Statements of Need in Research Infrastructure

EPSRC wishes to understand the scale, range, nature, and scientific value of potential large-scale infrastructure investments in the UK to help inform future decision-making. Representatives of relevant scientific communities are invited to submit statements of need for infrastructure (including facilities) that would be of strategic importance to their research (typically £5 million+). This can be physical or digital research infrastructure. No funding is directly associated with this opportunity. Statements of need received will be prioritised by an internal EPSRC panel according to their relative value to research and innovation in the UK in the context of wider UKRI and government strategies. Should any appropriate high priority statements of need be submitted, EPSRC may provide advice on potential funding options and next steps, though this outcome is not guaranteed. Applications should demonstrate how the proposed infrastructure would help the relevant scientific community remain at the forefront of international research, move beyond the state of the art, or increase capacity for research in the UK. The infrastructure requirement should reflect the needs of the whole community with evidence of wide-scale consultation with relevant groups.