Human-Centred Aspects of a Transition to a Circular Economy - Scoping Survey

Overview

UKRI is seeking community input to help us better understand how human-centred transdisciplinary research could position the UK for a successful transition to a circular economy.

In this survey, we are particularly looking for insights from across academia, industry and policy on how a successful transition to a circular economy relates to cultural and social change built on economic and technological development.This might include, for example, human behaviour, cultural shifts, policy change, value systems, or human-centred design of products and processes. This is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome responses from individuals across disciplines and sectors who think that their area of expertise could meaningfully contribute to human-centred approaches to circular research and innovation.

This work will build on UKRI’s existing portfolio of investments in this area, including:

• National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research (NICER) – UKRI
• Reimagining Circularity: outline stage – UKRI
• Research to advance UK recycling capabilities – UKRI
• Network to drive digital sustainability and a circular economy – UKRI
• EPSRC circular economy critical mass programmes – UKRI
• Research for a plastics circular economy: full proposal stage – UKRI
• £24.3 million to boost UK environmental resilience and decision making – UKRI
• Network Plus in Circular Fashion and Textiles

Data collected through this survey will be reviewed by UKRI. Analysis of community responses will guide us in defining the research need and priorities across this space, indicating where collaborative activities could be most impactful in future.

Time taken to complete the survey will vary depending on how much detail you wish to include in your answers. At baseline, we estimate that the survey should take 30 minutes to complete. Your input is greatly appreciated.

This survey is open from 20/02/2026 until 20/03/2026.

We will consider all views and inputs, and we may contact you further if you give your permission for us to do so.

If you require this survey in an alternative format or require an accommodation to enable you to participate in this survey, please let us know via heuh@ahrc.ukri.org.  

How UKRI will use your data/GDPR - Privacy notice – UKRI.

Key definitions:

Transdisciplinary Research: Research which crosses disciplinary and sectorial boundaries. It involves engaging societal actors as co-producers of knowledge and is integral to the structure and success of the project. Projects should be issue driven and apply a holistic approach to their design.

Circular Economy: A model of production and consumption, with three key features:

•             Producing and consuming less.

•             Keeping the products, materials, and resources we do use and produce in circulation at their highest value for as long as possible and recovering them after use.

•             Recognising the importance of restoring nature.