EPSRC DecarboN8 Network Plus Issues Rapid Response Road-Space Reallocation Fund

DecarboN8 is an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)-funded Network Plus that brings together researchers, industry and government to design solutions that can be deployed rapidly and at scale to achieve decarbonisation of the transport sector. The network aims to help the Government deliver its ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050.

Across the world, local authorities have created hundreds of miles of temporary cycle paths and footpaths to provide key workers space to safely commute and to allow all citizens to safely exercise. Many places have now also indicated that a reallocation of road-space to cyclists and pedestrians will be a key part of their climate smart recovery plans. The UK Government has also announced support for this approach.

DecarboN8 is keen to encourage and support local authorities across the North of England to experiment with such measures. This fund will therefore support the monitoring and evaluation of road-space reallocation measures in the North of England, and researchers are invited to partner with local authorities to develop proposals.

DecarboN8 will fund three researcher-led monitoring and evaluation projects, which will provide each project’s local authority with valuable data that can be used to inform local plans for a climate smart recovery from COVID-19. The fund is designed to cover the research costs of monitoring and evaluation – not the local authority’s costs for implementing road-space reallocation measures.

All projects must be led by an academic at a UKRI-registered UK Research Organisation. Applications led by early career researchers (ECRs) are encouraged, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in transport and climate related disciplines.

All projects must involve the local authority as a project partner in the North of England, defined as the NUTS statistical regions of North West England, North East England, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Partnerships with businesses, NGOs and community groups are encouraged. Interdisciplinary transdisciplinary, participatory, and collaborative proposals are welcome.

A total of £21,000 (£16,800 at 80% fEC) is available. The intention is to fund three projects of up to £7,000 (£5,600 at 80% fEC).

There is no specified duration of projects, but all projects must be completed by no later than 31 December 2021.

Interested applicants should complete the Expression of Interest and submit via email by the 27 May 2020 (16:00) deadline.

Invitations for full proposals will be issued on 28 May, with a deadline for full proposals falling on 11 June 2020. Decisions will be announced on 19 June 2020.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.