The Research Relations Team oversees the University’s application for the EPSRC Core Equipment Award.
This award is a block grant to the university, awarded usually every 2 years, to support underpinning equipment of between £10K-£400K per item.
The size of the University’s block grant is determined by an algorithm calculated based on equipment funded in the last 5 years. This includes all competitive capital funding, ie, strategic infrastructure and equipment on grants.
The last EPSRC Core Equipment Award was in 2024. The university received £600,000 plus an additional £200,000 for equipment maintenance.
The Research Relations Team coordinate the internal process for selection of equipment to be included in the EPSRC Core Equipment Award. We expect the next call to be in 2026.
There are a number of other routes for equipment funding within EPSRC
- Equipment can be requested on most EPSRC grants
- EPSRC’s Strategic Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for equipment over £400K in value. The university can make up to 6 applications per year. Please contact the Research Relations Team if you are interested in applying to this scheme.
Other funders also provide funding for equipment. Examples include:
- MRC’s mid-range equipment for biomedical research – annual call
- BBSRC ALERT Multi-user equipment call - annual call
Applications to these two schemes are coordinated by the Research Strategy Office.
Internal funding may also be available for equipment.