These 12-month research projects are primarily envisaged to support high-risk/high-reward, proof-of-concept research with strong potential to secure additional, longer-term research support at the end of the grant. The UK Catalysis Hub III supports internationally leading, multi-disciplinary, multi-institution collaborative research projects where scientific excellence is the first criteria.
Applicants will be expected to explain how the research fits to the UK Catalysis Hub and why the Hub is the most appropriate funder.
The UK Catalysis Hub III research themes are
i) Catalysis to support the Net Zero Transition;
ii) Catalysis for Sustainability;
iii) Computational and Digital Catalysis;
iv) Advanced Characterization in catalysis.
Read more about our new research programme here.
The Hub encourages applicants to seek out industrial support and leverage if it is relevant to the science.
Research Project Assessment Criteria
When responding to the call, you will need to complete a two page proposal, using the website form. The proposal will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Scientific Quality
- Alignment with the UK Catalysis Hub themes
- Strength and integration of the multi-disciplinary, multi-institution teams
- Leverage and partnerships
- Outcomes
Note successful research projects will be expected to outline (in writing) how they adhere to UKRI guidelines on responsible research and innovation (RRI) and, where relevant, Trusted research considerations. It will be the responsibility of the applicant and their employing institution to ensure consideration and compliance with all UKRI expectations for RRI and trusted research status. Any questions on this should be addressed to EPSRC/ UKRI or to the applicant’s employer.
Letters of support
If relevant, letters of support from industry may be appended to the proposals. These letters should be constructed according to EPSRC guidelines and should clearly state both the scientific benefit of the collaboration and the estimated direct and indirect support for the project.
Resources
Funding is at a fixed rate for all projects and supports up to twelve months of PDRA time, together with a consumables and travel budget. Please make clear in your application the number of PDRA months requested and any additional months leveraged from other sources (industry, university, etc).
Application Process
Please submit the proposal using the Jotform link found here.
If you have any queries please contact the UK Catalysis Hub Project Manager, Josie Goodall: josie.goodall@rc-harwell.ac.uk. Please use subject line: ‘Application for New Call 2025’.
Important dates
The call will open: 6 May 2025
The call will close: 26th September 2025, 17.00.
It is expected that prioritisation will occur in September and successful projects will be announced by the end of 31st October 2025.