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The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council invites standard research proposals under its manufacturing the future challenge theme. This supports investigator-led research from the breadth of the engineering and physical sciences research community that addresses key challenges in UK manufacturing, to be considered at a manufacturing-focused prioritisation panel. Research must have clear benefits and manufacturing outcomes, and must contribute towards the following research visions:

•21st century products;

•digital manufacturing;

•sustainable industries;

•new industrial systems.

High-risk, high-return research proposals relating to new concepts or techniques are particularly encouraged.

The PI must be resident in the UK and an academic employee at the lecturer or equivalent level at an eligible organisation, which may be a HEI, a research institute funded by a research council or an independent research organisation. Collaborations with business and the public sector are encouraged, particularly where they can help research advances and the take-up of results. Collaborations with other universities are also accepted.

Each evaluation panel has a budget of £3 million and awards are worth up to £2m each. Grants may range from small value, short-term grants for feasibility studies to longer-term awards, such as multi-institution projects, including first grants and networks or workshop funding.