ESRC Smart Data Research UK Fellowships

Fellowships to undertake innovative, impact-focused research addressing a significant real-world challenge relevant to the UK using smart data.

Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) infrastructure investment. Smart data is the data generated through everyday interactions with digital devices. SDR UK is delivered by a family of data services based at leading UK universities and research organisations. Each service acquires, stewards, and enables safe access to diverse smart data within secure environments that protect privacy while enabling breakthrough research.

ESRC is inviting fellowship proposals that meet the following objectives:

• Objective one: advance impactful and innovative research
  
  Conduct original, high-impact research that demonstrates how smart data can address a significant real-world challenge.
  

• Objective two: develop research leadership
  
  Use the Fellowship to grow as a leader in smart data research – developing new skills, networks and areas of expertise.
  

• Objective three: strengthen the smart data research community
  
  Play an active role in building a connected, collaborative community. Fellows will take part in activities that support collaboration, knowledge sharing, and long-term impact.

Research projects from any discipline are in scope for this fellowship funding opportunity but must be aligned to at least one of SDR UK’s four thematic pillars:

• Productivity and prosperity for all: interrogating the drivers of economic growth and prosperity in the UK, at local, regional and national scales.
• Health and wellbeing: supporting improvements in population and public health to enable healthier, longer, and fulfilling lives.
• Digital society: understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid advances in technology and our increasing engagement with digital systems.
• Sustainability: enabling environmental sustainability and supporting decarbonisation and the green transition.