The Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP) 2027 funding opportunity supports large or complex research projects within the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) remit. Only applicants who have been invited following a successful statement of interest (SoI) stage are eligible to apply.
STFC provides research grant funding opportunities that are reviewed through frequent Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP) rounds. This opportunity supports projects that have significant scientific priority in particle physics, nuclear physics, astronomy, particle astrophysics, accelerator physics, or computing for the PPAN Programme. Large projects may involve participating in new or developing existing high-priority experiments or missions, developing new instruments or accelerator technologies, developing new or upgrading existing detectors, purchasing new or upgrading existing major high-performance computing facilities, the ongoing operation of existing facilities, or developing new initiatives in e-science including modelling and data management.
The full economic cost (FEC) of a project can be up to the budget envelope advised and agreed by the STFC programme manager. STFC will fund 80% of the FEC. The duration of the award is as required to deliver the project. There is no requirement for matched funding from host institutions beyond the standard 20% FEC. Direct and in-kind contributions from third-party project partners are encouraged.
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding. Only invited applicants who have undergone a successful statement of interest (SoI) stage approved by programme managers may submit a full proposal. Organisations with standard eligibility are eligible. Project studentships will not be funded. Applicants should speak to their programme manager for advice on specific eligibility requirements and whether to submit a statement of interest to the STFC Science Board.
Applications are submitted through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. The Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system cannot be used. The project lead is responsible for completing the application process, though all team members and project partners are expected to contribute. Only the lead research organisation can submit an application.
The application includes responses to several assessment areas: Vision and Approach (submitted as a single PDF document, no more than 70 sides of A4, 11-point Arial or equivalent, margins of at least 2cm), Project Management, Applicant and Team Capability (using the Résumé for Research and Innovation format), Ethics and Responsible Research and Innovation, Resources and Cost Justification, and other sections as detailed in the opportunity.
Applications must be self-contained. Hyperlinks should only be used to link directly to reference information. References should be included within the word count of the appropriate question section.
The assessment process involves multiple stages. Statements of interest are reviewed by the STFC Science Board. Full proposals are assessed by expert reviewers, a project management and delivery review, and the Projects Peer Review Panel (PPRP) meeting. A visiting panel meeting carries out detailed assessment, and a report is submitted to the STFC Science Board for strategic advice. The STFC executive makes the final funding decision. A light touch process is available that skips the visiting panel. The assessment process typically takes six to nine months for successful proposals, and the aim is to complete assessment within nine months of receiving an application.
STFC must receive the application by the date specified by the programme manager. Applications cannot be changed after submission.
For questions related to this funding opportunity, contact Malcolm Booy at malcolm.booy@stfc.ukri.org or Roy Stephen at roy.stephen@stfc.ukri.org.
Programme managers:
Astronomy: Chris Woolford, chris.woolford@stfc.ukri.org
Accelerators and particle physics: David Brown, david.brown@stfc.ukri.org
Nuclear physics: Dr Jamie Parkin, jamie.parkin@stfc.ukri.org
STFC Science Board: sbppan@stfc.ukri.org
For help with the Funding Service system, contact the helpdesk at support@funding-service.ukri.org or call 01793 547490 (Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm, Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm).
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Submission Deadline
Aug 31, 2027
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