UKRI Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded Research Opportunity in the UK

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has opened applications for the Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026. Researchers with a strong interest in data-driven innovation are encouraged to apply for this funding. Supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), these fellowships aim to encourage research that uses smart data to tackle important issues in the UK.

Overview of the Scholarship

Eligible Research Areas

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that align with at least one of the following four priority areas:

• Health and Wellbeing – Use of wearables, loyalty card, or health data to improve physical and mental health outcomes.
• Productivity and Prosperity – Exploration of economic behaviors using data from apps, financial transactions, or geolocation.
• Digital Society – Analysis of digital trends, misinformation, or technology access inequalities.
• Sustainability – Research on environmental behavior through mobility or energy consumption data.

Benefits

• Fellowships provide up to £200,000 (80% of the full economic cost).
• These fellowships last up to 18 months, starting on February 1, 2026.
• Fellows can lead influential research across different fields, aided by SDR UK’s data resources.
• Fellows can access networks for teamwork and to shape policy.
• Fellows will work with the public, industry, and government to share findings and put them into action.

Application Submission

Please submit your application no later than September 23, 2026.That the final deadline, so don’t wait too long!

Apply now