An opportunity for researchers based in the United Kingdom to apply for funding to support practical research and engagement that align with the work of the Arctic Council’s Working Groups, and the priorities and initiatives of The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship 2025 -2027.
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 potential for increased engagement by researchers based in the United Kingdom, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is now funding a new scheme in 2025 -26. This will support UK-based researchers in practical engagement that align with the work programmes of the six Arctic Council Working Groups and the priorities and initiatives of The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship of the Arctic Council.
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.
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.
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 collaboration, community engagement, and long-term impact are strongly encouraged.
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 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 value and impact. All funded work must be capable of being undertaken and completed in the financial year 2025 -26 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026).
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. Costs for areas such as analysis, laboratory time and consumables and related expenditure can all be eligible.
Where appropriate, modest travel and related subsistence costs for researchers based in Arctic States or non-Arctic Observer States who are central partners to the project can also be eligible. Such financial connections will be managed 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 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 insurance, will not generally be eligible. Publication costs will not normally be eligible.
Funding Levels
Eligible costs should not exceed in total £30,000. Applications for smaller sums are especially welcome. All costs will be funded at 100 percent.
Timelines
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 1600 on Friday 25th July 2025. 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 early-August.
All funded activity must be completed during the 2025 -26 financial year (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026).
Funding will be issued to your institution from end of August 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.
A short final report will be required, in addition to responses to 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 on Friday 25th July 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 maximum)
- 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
- 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
- Confirmation from the applicant that the proposal has been shared and discussed with relevant colleagues in the Arctic Council Working Group/s secretariat/s and that there is support for the application
- The full amount applied for, with a detailed breakdown of expected costs for the project
- Confirmation of the UK employment status of the applicant including institution and length/type of contract. This confirmation can be provided by the applicant rather than Human Resources teams.
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 section 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 strength of support from the Arctic Council Working Group/s for the application
- The degree to which the proposed work offers the potential for a longer-term contribution to the work of the Arctic Council.
- The innovative nature of the work proposed in the application and the potential for further development.
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