UK research organisations can seek support for proof-of-concept autonomous observing capabilities with projects lasting up to 12 months.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has opened the Advancing Atmospheric and Aerial Autonomy call to support proof-of-concept projects developing innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric science and wider environmental applications through autonomous aerial systems.

The call aims to enhance the UK’s environmental observing capability by supporting the development, integration, deployment and demonstration of technologies in autonomy, sensing, instrumentation and measurement. NERC expects supported projects to demonstrate operational capability, generate robust environmental data, and identify routes to scaling and broader adoption. The call also builds on outcomes and future directions identified through the Net Zero Aerial Capability (NZArC) programme.

The call is structured across two areas, with around half of available support directed to each: innovative autonomous sensing, instrumentation and measurement technologies that enhance atmospheric observation capability; and autonomous aerial systems with associated sensing, instrumentation and measurement solutions for environmental applications. Proposals may address one or both areas.

Applicants must be based at UK research organisations eligible for NERC support, including higher education providers, research institutes, public sector research establishments, independent research organisations and Catapult centres. Academic researchers at any career stage, research and technical staff, and multidisciplinary teams are eligible. Projects should show meaningful collaboration with organisations involved in developing, deploying or applying autonomous systems and sensing technologies. International partners may participate but cannot receive support.

NERC has allocated a total budget of £4 million. Individual projects may request a full economic cost between £300,000 and £1 million, with NERC meeting 100% of this cost. Awards can run for three to 12 months and projects must be able to mobilise rapidly following award. All projects must start by 1 February 2027.

A webinar will be held on 10 September 2026 (14:00 to 15:30) to outline the call and answer questions.