Funder

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), GB and other funders: The UKRI Ayrton challenge programme

Added date

11/01/2024

Closing date

09/04/2024

Call summary

The Ayrton Fund is a UK government commitment of up to £1 billion that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition in developing countries, by creating and demonstrating innovative clean energy technologies and business models. It will demonstrate UK leadership and expertise in cutting global emissions through world-leading innovations. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Ayrton challenge programme will fund innovative, challenge-led interdisciplinary research projects addressing technological and development challenges, including energy justice, societal and technological transitions. Amount note We will accept applications between £2 million and £3 million. The total UKRI funding available for this funding opportunity will be up to £25 million.

Scientific scope

Work funded will span the Ayrton Fund themes: Low Carbon Supplies, Super-Efficient Demand, and Smart Delivery. The programme will target the Ayrton thematic challenges including: next generation solar zero-emissions generators sustainable cooling for all modern cooking energy efficiency industrial decarbonisation clean transport smart energy systems energy storage clean hydrogen critical minerals inclusive energy and leave no-one behind The Ayrton challenge programme will fund interdisciplinary research projects helping to drive forward the clean energy transition in developing countries, by developing both innovative technologies and the knowledge needed to enable delivery of long-term sustainable change.

PI eligibility

Applicant type Academic Institution; Commercial or Private Sector; Government or Public Sector; Non-profit Career stages Early Career and Emerging in Field; Mid-Career to Established in Field Eligibility Note The project lead (PL) must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding and must be eligible to hold UKRI grants and be from: a UK higher education institution a research council institute an independent research organisation eligible for UKRI funding