Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy

Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy is a UKRI/NERC funding opportunity to support proof‑of‑concept projects that develop, integrate, deploy and demonstrate autonomous solutions for atmospheric science and autonomous aerial systems for environmental applications. Projects must deliver demonstrator capability, high‑quality environmental data and pathways towards wider adoption. Funding supports development, integration, deployment and demonstration of platforms, sensors, instrumentation, autonomy, software or data systems that contribute to environmental observing capability.

Project funding of between £300,000 and £1,000,000 (100% FEC) to develop and demonstrate autonomous atmospheric and aerial capabilities and support to deploy demonstrator projects.

Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding. Eligible applicants include academic researchers of any career stage, research and technical staff (including engineers, technicians and specialists), and multidisciplinary teams combining environmental science, engineering, robotics, data science or related disciplines. Projects should demonstrate collaboration with organisations involved in development, deployment or application of autonomous systems and sensing technologies.

Applications submitted through the UKRI funding service; applicants should follow UKRI guidance on applying for funding and eligibility.