ESRC Opens £5.85 Million Doctoral Focal Award Plus Funding Opportunity for Data-Driven Research Training – Apply By 14 October 2026

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has launched a major funding opportunity aimed at developing the next generation of social scientists with advanced data-driven research skills. The Doctoral Focal Award Plus: Innovating in Data-Driven Research programme will provide up to £5.85 million to establish a doctoral training initiative designed to strengthen research capacity and innovation across the United Kingdom.