News

The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to conduct research on UK clean energy policy, stated outcomes, and public support for net zero energy.

The authors of the successful EoI will be invited to co-create, along with UKERC’s Director and research theme leaders, the details of a research proposal that would form part of UKERC’s research programme on the Political Economy of UK Net Zero Energy. This programme is part of a wider theme on Geopolitics, Energy Security, and Resilience of Net Zero.

The co-created research, led by the authors of the selected EoI and conducted by their teams, should start no later than 30th March 2026 and should conclude by 30th March 2028. The maximum budget available for the research is £375,000 at 100% Full Economic Cost (FEC), i.e. £300,000 at 80% FEC.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking research proposals that:

• Evaluate policy options for delivering clean energy and reducing bills, while also delivering on other public policy goals
• Engage sections of the voting public on their opinions
• Investigate where sections of the public gather information on net zero energy policies and coutcomes. #

Who Can Apply

The call is open to researchers based at UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Research Council Institutes, and UKRI-approved Independent Research Organisations. While non-eligible organisations (e.g. industry, NGOs, local authorities) cannot apply for funding, they are encouraged to participate as project partners.

What to Expect

Successful applicants will become full members of the UKERC consortium, with access to a national network of energy researchers and opportunities to contribute to UKERC events, outputs, and policy engagement.

When to Apply

We welcome Expressions of Interest from the week commencing 11 August 2025. The deadline for submission is 17:00 on 26 September 2025. Applications should address specified research questions, describe relevant team experience and EDI commitments, and outline intended impacts and project budget.

Download the full guidance document
Complete and submit your Expression of Interest using this form

Please submit this completed form to ukerc@imperial.ac.uk, according to the instructions specified in the relevant call document.

Please note: This is one of four calls for Expressions of Interest UKERC are being launched over the summer. Stay tuned for further opportunities to contribute to UKERC’s national research programme on the energy transition.