Materials Innovation Programme Digital Materials Sandpit

Apply through an individual expression of interest to a funding sandpit developing collaborative Materials 4.0 research projects. Themes include digital twins, data stewardship/interoperability, AI, automation and integration across the materials innovation lifecycle. Selected participants must attend the residential Cheshire sandpit on 1–4 February 2027 and a virtual introduction in the preceding week. Three-to-eight projects are expected to share the programme pool, with awards up to 33 months and a required 1 July 2027 start. Attendance does not guarantee funding.

Applicants for research funding must meet UKRI individual eligibility and be based at an EPSRC-eligible UK research organisation. Industry can join the sandpit as partners but cannot receive EPSRC funding through this call. International collaborators can be project partners; Norway-based international co-leads are not supported through the usual Money Follows Cooperation agreement in this opportunity. Submit the EOI by 26 November 2026, 4 pm UK time, and commit to the entire residential and virtual programme. Selected eligible participants must inform their research office before attendance; successful hosts cover 20% of FEC. Only proposals developed/recommended at the sandpit proceed to invited full applications.