UKRI Smart Data Research Fellowships – United Kingdom, 2026/2027

UKRI Smart Data Research Fellowships ; The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is now accepting applications for the Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026. This competitive funding opportunity offers up to £200,000 per project to support innovative, impact-driven research that leverages smart data to tackle real-world issues across the UK.

With a total funding pool of £2 million, the scheme aims to support researchers at all career stages in developing creative approaches that utilize data generated through everyday digital activity. Funded projects should align with at least one of four national priority themes and demonstrate clear potential for measurable impact and benefits to communities.

What is Smart Data?

Smart data consists of digital traces created by people and organizations through their daily activities. This includes information from smartphones, wearable technology, GPS tracking, loyalty card purchases, mobile apps, and social media engagement. Notably, it does not include data from regulated sources such as open banking systems.

Focus Areas

Projects must correspond to one or more of the following key themes:

1. Productivity and Inclusive Growth
   Research aimed at overcoming obstacles to economic inclusion, enhancing skills development, or boosting workforce productivity.

2. Health and Wellbeing
   Investigations utilizing smart data to advance healthcare services, improve mental health outcomes, or support public health initiatives.

3. Digital Society
   Studies exploring the societal impact of digital technologies, including issues around data ethics and digital engagement.

4. Sustainability
   Research focused on climate resilience, promoting sustainable behaviors, or informing environmental policies through analysis of digital behavioral data.

Degree Level

UKRI Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at UK Universities.

UKRI Smart Data Research Fellowships ; Expectations and Deliverables

Fellows are required to allocate at least 20% of their time to activities that drive impact, such as engaging with the public, collaborating with stakeholders, and communicating with policymakers. The objective is to build lasting capacity within the UK’s social science research community.

Applications should provide:

1. A well-defined research vision

2. An interdisciplinary methodology

3. A comprehensive plan for data access and management

4. Clearly stated career development objectives

5. Demonstrated institutional support

6. Justification of costs and attention to ethical considerations

   Benefits

   1. Maximum Funding: £200,000 per project (ESRC funds 80% of full economic cost)

   Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible UK research organization. International applicants are not eligible unless they are employed by a UK institution. Researchers currently holding an active SDR UK award are also ineligible.

   Eligible Nationalities

   all nationalities.

   Eligibility Criteria

   Who is Eligible to Apply

   1. Open to researchers at all career stages (early, mid, and established).
   2. Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.
   3. Researchers new to using smart data are welcome:

   Must include mentoring and capacity building plans as part of their fellowship.

   1. Applicants must be based within a UK research organization eligible to receive UKRI funding.
   2. Suggested time commitment:
   3. Minimum of 0.6 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) for the fellowship.
   4. Proposals with lower FTE may be accepted but should justify reduced commitment.
   5. Applicants on part-time contracts must commit FTE at a proportionate level.
   6. Fellows are encouraged to fully utilize the data and funding opportunities available under this program.

   Who is Not Eligible to Apply

   1. Researchers who are named leads or co-leads with more than 0.2 FTE on SDR UK’s Data Service grants.
   2. Accelerator award holders under SDR UK with more than 6 months left on their current award as of 31 January 2026.
   3. Applicants from non-UK organizations.
   4. International project leads, co-leads, and international fellows are not eligible.
   5. You must be based within an eligible UK institution for the entire duration of the fellowship.

   Application Process

   All submissions must be completed through the UKRI Funding Service. It is the responsibility of the applicant’s institution to review and approve the application via their research office prior to the deadline.

   Applicants are advised to communicate with the Smart Data Research UK team throughout the application process to discuss project scope, confirm eligibility, and clarify data usage plans.

   Why Apply?

   This fellowship goes beyond funding by offering researchers the chance to:

   1. Enhance their research reputation both nationally and internationally

   2. Collaborate with partners across different sectors

   3. Transform research findings into practical policy solutions

   4. Shape the future of data-driven social science research

   Frequently Asked Questions

   What distinguishes smart data from big data?
   Smart data specifically refers to information generated from everyday digital activities—such as smartphone usage, social media interactions, and wearable devices. While both involve large datasets, smart data focuses on extracting actionable insights from behavioral data within real-world contexts.

   Are early career researchers eligible to apply for this fellowship?
   Yes. The fellowship welcomes applicants at all career stages, including early career researchers, as long as they are affiliated with a UK research institution eligible for ESRC funding.

   What types of impact activities are required?
   Fellows are expected to dedicate at least 20% of their time to impact activities. These can include public engagement, policy briefings, stakeholder workshops, media outreach, and other efforts aimed at translating research into societal benefits or influencing policy decisions.