Expression of Interest: Materials Innovation Programme Digital Materials Sandpit

Overview

EPSRC are inviting applicants to attend a four-day sandpit to deliver innovative, multidisciplinary and transformative approaches to the challenges and opportunities of integrating digital methods to accelerate the translation of materials research.  We intend to achieve these objectives by bringing together researchers, innovators, technology developers, end users and problem owners from a broad range of disciplines to form new collaborations focused on challenge-driven research and innovation. This funding forms part of the National Materials Innovation Programme announced as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

The sandpit will take place in person from 1 February 2027 - 4 February 2027 (with a virtual pre-sandpit session held the week before), and it will be held at The Macdonald Portal Hotel, Cheshire, UK.

Who is eligible to apply

This funding opportunity is open to applicants who meet the individual eligibility criteria.

We also welcome expressions of interest (EOI) from industry to attend the sandpit and develop projects as a partner at the sandpit. However, businesses are not eligible to apply for EPSRC funding through this funding opportunity.

Applications are welcomed from individuals with expertise including, but not limited to:

• Materials Science
• Engineering
• Physical Sciences
• Mathematical Sciences
• Computer Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Social Sciences
• Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Digitalisation
• Responsible Research and Innovation
• Robotics

The sandpit particularly encourages participation from individuals who can bring perspectives from across the materials innovation pipeline and who are committed to developing collaborative solutions with the potential to transform the UK materials research and innovation landscape.

EOI applications will be assessed by a selection panel comprising the sandpit director, mentors and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) staff.

You will be selected based primarily on your answers to the application questions. In addition, the selection panel will reflect on your career stage and region to ensure a diverse group of participants. Therefore, you will be asked questions about these in the survey.

We expect to inform applicants on the outcome of their application by mid-December 2026. Due to the number of applications expected, we will not be able to give individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Attendance at the sandpit does not guarantee UK Research and Innovation Funding.

How UK Research and Innovation will use your personal data

The personal data you give us will be used to manage your application. Your personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation and managed securely. If you would like to know more, including how to exercise your Rights, please see our Privacy notice – UKRI. We will need to share the application and any personal information that it contains with the sandpit facilitators and Directors/Mentors so that they can participate in the EOI assessment process.

If you have any questions relating to this opportunity, please contact materials@epsrc.ukri.org