NERC-NSF Lead Agency Collaborative Funding for UK–US Environmental Science Research

A UK–US collaborative funding mechanism enabling researchers to submit a joint application to either the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) or the US National Science Foundation (NSF) under existing funding programmes. Applications undergo a single review process under a lead agency agreement and must fit the remits of both NERC and the relevant NSF GEO or BIO schemes. UK-based applicants will be funded by NERC (when NERC-led) and US-based applicants by NSF; funding rules and budget limits depend on which agency leads. An expression of interest to the lead agency is required prior to submission of a full application to the relevant funding scheme.

Research funding for project costs (UK applicants funded by NERC at 80% FEC when NERC-led; US applicants funded by NSF), coverage of directly incurred, directly allocated and indirect costs, and potential equipment funding.

UK-based project leads must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding and meet UKRI individual eligibility requirements; US-based applicants must be eligible for funding under the relevant NSF solicitations. Expressions of interest must be submitted to the chosen lead agency and approved prior to full application.

Submit an expression of interest to the chosen lead agency (NERC or NSF); if approved, submit a full application to the relevant existing funding scheme at the lead agency following that agency's application rules and deadlines.