Submit Applications for UK-HyRES Flexible Fund 4

UK-HyRES (UK-HyRES Hub Programme) invites applications to its final major Flexible Fund call, delivered as a Challenge Call. The programme seeks ambitious, challenge-led research proposals in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels, with awards of up to three UK-HyRES Research Grants of up to 12 months’ duration. The deadline for Expressions of Interest (EOI) is 13 October 2026 (via online form), and the Full Proposal deadline is 15 January 2027. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding programme/provider: UK-HyRES Hub Programme (Flexible Fund 4 – the Challenge Call)

- Opportunity type: Challenge Call with a two-stage application (EOI then Full Proposal)

- Maximum award per proposal: £150,000

- Estimated number of awards: Up to three UK-HyRES Research Grants

- Project duration: Up to 12 months

- Information webinar: Friday 11 September (year not specified in the source)

- EOI submission window:

- EOI call opens: Friday 11 September 2026

- EOI closes: Tuesday 13 October 2026

- Full Proposal submission window:

- Full Proposal call opens: Wednesday 25 November 2026

- Full Proposal closes: Friday 15 January 2027

- Notification of outcomes: End of March 2027

- Anticipated start date: No later than mid-April 2027

- How to apply: Submit an EOI via an online Microsoft Forms form; Full Proposal is submitted only by invited applicants (full proposal template provided to successful EOI applicants)

- Official opportunity page: Flexible Fund 4 – The Challenge Call (UK-HyRES)

About the Opportunity

Flexible Fund 4 is the final major call under the UK-HyRES Hub Programme and is delivered as a Challenge Call. UK-HyRES is seeking proposals that address pressing real-world needs in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels through research that is challenge-led and developed in collaboration with an end-user partner. A core requirement is that projects are built around a clearly defined challenge that is identified and co-developed with an industry, civic, public-sector, or other end-user partner. The call emphasizes pathways toward real-world impact beyond academic outputs. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum award per proposal: £150,000

- Number of grants: Up to three UK-HyRES Research Grants

- Duration: Up to 12 months

- EPSRC funding note: The source indicates that certain reporting requirements apply for EPSRC funds, including a publicly disclosable final report and a slide pack (5 to 10 slides).

- Partnership contributions: The call welcomes cash contributions, but in-kind or other meaningful engagement is acceptable, particularly for civic partners.

- Branding requirement: All outputs and engagement should be branded as “UK-HyRES Hub”.

Who Is Eligible? The source describes the opportunity as a Research Fellow role with duties focused on conducting research projects and developing an external research profile. However, specific eligibility requirements (such as applicant nationality, career stage definitions, host organization requirements, or whether EPSRC funding rules restrict eligibility to certain applicant types) are not fully listed in the supplied article text.

What the source does clearly state:

- Applicants should check eligibility for EPSRC funding (the page includes a prompt to do so, but the specific eligibility conditions are not reproduced in the article). - The call also references “the fellowship scheme” and notes it provides opportunity for development and dedicated time to focus on a research programme, but it is not a guaranteed route to promotion (and applicants should consult with their host—“Host” is cut off in the provided text).

Not specified in the source: Detailed eligibility criteria for applicant types, required host affiliations, and any disqualifying criteria.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas This call supports challenge-led research proposals in: - Hydrogen (in the hydrogen value chain) - Alternative liquid fuels

Projects must:

- Conduct research in any research area in the hydrogen value chain - Be structured around a clearly defined challenge that is co-developed with an end-user partner - Demonstrate a credible pathway toward real-world impact beyond academic outputs Why This Opportunity Matters Flexible Fund 4 is designed for researchers and innovators aiming to transition toward research or innovation leadership by developing proposals that address practical challenges faced by: - Industry - Civic organisations - Public-sector and other end users The application process also focuses on deliverability and integration of cross-cutting considerations—such as techno-economics, environmental impacts, safety, and social acceptance—so funded work is positioned for wider adoption and deployment. How to Apply

Stage 1: Expressions of Interest (EOI)

- Prepare an EOI and submit it through an online form hosted on Microsoft Forms.

- Submit within the EOI window: EOI opens 11 September 2026 and closes 13 October 2026.

- EOI assessment: The EOI will be assessed by a panel including UK-HyRES Theme Leads, members of the Strategic Advisory Board, and invited external reviewers.

- Important feedback note: Due to expected application volume, applicants not invited to proceed to Stage 2 will not receive individual feedback.

Stage 2: Full Proposal (invited applicants only)

- If invited, you will submit a Full Proposal via the provided application process and template (template provided to successful EOI applicants).

- Full proposal submission window: Full Proposal call opens 25 November 2026 and closes 15 January 2027.

- Review process: Full proposals undergo robust peer review and are assessed against all assessment criteria in the call.

Where to access official materials

- Full call details: The page includes a link/button for “Access the full call details.”

- Application form and submission: The page states applications open and provides links to submit the application, including a Word version of the form recommendation.

Not specified in the source: The direct URLs for the Microsoft Forms EOI l