17 July 2026
An opportunity for researchers based in the United Kingdom to apply for funding to support practical research and engagement that aligns with the work of the Arctic Council’s Working Groups; the priorities and initiatives of The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship 2025 – 2027; and wider Arctic science priorities.
Background
The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic. As the current Arctic Council Chair, The Kingdom of Denmark is actively pursuing an ambitious programme for their Chairship (2025 -27). Arctic Council details: https://arctic-council.org/
The United Kingdom has been an Observer to the Arctic Council since 1998. Researchers based in the UK have contributed extensively to the work of the six Working Groups and associated Expert Groups and Taskforces over many years, sharing expertise, working in partnership, collaborating on new data sources and conducting important analysis.
In recognition of the importance of the work of the Arctic Council and the recent successful engagement by researchers based in the United Kingdom (Supporting Impactful UK Arctic Science Engagement 2025/2026 – Arctic Office), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is extending the scheme to 2026-27, with the potential for similar investment in the following two years. This will support UK-based researchers in practical engagement that aligns with the work programmes of the six Arctic Council Working Groups; the priorities and initiatives of The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship of the Arctic Council and – where appropriate – the incoming Chairship of Sweden (2027-2029); as well as wider Arctic science priorities.
The aims of this funding scheme are to:
- support the active and effective work of projects across the six Arctic Council Working Groups and beyond;
- provide valuable opportunities for UK-based researchers to share and expand their expertise, for mutual benefit; and
- support the UK’s role as a committed and active Observer to the Arctic Council addressing priorities of joint benefit.
The scheme is being delivered in active partnership with the NERC Arctic Office and the UK Science and Technology Network.
Application Details
Scheme Eligibility
Applicants must be based in the UK. They should be employed at a university, research centre or other institution which is eligible to apply for and receive UKRI-NERC funding. Eligible researchers will usually be in permanent or longer-term contract positions.
The scheme is aimed at early career as well as established researchers and applications from newly established permanent contract researchers are welcome. PhD students will not be eligible as the main applicant but may be included in wider teams, as appropriate.
Applications from researchers from groups who are traditionally under-represented in Arctic science will be especially welcome. No prior specific experience of engagement with the work of the Arctic Council Working Groups is required.
Applicants who have previously worked with or supported the work of the Arctic Council Working Groups are encouraged to apply, identifying the additional value that their new proposal will bring.
Research and Engagement Areas
This funding scheme invites applications for projects that align with the work of the Arctic Council Working Groups, which play a critical role in advancing knowledge, policy, and cooperation in the Arctic region. Proposals should demonstrate relevance to one or more of the following Working Groups:
- ACAP – Arctic Contaminants Action Program
- AMAP – Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme
- CAFF – Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna
- EPPR – Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response
- PAME – Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment
- SDWG – Sustainable Development Working Group
In addition, the scheme supports applications that contribute to the priorities of The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship of the Arctic Council, which include:
- Indigenous Peoples and Communities in the Arctic
- Sustainable Economic Development and Energy Transition Solutions
- Oceans
- Arctic Climate Change
- Biodiversity
Projects that foster co-production of knowledge, equitable collaboration, effective community engagement, and long-term impact are strongly encouraged.
Applicants are encouraged to consider the results of the final reports of the International Conference on Arctic Research Planning IV in their proposals. In particular, to identify where the proposed work supports the identified ICARP IV research priorities.
Applications for research work, assessment processes and wider international partnership building which will directly or indirectly support the planning and delivery of the Fifth International Polar Year 2032-33 are welcome.
You should consult the UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation Principles prior to submitting your application to ensure that the work you intend to complete will fully meet these requirements.
You are encouraged to consult the UK Arctic Code of Conduct and apply these approaches in developing your application, wherever appropriate.
International Partners
Researchers are strongly encouraged to develop meaningful partnerships with colleagues from Arctic States and non-Arctic Observer States as part of their application, but this is not a requirement to submit an application. Partnerships with researchers in countries which are not Observer States, but which have a growing interest in Arctic science – or in developing research programmes – are also welcomed.
Eligible Activity
Applicants are encouraged to be ambitious and creative in their proposals, identifying areas where their expertise, access to existing and new data, analysis and/or re-analysis and assessment abilities, and partnerships will help meet the overall aims of the scheme.
Applications may be for work which addresses a specific research question, or which is part of a wider initiative where the application will add clearly identifiable value and impact.
Examples of eligible activity include: travel, accommodation and subsistence, purchasing/hire/use of special equipment, logistics and shipping costs, specific training and permit/access costs. Fixed costs for areas such as analysis, laboratory time and consumables and related expenditure can all be eligible.
Where appropriate, costs such as travel and related subsistence and equipment for researchers and others based in Arctic States or non-Arctic Observer States and beyond who are central delivery partners to the project can also be eligible. All such financial connections will be managed exclusively by the UK-based applicant.
Costs associated with attending general conferences may be eligible but should be a minor part of the overall costs of the application and link specifically to the stated outcomes and expected impact of the application. Costs for workshops and meetings directly associated with the delivery of the project – including meetings associated with the Working Group/s project involved – can be included.
Salary costs and associated costs for researchers, such as overheads, will not generally be eligible. Publication costs will not normally be eligible.
Eligible Years
This funding call provides FCDO funding to support projects which can complete work in the Financial Year 2026-27 (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027).
In the event that the FCDO is able to make similar levels of funding available for the Financial Years 2027-28 and 2028-29 new Calls will be released as soon as possible. Acceptance of an application for 2026-27 will be separate to the decision process for these later years. But you should indicate in the 2026-27 application if there is the potential for further work to be supported in 2027-28 and/or 2028-29.
There is an intention to support more strategic and longer-term pieces of work, together with research collaborations, should subsequent funding be made available. Applicants are encouraged to identify and describe these potential opportunities – in broad terms – in their application.
Funding Levels
Eligible costs should not exceed in total £30,000. Applications for smaller sums are welcome. All eligible costs will be funded at 100 percent.
Timelines
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 1600 UK time on Friday 11 September 2026. Confirmation of receipt will be via e-mail. You must contact the NERC Arctic Office – arctic@bas.ac.uk – if you do not receive confirmation of receipt.
Assessments and decisions will be made by the middle of October.
All funded activity must be completed during 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Carry-overs, no-cost extensions and similar arrangements are NOT possible with this call.
Funding will be issued to your institution by the end of November on completion of appropriate documentation.
Data Handling & Storage Practices and Reporting
Data handling and storage should be in line with overall UK Research and Innovation principles of data management.
An interim financial report and a short final project report will be required, in addition to responses to proportionate ad hoc requests for information and images, as needed.
Application Process
You are strongly encouraged to contact the NERC Arctic Office to discuss your proposal and eligibility at an early stage before submitting an application.
There is no specific application form. However, applications must not exceed four pages A4 (12 point text). Supporting documentation such as CVs and any confirmation letters can be in addition to the four-page limit.
Applications must be submitted electronically to the NERC Arctic Office arctic@bas.ac.uk by 1600 UK time on Friday 11 September in PDF format. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt, please contact the NERC Arctic Office.
The application must include:
- A proposal title and executive summary (200 words max.).
- A description of the research or other work to be undertaken by the applicant, including details of roles and responsibilities of any co-investigators and collaborators, including those based in Arctic States or non-Arctic Observer States or others.
- A description of the expected scientific outputs and/or other outcomes/impact of the application, including the value that the work will add to one or more projects/initiatives of the Arctic Council Working Group/s. To note, that we may discuss proposals with the Arctic Council Working Group Secretariats to aid our assessment process, but it is not a requirement to obtain an official endorsement from the relevant Arctic Council Working Group Secretariats as part of the application.
- The full amount applied for, with a detailed breakdown of the work and expected costs for the project. Where there is an interest in work in subsequent years, or longer term potential, this should be briefly described, but it is not a requirement.
- Confirmation by the applicant of their UK employment status including institution and length/type of contract. A formal letter from an employer institution or HR department is not required.
The application should also include:
- A two-page (max.) CV containing full contact details of the applicant, including e-mail and telephone details.
Assessment Process
The review of applications will be undertaken by a small team, managed by the NERC Arctic Office in partnership with the UK Science and Technology Network.
The criteria used will include the assessment of all the evidence provided and will centre on how the application meets the scheme aims set out in the Background and Eligibility sections above. The assessment will specifically take into account:
- The practical feasibility of the proposed work within the budget and timescale outlined.
- The anticipated scientific outcome and impact, or other impact connected to the proposed work.
- The degree to which the proposed work offers the potential for a longer-term contribution to the work of the Arctic Council.
- The innovative and impactful nature of the work proposed in the application and the potential for further development.
- The value of international and wider partnership links.
Further information
For further information please contact:
Henry Burgess, NERC Arctic Office – henry.burgess@bas.ac.uk
Anne Laugesen, Science and Technology Officer, UK Embassy Copenhagen – anne.laugesen@fcdo.gov.uk
Please also cc arctic@bas.ac.uk into your request.