HI-ACT New and Expanding Areas Fund

HI-ACT New and Expanding Areas Fund

The HI-ACT New and Expanding Areas Flexible Fund awards funding for successful researchers and non-academic partners to co-create research on the role of hydrogen in local and regional net-zero energy transitions. This call aims to target areas such as rural locations, and island communities, rather than large industrial clusters which have been investigated via other research grants (i.e. IDRIC).

 

The project duration will depend on the scope of the project, but projects lasting from 3 months to 9 months are envisaged. Other lengths can be considered as appropriate for proposed work.

 

To be considered, you must:

  • be based at a UK organisation
  • meet individual eligibility criteria

 

Projects can be costed up to £50,000 p.a. at 100% full economic cost (fEC). We will fund 80% of the eligible full economic cost (fEC). A proportion of the New and Expanding Areas Fund is for research led by early career researchers.

 

What we’re looking for

  • Preference will be given to applicants who can clearly demonstrate the expected impact of their proposal, and how it will achieve the objectives listed below.
    • Demonstrate links to one or more HI-ACT work packages (see Guidance Document).
    • Clear methods to co-create research with partners.
    • Attract match-funding from co-creation partners.
    • Consider the development of local/regional whole energy systems approaches, with the integration of hydrogen.
    • Target rural locations, island communities, towns, (small) cities, and hyper-local community-level geographies

Who can apply?

Standard UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) eligibility rules apply and ‘Terms and Conditions’ of the overall Grant will be flowed down to projects. Research grants are open to:

  • UK higher education institutions
  • Research council institutes
  • UKRI-approved independent research organisations
  • Eligible public sector research establishments

Check if your institution is eligible for funding

 

Our Second Call for Flexible Fund Applications is now open.

 

Deadline January 5th 2026 at 5pm

 

More Information

For further information regarding our New and Expanding Areas Fund, please access the Fund Guidance Document below.

 

All funding calls will be advertised on our LinkedIn page and via our newsletter. To be the first to hear about our funding opportunities please sign up to our mailing list by emailing HIACT@newcastle.ac.uk

 

Guidance Document

Flex Fund Guidance

PDF

Submissions

Application Form

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