For the second year, Sustainable Futures invites applications to the ECR Ideas Catalyst call.

The aim of this call is to help Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to develop ideas for future funding applications and to build connections and networks externally or across disciplines and faculty boundaries, with the aim of catalysing new interdisciplinary ideas to combat the global challenge of climate change.

ECRs, defined as researchers who are within eight years of the award of the PhD, often do not have the same resources to organise catalyst events, inhibiting their ability to pull together the necessary groups and ideas for large funding bids. The ECR Ideas Catalyst will fund activities to support ECRs in promoting or furthering interdisciplinary research and potentially applying for larger funding bids down the line.

Activities could include things such as workshops or networking events, but we are open to all ideas— as long as there is a clear rationale evidencing long-term thinking which aligns with the Sustainable Futures themes (Equity, Nature, Skills, Energy, Resilience, Materials) we are open to receiving applications. Applications can be for up to £800 and all funding must be spent by 1/7/2026.

Applications must include:

1. Rationale for activity

• How will this support your research?
• What’s the timeframe?
• What do you want to see come out of it?

2. Your long-term vision- how will this help you in the long-term?
3. How this sandpit relates to our key themes
4. An Agenda for the activity and a timeline for the preparation/organisation
5. Rough Costing Estimates (these do not need to be approved by RSS)

 Eligibility criteria:
● Reflecting the inclusivity of a team research model, we accept submissions from ALL University of Manchester Early Career staff: academic, researcher, PS, technical etc.
● Call is open only to University of Manchester employees: honorary contract holders may be included as team members.
● Due to the short length of the funding, eligible costs include non-staff costs only, such as travel and consumables, etc. Costs may not include external subcontracting (payments for goods or service only).

Impact is key. We will review and award applications based on:

• Why the applicants are requesting the funds, how it enables them to enhance their career progression at UoM, either in terms of applying for larger bids or disseminating research etc.
• What the follow-on plan is
• If it is feasible given the costs and timeline
• How it aligns with Sustainable Futures

Please note that if successful, Sustainable Futures may be able to offer advice and guidance, but the organisation and planning must be carried out by the recipient. Recipients will need to submit a brief one-page breakthrough document by 31/7/2026. More information will be provided upon award.

Closing date: 01/03/2026.  Review of applications will be conducted by 6/3/2026 with the aim of responding to applicants by second week of March. Feedback will be provided. Apply here.