Nuffield Foundation

New £15 million Strategic Fund 

We are calling for applications to our new £15m Strategic Fund for ambitious, interdisciplinary research projects that will address some of the most important challenges facing UK society and the public policy agenda in the next decade.
 

This is a rare opportunity for researchers to develop original and challenging ideas, to work collaboratively across disciplines, and to influence social policy in a period of rapid change and uncertainty for our society.Email address*First name*Last name*Name of organisation or institution

Call for applications

Through the Strategic Fund, we will make awards in the range of £1-3 million – increasing the scale, scope and influence of the research we fund. We encourage applications from universities, research institutes, think tanks and voluntary organisations. Our priorities are for multidisciplinary projects with the potential for lasting and significant impact. We will work with our grant-holders to make that happen. 

Phased applications over two years

Applications will open on 1 October 2019 and we will phase funding over two years, with applications accepted at any point during that time. We will have fixed points during this period for assessment and shortlisting of initial outline applications, the first of which will be 9 December 2019. For applicants who want to do some initial exploration of ideas, we are also providing the opportunity to apply for seed corn funding.  

Strategic Fund themes

We encourage applications relating to a number of broad themes, set out in our call for applications. These themes include the impact of digital technologies and the fourth industrial revolution, the future of education in a digitally-driven society, and interventions that might promote opportunity and reduce adversity at different life stages and between generations. For the full list of themes, download the Strategic Fund call for applications.

We are looking for applications that demonstrate a rigorous approach to research while at the same time articulating distinctive questions that will connect with a range of audiences. We want to give opportunities to a new generation of the best research talent, to encourage innovative methods and involvement with people outside academic research in policy, frontline service delivery, and the voluntary sector.  

Guidance for applicants

We will publish full guidance for applicants in September. If you would like to receive email updates of all key guidance, dates and information relating to the Strategic Fund, please register for updates below.

Strategic Fund timeline

• 20 August 2019 – Applications open for seed corn funding
• September 2019 – Full guidance published for applicants to the Strategic Fund 
• 1 October 2019 – Applications open for submission of outline applications to the Strategic Fund 
• 9 December 2019 – First round of assessment and shortlisting of applications 
• July 2020 – First round of awards from the Strategic Fund