UKRI Citizen Science Collaboration Grant Opens for Applications

Applications have opened for a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) call that will support multidisciplinary research collaborations that spread citizen science methods into new fields of research and involve citizens to address societally-relevant issues.

The call, originally announced in May 2020, builds on UKRI’s Vision for Public Engagement and the Citizen Science Exploration Grant, which helps members of the public actively contribute to research and innovation projects that affect their lives. This new call expands on these activities, and will help take citizen science approaches into new disciplines, involving more members of the public in the creation of knowledge that will transform society.

UKRI is seeking multidisciplinary research approaches to tackling societal challenges that involve, and produce clear benefits for, citizens. Collaborations are particularly welcomed that enable researchers with no prior experience of using citizen science methods to develop their expertise. Experienced citizen science practitioners will be supported to work with researchers without prior experience to facilitate the spread of citizen science methods throughout the academic community.

The societal challenge addressed can be of any form or scale, but the research approach should draw on the knowledge and expertise of all collaborators. The citizen science elements of the project should benefit both the overall research design and the members of the public involved.

The call is open to researchers in any discipline based at eligible institutions and research organisations. Applicants must be employed by a Higher Education Institute (HEIs), Research Council Institute (RCIs) or approved Independent Research Organisation (IROs). 

Principal investigators and Co-Investigators must be of lecturer level or equivalent and meet the standard BBSRC-UKRI eligibility criteria. At least one Principal or Co-Investigator should have significant experience of using citizen science methods, but collaborations with those new to citizen science is strongly encouraged.

Projects should be a collaboration between researchers from multiple disciplines, a specific group of citizens and, where appropriate, relevant partners from outside academia. This can include partnerships with organisations from private, public and non-profit sectors, as well as community representatives and groups. All projects should involve a defined group, or groups, of UK citizens. They must also adhere to the European Citizen Science Association’s Ten principles of citizen science.

A total of £1.5 million is available via for call at 80% full Economic Cost (fEC). The maximum for project at 80% fEC is £375,000, and the minimum is £156,250. Projects can last for one to three years, and successful projects will be invited to take part in cohort activity to enhance the outcomes of the scheme.

Applicants should submit their proposals and all necessary documentation by the 9 September 2020 deadline.

Decisions will be announced in December 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.