Submissions open for APEX Awards (UK)

The APEX Awards provide up to £200,000 funding for established independent researchers in the UK to conduct interdisciplinary, curiosity-driven research. The scheme supports collaboration across disciplines—especially between science, engineering, and humanities/social sciences—to develop innovative research that is unlikely to be funded through conventional routes.

What Are the APEX Awards?

The APEX Awards are a UK-based research funding scheme designed to support high-impact interdisciplinary research.

They enable experienced researchers to explore new ideas, methods, and collaborations across disciplinary boundaries, particularly where traditional funding is limited.

The programme is focused on curiosity-driven innovation with strong societal relevance.

Objectives of the Scheme

The APEX Awards aim to:

• Promote collaboration across disciplines
• Encourage research at the interface of science, engineering, and social sciences/humanities
• Support innovative research not covered by standard funding schemes
• Enable researchers to shift into new research directions
• Provide seed funding for high-impact exploratory projects

Funding Information

• Maximum funding: Up to £200,000 per project
• Public engagement funding: Up to £10,000 included within main grant
• Staff costs covered:
  • Research assistants
  • Undergraduate and Master’s students
  • PhD students
  • Teaching replacement costs

Funding supports flexible, interdisciplinary research development.

Eligible Costs (Key Areas)

Funding can be used for:

• Research staff salaries and academic support
• Student research support (UG, Master’s, PhD)
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration activities
• Public engagement and outreach activities
• Project-related research expenses
• Teaching replacement to enable research focus

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Be an established independent researcher with a strong track record
• Be based at a UK university or not-for-profit research institution for the project duration
• Propose interdisciplinary research spanning more than one Academy remit
• Collaborate with at least one co-applicant from:
  • A different discipline, or
  • A different UK university

Important Requirement

• Applications must be interdisciplinary
• Single-discipline proposals are not eligible

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Experienced researchers in science, engineering, humanities, or social sciences
• Academics with a strong independent research track record
• UK-based researchers in universities or non-profit research institutions

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Combine at least two different academic disciplines
• Address research questions that are novel and exploratory
• Demonstrate collaboration between distinct academic fields
• Go beyond conventional funding boundaries
• Show potential societal benefit or broader impact

Why the APEX Awards Matter

This funding scheme is important because it:

• Supports high-risk, high-reward research
• Encourages innovation across academic disciplines
• Helps researchers explore new research directions
• Bridges gaps between science, engineering, and humanities
• Promotes research with real-world societal impact

How to Apply

Applicants typically follow these steps:

1. Identify an interdisciplinary research question
2. Find a co-applicant from a different discipline or institution
3. Define project scope, objectives, and methodology
4. Prepare budget including staff and engagement costs
5. Demonstrate strong track record and research capability
6. Submit application through the official funding system

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting single-discipline research proposals
• Weak justification for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Lack of a clear co-applicant from another discipline
• Poorly defined research outcomes
• Overly narrow or conventional research focus
• Ignoring eligibility requirements for institutional affiliation

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain how disciplines intersect in your project
• Highlight why the research cannot be funded elsewhere
• Show strong synergy between collaborators
• Demonstrate societal or academic impact
• Use clear, accessible language for interdisciplinary audiences
• Emphasize novelty and originality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the APEX Awards?

They are UK research grants supporting interdisciplinary and curiosity-driven research projects across science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

How much funding is available?

Up to £200,000 per project, plus up to £10,000 for public engagement.

Who can apply?

Established independent researchers based at UK universities or not-for-profit research institutions.

Do I need a collaborator?

Yes, at least one co-applicant from a different discipline or institution is required.

Can single-discipline projects apply?

No, only interdisciplinary projects spanning multiple Academy remits are eligible.

What costs are covered?

Staff costs, student support, teaching replacement, research activities, and public engagement.

What is the main goal of this funding?

To support innovative interdisciplinary research that is not typically funded through standard grant schemes.

Conclusion

The APEX Awards provide a unique opportunity for experienced researchers to pursue bold, interdisciplinary projects that push academic boundaries. By funding collaboration across disciplines, the scheme enables innovative research with strong potential to benefit society and advance knowledge in new and meaningful directions.