infrastructure proposals can only be submitted when invited by the relevant EPSRC theme lead.

Applications that have not been pre-approved will be rejected.

You must discuss your potential application with the most appropriate theme contact before submitting an outline. You should discuss:

  • the infrastructure to be shared
  • the research supported by the infrastructure
  • an idea of the resource levels required

You should articulate a brief strategic case for why the resource request is needed.

How to apply once invited

You can apply to the outline stage of the EPSRC resources to support existing strategic infrastructure scheme using the UKRI Funding Service.

Find all the information on how to apply in the funding opportunity guidance for the current round:

EPSRC strategic infrastructure outlines: Aug 2023

This guidance includes:

  • who can apply
  • what we’re looking for
  • how to apply
  • how we will assess your application
  • contact details

Contacts

If you have any questions about the strategic infrastructure process or if you are planning a resources to support existing strategic infrastructure proposal please use the following contacts:

Generic questions and submission of draft business cases

EPSRC equipment funding

Email: epsrcequipmentfunding@epsrc.ukri.org

Research infrastructure

Li Convey

Email: li.convey@epsrc.ukri.org

Stephen Gilligan

Email: stephen.gilligan@epsrc.ukri.org

Physical sciences

Email: physical.sciences@epsrc.ukri.org

Information and communication technologies (ICT)

Email: ict.theme@epsrc.ukri.org

Engineering

Maria Calderon Munoz

Email: maria.calderonmunoz@epsrc.ukri.org

Healthcare technologies

John Baddeley

Email: john.baddeley@epsrc.ukri.org

Manufacturing

Tochukwu Ajare

Email: tochukwu.ajare@epsrc.ukri.org

Energy

Neil Bateman

Email: neil.bateman@epsrc.ukri.org

Last updated: 17 August 2023

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