Unlocking Opportunities: UK Future Internet NetworkPlus Funding

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is delighted to announce a pre-announcement for the forthcoming funding opportunity for a UK Future Internet NetworkPlus. This initiative aims to convene the research community and stakeholders in the field of future internet technologies.

This funding opportunity is a component of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes strategic theme. The total fund available for this grant is £5,200,000, with a maximum award of £5,200,000. The publication date for this opportunity is scheduled for 11 June 2024, with the opening and closing dates to be confirmed at a later time.

The STFC, in collaboration with other funders such as the EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, BBSRC, MRC, NERC, and Innovate UK, is seeking to bolster projects that centre on digital infrastructure and new approaches to skills or software. Specifically, this funding aims to enrich digital research infrastructure (DRI) by piloting innovative approaches to skills or software, in accordance with the strategic priorities of the UKRI DRI Programme.

Eligible applicants must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. The official address for correspondence related to this funding opportunity is as follows:

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1SZ

It is important to note that the opening and closing dates for this opportunity are yet to be confirmed, so interested applicants are advised to stay updated with the official announcements from the STFC and UKRI.

This funding opportunity offers an enticing prospect for researchers and stakeholders to contribute to the advancement of future internet technologies. By nourishing collaboration and innovation within the research community, the NetworkPlus initiative aims to address the evolving needs and challenges in the realm of digital infrastructure and skills development.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for adaptable and cutting-edge digital research infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial. The UKRI DRI Programme’s focus on skills and software aligns with the broader objective of empowering researchers to harness the full potential of digital technologies in their work.

The collaboration between the STFC and other funders underscores the significance of this initiative in driving impactful and sustainable outcomes in the digital research domain. Furthermore, the substantial funding allocation demonstrates the commitment to supporting high-impact projects that can make a meaningful difference in the future internet landscape.

In conclusion, the pre-announcement of the UK Future Internet NetworkPlus funding opportunity heralds an exciting prospect for the research community to explore innovative approaches to digital infrastructure, skills, and software. With a significant funding allocation and a focus on strategic priorities, this initiative has the potential to unlock new opportunities and propel advancements in future internet technologies.

Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the official channels for updates on the opening and closing dates of the funding opportunity. The STFC looks forward to receiving compelling proposals that demonstrate the potential to make a transformative impact in the realm of digital research infrastructure.