Knowledge Frontiers provides UK-based researchers active in the social sciences and the humanities with an opportunity to develop international interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with colleagues from the natural, engineering, and/or medical sciences. The British Academy invites proposals for projects which focus on the interaction between technology, nature, and humanity. The lead applicant must be based at a UK university or research institute. Projects must involve at least one co-applicant who can be based in the UK or overseas. Awards of 24 months in duration and up to £300 thousand are available. The deadline for submissions is 07 October 2026. About Knowledge Frontiers
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Worldwide Universities Network — Research Development Fund
The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) provides grants of up to £10 thousand for one year to foster research collaborations among academic staff (faculty) at WUN member universities. Applications are open to researchers from WUN member institutions. The RDF supports research projects that fall under the network’s principal research theme of sustainable development. The closing date is 15 October 2026. (Note: Most WUN member universities have earlier internal submission deadlines, and prospective applicants should contact their local WUN Coordinator as soon as possible.) Link to guidelines
UK Government — Local Environmental Initiatives
The Darwin Plus Local program invites applications for small-scale projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and the natural environment in eligible UK Overseas Territories. Environmental non-governmental organizations, community groups, research institutions, and individuals can apply with practical initiatives that focus on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and habitat restoration. The program provides up to £50 thousand for projects managed by organizations and up to £20 thousand for projects led by individuals. The application deadline is 25 June 2026. Details here
UK Government — Extra Grants for Biodiversity
The Darwin Initiative invites applications for its Extra grants program to fund large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and reducing poverty in eligible low- to upper-middle-income countries. Non-governmental organisations, research institutions, and private sector businesses can apply with initiatives that demonstrate strong potential to scale up proven environmental interventions. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £5 million for a project period lasting between two and five years. The deadline for Phase I applications is 01 July 2026. Grants for Biodiversity
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners — Ocean Innovation Funding Program
Schmidt Marine Technology Partners invites applications for its ocean innovation program to transform promising marine technologies into real-world conservation tools. Universities, non-profit organisations, and startup companies globally can apply with practical, scalable hardware or software projects that improve ocean health, enhance sustainable fisheries, or support habitat restoration. The program does not fund individuals directly unless they apply through an eligible institution or business. Grant amounts typically range between US$100 thousand and US$400 thousand to support the development, testing, and deployment of these systems. The application deadline is 31 July 2026. Ocean Innovation Funding
Reckitt — Catalyst Social Impact Program
The Catalyst Social Impact Program supports social enterprises focused on health, hygiene, water, sanitation, and climate resilience. The program provides tailored business development, mentorship, and funding to scale purpose-driven ventures that address systemic inequalities and deliver community-level impact. The program is open to entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort is 09 August 2026. Social Impact Program
UK Government — Transformative Biodiversity Conservation
The Darwin Plus Strategic program invites applications for large-scale, collaborative projects aimed at delivering long-term biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience. Non-governmental organizations, research institutions, public entities, and private businesses can apply with ambitious initiatives that demonstrate clear scalability or systemic impact. Projects must directly benefit the natural environment of eligible UK Overseas Territories, such as Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Falkland Islands. The program provides funding ranging from £1 million to £3 million for collaborative interventions lasting between three and five years. The deadline for single-stage applications is 14 September 2026. Darwin Plus
European Commission — Blue Bio-Based Products
The European Commission offers research and innovation grants to support projects that harness the properties of marine organisms to develop sustainable bio-based products. Eligible applicants must form a collaborative consortium consisting of at least three independent legal entities from three different European Union member states or associated countries. Legal entities can include universities, research organizations, small businesses, and for-profit companies. The program allocates a total budget of €10 million for this topic, intending to fund approximately two separate projects at around €5 million each. The deadline for single-stage project submissions is 17 September 2026. Details here
European Commission — Algae and Marine Microorganisms in Food Systems
The European Commission offers research and innovation grants to develop nutritious, sustainable food and feed products using marine algae and microorganisms. Eligible applicants must form a collaborative consortium consisting of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different European Union member state or associated country. Eligible organisations include universities, research institutes, small businesses, and for-profit companies. The program provides a total budget of €9 million for this topic, aiming to fund two separate projects at around €4.5 million each over a multi-year period. The deadline for single-stage submissions is 17 September 2026. Link to EC
Velux Stiftung — Sustainable and Integrative Forest Management
The Velux Stiftung invites proposals for research and development projects aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices and the conservation of forest ecosystems. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and non-profit organizations from any country, provided the proposed projects address issues of forest health, biodiversity, or climate adaptation. The foundation typically supports projects with grants ranging from €100 thousand to €500 thousand for a project period of up to three years. The deadline for proposals is 21 September 2026. Know more