The ESRC is not seeking proposals for specific research projects. Instead, this grant opportunity is focused on establishing a hub that will take a leadership role in developing and delivering research skills training and capacity-building programs across the social sciences.

The successful applicant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive program that addresses the diverse needs of social science researchers. This program may include elements such as:

• Workshops and training courses on a variety of research skills topics

• Mentoring and coaching programs for early career researchers

• Development of online training resources

• Networking opportunities for researchers to share best practices

The hub is expected to have a significant impact on the social science research community by enhancing the skills and capacity of researchers, ultimately leading to the production of high-quality research.

Apply for funding to deliver a new strategic leadership hub that supports the development and delivery of research skills training and capacity building (TCB) provision in the social sciences. The hub will provide both leadership across the social science community and innovate in the way research skills TCB is both conceived and delivered.

The duration of this grant is five years and it must start by 1 October 2025. We will fund one grant through this funding opportunity and will contribute a maximum of £5 million over five years.

You must be based at a UK research organization and eligible for ESRC funding.

The ESRC Research Skills Strategic Leadership Hub envisions a comprehensive approach to elevating research excellence within the UK social sciences. The selected organization will spearhead the hub's development, focusing on the following key objectives:

• Leadership and Collaboration: The hub will serve as a central point for leadership and collaboration within the social science research community. This involves fostering partnerships with existing training providers and relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and impactful approach to research skills development.

• Innovation in TCB Delivery: The hub is expected to push the boundaries of traditional TCB methods. This includes exploring innovative approaches to training and capacity building that cater to the evolving needs of social scientists. This could involve developing new online or blended learning modules, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, or creating specialized training programs for specific research areas within the social sciences.

• Needs Assessment and Targeted Programs: The successful applicant will conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the specific skills gaps and training requirements within the social science research community. Based on this assessment, the hub will design and deliver targeted training programs that address these critical areas. This ensures that researchers at all career stages have access to the necessary skills to excel in their respective fields.

• Impact and Dissemination: The hub's activities and achievements should demonstrably contribute to a more skilled and well-equipped social science research workforce in the UK. The project should establish clear metrics to measure the impact of the hub's initiatives and disseminate best practices and successful training models across the broader research community.

This grant opportunity presents an exceptional chance for a UK-based research organization to play a leading role in shaping the future of social science research in the UK. By establishing a dynamic and innovative Research Skills Strategic Leadership Hub, the successful applicant can significantly enhance the research environment, empower researchers, and ultimately drive impactful social science research across the nation.