The Henry Royce Institute and UK-HyRES have launched a new SPRINT Funding Call to support early-career researchers working in hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels research.
This joint call aims to accelerate innovative, high-potential research that contributes to the development of safe, resilient and sustainable hydrogen and fuel technologies. Funding of up to £50,000 (at 80% FEC) is available per project, supporting short, focused activities that can act as a springboard for larger research programmes, collaborations, or future funding applications.
The call is open to Early Career Researchers (ECRs) based at UK institutions, including postdoctoral researchers, application scientists, and lecturers or assistant professors within three years of appointment. Projects may span a broad range of topics relevant to hydrogen and alternative liquid fuels, including materials development, production, storage, distribution, safety, and end-use applications.
Projects funded through this call are expected to demonstrate clear potential for impact, whether through advancing fundamental understanding, enabling new technologies, or strengthening the UK’s research capability in hydrogen and energy resilience.
The funding call will be delivered by UK-HyRES, with applications submitted through the UK-HyRES funding process. Successful projects will benefit from the combined expertise, facilities and networks of both UK-HyRES and the Henry Royce Institute.
Applications open on 15 January 2026, with a submission deadline of 23 February 2026 at 09:00. Projects are expected to start between April and June 2026 and must conclude by 31 December 2026.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, can be found by following this link.
