UKRI Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026 (Up to £200,000 in Funding)
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), invites applications for the Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026. With total funding of £2 million, this program supports impactful, data-driven research that addresses key societal challenges using smart data. Successful applicants may receive up to £200,000 per project.
This initiative encourages interdisciplinary approaches and aims to strengthen long-term research capacity in the UK’s social science community.
What is Smart Data?
Smart data refers to behavioral data generated through everyday digital activities. Unlike big data, smart data focuses on actionable insights derived from:
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Smartphone and wearable usage
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Social media activity
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GPS and mobility tracking
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Loyalty card and app transactions
Smart data excludes regulated data systems such as open banking and instead emphasizes real-world behavior and interaction patterns. Its applications span health, education, sustainability, and digital society.
Degree Level
These fellowships are available for researchers engaged in Fellowship-level programs at UK research organizations.
Thematic Research Areas
Proposed research must align with at least one of the following national thematic priorities:
1. Productivity and Prosperity for All
Research focusing on economic inclusion, workforce skills, and productivity.
2. Health and Wellbeing
Smart data applications for improving healthcare delivery, public health, and mental wellbeing.
3. Digital Society
Projects addressing digital ethics, inclusion, participation, or social impacts of technology.
4. Sustainability
Studies exploring climate resilience, sustainable consumer behavior, and environmental policy through data.
Fellowship Expectations
Applicants must:
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Dedicate a minimum of 20% of their fellowship time to impact activities (e.g., public engagement, stakeholder collaboration, policy communication).
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Provide a clear research vision with measurable outcomes.
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Use an interdisciplinary approach that maximizes smart data potential.
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Submit a data access and management plan, ethical review, and cost justification.
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Outline career development goals and demonstrate institutional support.
Fellowship Benefits
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Funding Amount: Up to £200,000 per project
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Coverage: 80% of the Full Economic Cost (FEC), funded by ESRC
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Duration & Commitment: Minimum 0.6 FTE; reduced FTE proposals must be justified
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
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Researchers at all career stages (early, mid, established)
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Early career researchers are encouraged
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Applicants new to smart data must include mentoring and capacity-building components
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Must be employed by a UK-based research institution eligible for UKRI funding
Who Cannot Apply
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Applicants with over 0.2 FTE on current SDR UK Data Service grants
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Current SDR UK accelerator award holders with more than 6 months remaining as of January 31, 2026
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Applicants not based in the UK
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Non-UK institutions and international project leads/co-leads
Application Process
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Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Funding Service.
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Institutional review and approval are required before final submission.
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Applicants are encouraged to consult the Smart Data Research UK team for guidance on eligibility and data usage.
Why Apply?
This fellowship offers more than just funding. It’s an opportunity to:
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Develop a strong national and international research profile
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Collaborate with stakeholders across sectors
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Influence policy through data-driven evidence
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Support the evolution of data-based social science
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between smart data and big data?
Smart data is a subset of big data, focused on real-time behavioral insights from daily digital interactions like mobile usage and social media. It emphasizes quality and usability over sheer volume.
Can early career researchers apply?
Yes. The fellowship is open to all career levels. Early career researchers are encouraged to apply and should include mentoring plans to support capacity development.
Are international researchers eligible?
Only if they are employed by a UK-based research institution. International leads not based in the UK are not eligible.
What are impact activities, and how much time must be dedicated?
Fellows must allocate at least 20% of their time to impact-related work. These include public engagement, policy briefings, stakeholder collaboration, and media contributions that translate research into societal benefit.
Can I apply with less than 0.6 FTE?
Yes, but proposals must justify the reduced time commitment and still meet fellowship goals.
Conclusion
The UKRI Smart Data Research UK Fellowships 2026 represent a unique opportunity to explore the power of behavioral data for solving national and global challenges. With substantial funding and strategic thematic focus areas, the program supports innovative research with real-world relevance and impact.
