What Works Centre for a climate resilient UK

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is soliciting proposals to establish a What Works Centre for a climate resilient UK. This initiative aims to develop long-term research infrastructure and capability for adaptation practitioners, focusing on the co-production of a Theory of Change and the refinement of research questions and scope. The project emphasizes interdisciplinarity, evidence standards, and the integration of environmental sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within its operations. The successful applicant and their team must demonstrate expertise in climate risk, the UK climate policy landscape, and the ability to lead high-performing teams through cross-sector engagement. The grant is designed to run for 44 months, with a required start date by August 1, 2027. The total maximum funder contribution is 21.1 million pounds, with funding distributed across four financial years: 1.9 million for 2027/2028, 4.65 million for 2028/2029, 9.2 million for 2029/2030, and 5.35 million for 2030/2031. Funders will generally cover 80 percent of the Full Economic Cost. Applications must be submitted through The Funding Service by December 15, 2026, at 4:00pm UK time and must include specific sections for facilities and justification of resources, as well as a digital Outline Data Management Plan.