Apply for funding to support excellent investigator-led research across the breadth of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) scientific remit.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding. Standard research grants are available for researchers at eligible research organisations.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. Funding is available for up to five years. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Aim
This scheme supports excellent investigator-led research across the breadth of BBSRC scientific remit.
You are encouraged to consider the relevance of your proposed work in line with the long-term research and innovation priorities set out in BBSRC’s strategic delivery plan 2022 to 2025.
A small number of responsive mode Spotlight areas may be in operation at any one time, in line with the more targeted nature of the new mechanism. The aim of the Spotlight mechanism is to provide simpler, more agile, and dynamic targeting of particular areas of timely strategic interest, opportunity or need. If Spotlight areas are applicable to this round, they will be advertised from the outset.
Scope
Funding is available for:
You can apply to undertake biotechnology or biological research in:
Investigations within and across scales are supported, from molecules and cells, to tissues, whole organisms, populations and landscapes.
We welcome multidisciplinary proposals that cross into other research council areas but expect the primary focus of your work to fall within BBSRC’s remit.
We work with other research councils to ensure that applications close to remit boundaries are assessed by the most appropriate lead council. Please contact remit@bbsrc.ukri.org with any queries about the suitability of your application before applying.
We have a strong commitment to funding curiosity-led research and advancing excellent bioscience across our portfolio.
Duration
The duration of this award is up to five years.
Funding available
The FEC of your project can be up to a maximum of £2 million. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC. For example, if the FEC cost of your project is equal to £2 million, BBSRC will fund £1.6 million and your research organisation will be expected to fund £400,000.
Supporting skills and talent
We encourage you to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment.
Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I)
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is committed in ensuring that effective international collaboration in research and innovation takes place with integrity and within strong ethical frameworks. Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) is a UKRI work programme designed to help protect all those working in our thriving and collaborative international sector by enabling partnerships to be as open as possible, and as secure as necessary. Our TR&I Principles set out UKRI’s expectations of organisations funded by UKRI in relation to due diligence for international collaboration.
As such, applicants for UKRI funding may be asked to demonstrate how their proposed projects will comply with our approach and expectation towards TR&I, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls you will put in place to help proportionately reduce these risks.
Further guidance and information about TR&I, including where you can find additional support.
1. 🎯 Alignment with BBSRC Priorities
BBSRC funds research in:
Biosciences for health (basic biological mechanisms, disease, aging)
Agriculture, food security, and sustainable production
Industrial biotechnology and bioenergy
Technology development for life sciences
✅ Predictor: The proposal must fit within BBSRC’s strategic priorities and have national/global impact.
2. 📈 Scientific Excellence and Innovation
Competitive proposals show:
Novel ideas with strong preliminary data
Potential for high-impact publications and knowledge transfer
✅ Predictor: Applications with strong innovation and feasibility are favored.
3. 👩🔬 Track Record of the Team
BBSRC funds researchers who have:
Relevant expertise and publications
Successful grant history (for larger awards)
Institutional capacity to deliver the project
✅ Predictor: The PI and collaborators demonstrate research excellence and capability.
4. 📊 Feasible Plan and Clear Outcomes
Proposals must include:
Well-defined objectives, timelines, and deliverables
Realistic budgets with justification
✅ Predictor: Projects show achievable milestones and strong management structure.
5. 🌍 Impact Beyond Academia
BBSRC values economic, societal, and policy impact
Engagement with industry partners, knowledge exchange, or public outreach strengthens applications
✅ Predictor: The proposal shows how results will be applied or translated.
Program | Typical Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Responsive Mode Research Grants | £300k–£2M | Investigator-led research in biosciences |
New Investigator Grants | £200k–£650k | Early-career researchers starting independence |
Industrial Partnership Awards | £200k–£2M | Academic–industry collaborative projects |
Strategic Priority Grants | Varies | Research aligned with BBSRC strategic priorities |
📌 Tips for Strong Applications
✅ Align with UKRI/BBSRC strategic priorities and future impact goals
✅ Provide strong preliminary data and a clear hypothesis
✅ Include knowledge exchange, partnerships, or societal benefit components
✅ Use a focused, feasible work plan with measurable outcomes
To lead a project, you must be based at an eligible organisation. Check if your organisation is eligible.
Check if you are eligible for BBSRC funding. Individuals based at an international organisation are not eligible to be a member of the core team as they are not eligible for UKRI funding. International collaborators can be added as project partners on an application, please see Roles in funding applications: eligibility, responsibilities and costings guidance for more information.
Resubmissions
We will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects that have been submitted to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or any other funder.
Find out more about BBSRC’s resubmissions policy.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.
We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:
UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1UH
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Sep 24, 2025
$2,284,000
Affiliation: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Address: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1UH
Website URL: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/bbsrc-standard-research-grant-2025-round-3-applicant-led-mode/
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