Funding Opportunity: EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity NetworkPlus Grant (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 03-Nov-2026

UK Research and Innovation is inviting eligible UK research organisations to develop interdisciplinary NetworkPlus collaborations that advance circular economy solutions in data and metrics or textiles. The programme supports research communities working across academia, industry, policy, and the third sector to develop practical approaches that reduce resource consumption and extend the life of products, materials, and structures.

About the Reimagining Circularity NetworkPlus Grant

The EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity NetworkPlus Grant aims to build strong interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research communities focused on advancing the circular economy in the UK. The programme is designed to support approaches to circularity that go beyond traditional recycling. It encourages networks to explore how products, materials, and structures can remain in use for longer while reducing unsustainable resource consumption. The programme focuses specifically on two areas: - Data and metrics. - Textiles. Networks are expected to bring together different sectors and disciplines to develop innovative circular economy solutions with real-world applications. Key Objectives

The programme aims to:

- Build interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary circular economy research communities. - Support innovative approaches that extend the life of products, materials, and structures. - Address unsustainable resource consumption. - Develop solutions that go beyond recycling. - Strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, policy, and third sector organisations. - Support early-career and mid-career researchers. - Create inclusive research environments for researchers and professional enabling staff. - Generate practical solutions with environmental, economic, social, and cultural benefits. Priority Research Areas Data and Metrics Projects in this area can explore how data, measurement, and metrics can improve understanding and implementation of circular economy systems.

Potential areas may include:

- Measuring circularity. - Understanding circular resource flows. - Developing system-level insights. - Improving data-driven decision-making. - Developing metrics that support circular business models and policies. Textiles The textiles focus supports innovative approaches to improving circularity within textile systems.

Research may consider:

- Extending the useful life of textile products. - New circular business models. - Advanced manufacturing approaches. - Improving material use. - Reducing resource consumption across textile systems. - System-level approaches to textile circularity. Real-World Impact The programme prioritises networks capable of developing high-impact solutions with practical applications.

Examples of potential outcomes include:

- New business models. - Advanced manufacturing techniques. - System-level insights into circular flows. - Demonstrators. - Feasibility studies. - Seed-corn research. - Translational research. The emphasis is on developing knowledge and innovations that can contribute to real-world circular economy transformation. Collaboration Across Sectors NetworkPlus collaborations are expected to bring together stakeholders from multiple sectors. Networks should build meaningful relationships across: - Academic research. - Industry. - Government and policy. - Third sector organisations. - Local and regional stakeholders. Industrial partners are mandatory as project partners, although businesses cannot serve as lead applicants. Local and Regional Engagement Networks must engage with local and regional stakeholders as part of their activities. This engagement should support the development of case studies and help demonstrate how circular economy research can contribute to economic, social, and cultural prosperity across the UK. Local and regional collaboration can also help ensure that research responds to real-world needs and produces solutions that are relevant to different communities and places. Environmental Sustainability and Responsible Research Environmental sustainability should be integrated throughout network activities. Projects are also expected to incorporate: - Responsible research and innovation. - Equality, diversity, and inclusion. - Inclusive approaches to research collaboration. - Consideration of environmental impacts. These principles should be embedded across the network rather than treated as separate activities. Support for Early and Mid-Career Researchers The programme encourages research environments that provide opportunities for early-career and mid-career researchers. Networks should also support professional enabling staff and create opportunities for researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds to collaborate. This approach is intended to strengthen the UK’s long-term research capacity in circular economy innovation. Funding Available The total funding available through the programme is £8,656,000. Each project can receive a maximum award of £5,410,000.

Key funding details include:

- Total programme funding: £8,656,000.

- Maximum award: £5,410,000 per project.

- Funding rate: Up to 80% of the full economic cost.

- Maximum project duration: 36 months.

- Flexible fund requirement: At least 60% of each award.

Flexible Fund At least 60% of each award must be allocated to a flexible fund. This funding will be distributed through open competition and can support activities such as: - Demonstrators. - Feasibility studies. - Seed-corn funding. - Translational research. The flexible fund is intended to enable new ideas and collaborations to develop during the lifetime of the network. Who Can Apply?

Eligible lead applicants include:

- UK higher education institutions. - Research council institutes. - UKRI-approved independent research organisations. - Eligible public sector research establishments. - NHS bodies with research capacity. However, the programme uses a two-stage application process. Only organisations that