Restricted call: NERC Artificial intelligence (AI) for environmental science phase one (internal deadline: 23rd October)

The National Environment Research Council (NERC) has announced the Artificial intelligence (AI) for environmental science phase one call

NERC are looking to fund projects using artificial intelligence (AI) and data science in new ways to address complex environmental challenges. The investment will be in two phases, with this phase one call aiming to support relatively small ‘pump-priming’ activities, with high levels of innovation, adventure, and risk. This funding opportunity strongly encourages applications from consortia that are able to traverse different disciplinary boundaries in order to develop and apply AI and data science approaches to tackling environmental challenges.

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be between £200,000 and £400,000, and NERC will fund 80% of the FEC. Projects must start on 1 July 2026 and last for eighteen months. For further information, please see the call page here.

University Internal selection:

Institutions can only lead on 4 applications. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure.

Your Department’s Research Grants Team and/or Departmental Administrator (or equivalent) must be made aware of your internal application, and a support letter signed by the Head of Department is required. 

To take part in the internal selection, please complete our online form by 23^rd October 2025. If asked to log-in, please use your crsid/Raven details.

You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:

• PI name, department and contact email
• PI’s CV (pdf, no more than 3 pages)
• Project summary (pdf, no more than 800 words)
• Head of Department support letter, confirming their support for the project and agreement to host the award (pdf)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

Please note that the assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:

• Vision: is timely and has the potential to advance current understanding, or generate new knowledge, thinking or discovery within or beyond the field or area

• Approach: is effective and appropriate to achieve objectives and will maximise translation of outputs into outcomes and impacts
• Team capability to deliver: have the relevant experience and the right balance of skills and expertise to cover the proposed work

Funder deadline: 11^th December 2025

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Further Information

Posted on 08/10/2025