Apply for Doctoral Focal Award Grant Chemical Threat Reduction (United Kingdom)

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced a Doctoral Focal Award (DFA) focused on chemical threat reduction. This opportunity aims to offer high-quality doctoral training in chemical threat reduction skills aligned with the Government’s Industrial Strategy, specifically for enhancing UK health and national security. The application deadline is 19 January 2027. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

- Co-Funders: Ministry of Defence (MOD), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

- Funding Type: Grant

- Total Fund: £12,525,000

- Maximum Award: £12,525,000

- Eligible Applicants: Higher education institutions, research council institutes, eligible independent research organisations, PSREs

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom

- Deadline: 19 January 2027, 4:00 pm UK time

- Project Duration: Not specified in the source

About the Opportunity

This funding opportunity is designed to enhance the UK’s capability to respond to chemical threats and incidents by establishing a cohort-based doctoral training programme. The initiative seeks to develop a cadre of research scientists skilled in chemical threat reduction, supporting the strategic objectives outlined in the UK government’s Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review 2025. Funding and Benefits

- Financial Support: The DFA will receive a non-full economic cost award, covering 100% of eligible costs, excluding estates and indirect costs.

- Student Support: The funding will support a minimum of 40 students, spread across three student cohorts for four-year doctoral programmes.

Who Is Eligible? - Eligible Organisations: Higher education institutions, research council institutes, eligible independent research organisations, Catapult centres, and public sector research establishments.

- Consortium Requirement: Must include an organisation with degree-awarding powers.

- Lead Organisation Role: Must be identified for strategic leadership and will host at least one student per year.

- Security Checks: Personnel involved will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, with options for higher security clearance.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Focus Areas: The DFA aims to build sovereign skills in chemical defence, critical for national security, aligning with the UK Health Security Agency’s needs.

- Cohort Education: Emphasis on a cohort approach to education, promoting peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

Why This Opportunity Matters This initiative is crucial for building the UK’s expertise in chemical threat reduction, ensuring rapid national response capabilities. It supports the development of skilled researchers who will contribute to national security and public health protection. How to Apply

- Expression of Interest: Submit by 1 December 2026, 11:59 pm UK time.

- Application Submission: Complete the UKRI Funding Service application by 19 January 2027, 4:00 pm UK time.

- Consortium Details: Include all collaborating organisations in the application.

For detailed application guidance, visit the UKRI eligibility page. Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Ensure Survey Completion: Only organisations that complete the intent to submit survey can apply.

- Clear Consortium Roles: Clearly define the roles of lead and collaborating organisations, ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for this funding? Eligible applications can be made by higher education institutions, research council institutes, and certain public sector research establishments in the UK. What is the maximum funding available? The maximum award is £12,525,000, covering 100% of eligible costs. What are the security requirements? All participants must pass a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. Higher security clearance is optional and facilitated by the MOD. What is the deadline for expressions of interest? Expressions of interest must be submitted by 1 December 2026, 11:59 pm UK time. Can organisations apply more than once? An organisation can only be the lead on one application but may collaborate on multiple applications. Next Steps Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines provided by UKRI and prepare the required documentation to meet the submission deadlines. Ensure all consortium members are aligned on their roles and contributions to the training programme.