HI-ACT – New and Expanding areas

Flex Fund- New and Expanding areas

This call for proposals will award 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.

The project duration will depend on the scope of the project, but all projects must be completed by 31 March 2026. Projects lasting from 3 months to 9 months are envisaged, but 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  
  • -be able to deliver the work between  1 May 2025 and 31 March 2026 (exact end date dependant on project start date) 

 

The closing date for applications is Monday 10th February at 5pm. 

 

Projects can be costed up to £50,000 at 100% full economic cost (fEC). We will fund 80% of the eligible full economic cost (fEC). The total fund available is approximately £200,000 at 100% fEC for this round of New and Expanding Areas funding. 

What we’re looking for

The overall purpose of the new and expanding areas funding call is for researchers and industry/public sector/third sector partners to co-create research on the role of hydrogen in local and regional net zero transitions. The specification of this call is 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).  

 

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.  

 

-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 
  • -Demonstrate links to one or more HI-ACT work packages (see below). 
  • -Clear methods to co-create research with partners. 
  • -Attract match-funding from co-creation partners. 

 

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 

 

For further information regarding our New and expanding areas fund, please access the call document here

 

To check your eligibility, or any further queries please contact HI-ACT@ncl.ac.uk.  

 

Online Submissions

Submit your proposal here

Submit your proposal here

EDI

Find our EDI form here

Find our EDI form here