EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity: full stage 2026 Grant

About this grant

EPSRC, funded by Defra, invites applications for NetworkPlus investments that build collaboration, knowledge exchange and research-to-innovation capability in the circular economy. The opportunity funds two networks, one focused on textiles and one focused on cross-cutting data and metrics. Each network must deliver a 'Plus' element through a flexible fund comprising seed-corn funding, demonstrators or feasibility studies, and research-to-innovation or translational research. The stated aim is to move beyond recycling-focused approaches toward circular solutions that maximise value and extend product life, such as retrofit, repurpose, refurbish, repair and reuse. The textiles network covers the full value chain, including clothing, fibres, furniture, household textiles and specialised uniforms. The data and metrics network is intended to coordinate data sharing and develop robust circularity metrics, indicators, standards and frameworks across any of six priority sectors: agri-food, built environment, chemicals and plastics, electrical and electronic equipment, textiles, and transport. Applicants must focus primarily on one challenge area. Networks are expected to build a community spanning academia, industry, policy and third-sector groups, with industrial partners mandatory. They must include a plan for stakeholder engagement, evaluation with KPIs and milestones, annual reporting, six-monthly progress reports to an Advisory Board, and a legacy beyond the award period. Early and mid-career researchers should be championed.

Eligibility

Applicant organisations must be UK higher education institutions, research council institutes, UKRI-approved independent research organisations, eligible public sector research establishments, or NHS bodies with research capacity. Businesses cannot be applicant organisations but must be listed as project partners. Applications are by invitation only, following a successful outline application. Projects must be predominantly (over 50%) within EPSRC remit. Postdoctoral fellowship holders are not eligible to apply. Non-UK-based individuals cannot be project leads or co-leads, except those at Norwegian institutions, and international researchers may only apply as project co-lead (international) under the UKRI-RCN Money Follows Cooperation agreement or the UKRI-IIASA agreement. Individuals may appear on no more than two applications, one as project lead. Uninvited resubmissions are not accepted.

How it's scored

The page does not disclose scoring criteria, weightings or panel composition. Applicants are told full applications should closely match the outline application in activities and partnerships, and that value for money in costing will be considered. Applications failing the EPSRC remit requirement will be rejected without assessment.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding
• ✓Focus must be on circular economy in either data/metrics or textiles sectors
• ✓Three-year NetworkPlus funding to build capacity, strengthen community, and enhance research-to-innovation capabilities
• ✓Up to £5,410,000 available

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) offer?

EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity: full stage offers up to £5.4M.

When is the EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity: full stage deadline?

Applications close 3 Nov 2026 16:00.

Who can apply for EPSRC-Defra Reimagining Circularity: full stage?

Eligibility covers organisations in GB; university, research-institution. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Circular economy funding supports reuse, repair, remanufacturing, product redesign and secondary materials markets. Grants tend to back pilots with businesses and local authorities, while tenders buy collection, sorting and recovery services. Applicants are usually asked to show the material flows involved and who will buy the recovered output.