Demand managed funding calls
In most cases a demand managed funding opportunity, scheme or call has a restriction on the number of applications an institution can submit, often referred to as a cap. In other cases, funding bodies may encourage institutions to monitor the quality of applications and limit the number of applications to a given call, often with the aim of maximising the success rate of those applications while minimising resource strain. The University may also choose to demand manage calls where a significant host contribution is a condition of the call (matched funding), or where the funding may transition to a permanent post.
When demand management is required, the University will coordinate an internal peer review process to identify the application, or applications, best suited to the call. The process is intended to reduce burden and limit bureaucracy where possible, whilst still meeting the funding call requirements. Feedback and support will be provided whenever possible.
For application advice, and finding funding, including calls where there is no institutional cap, please contact the Research Business Development team who will provide support.
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Research funding, demand managed by Research and Innovation Services (RIS):
- EPSRC Mathematical Postdoctoral Fellowships. EPSRC expect organisations to select through an inclusive process, the most suitable candidates for these fellowships. Peer review systems within each school will operate, to ensure that only the highest quality applications are selected and supported though to submission.
- EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship. EPSRC expect organisations to select through an inclusive process, the most suitable candidates for these fellowships. Peer review systems within each school will operate, to ensure that only the highest quality applications are selected and supported through to submission.
- NERC Exploring the Frontiers of environment. There is currently no institutional cap for this call. However, you must inform your School of your intention to apply, as internal peer‑review processes will operate to ensure only the highest quality applications are put forward, to reduce the likelihood of demand management in the future.
- ESRC new investigator grants. ESRC expect to see only a limited number of applications from any single research organisation. Peer review systems within each school will operate, to ensure that only the highest quality applications are selected and supported through to submission.
- EPSRC Strategic infrastructure outlines The University will take a strategic approach to this call. Please liaise with your internal 'School Strategic Equipment Working Group' contact on how to seek approval to submit an application via the group. This is an open call with an institutional cap per batch.
- Royal Society Wolfson Fellowships. Aimed at incoming international senior career researchers. Nominations are put forward by the Vice Chancellor or Institute Director (VPRCI at St Andrews) from the proposed host institution. Normally one nomination is selected per round. There are three rounds per year, late nominations may be considered for the following round. Applicants should liaise with the host school for further details.
- EPSRC Doctoral focal award in chip design and verification . This supports interdisciplinary training in very large-scale integration design and systems-on-chip. The doctoral focal award will address the UK Government AI Hardware Plan, and train the next generation of UK researchers and innovators. The internal deadline for note of interest is 22 October 2026.
- Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2027. This scheme aims to provide career development opportunities for those who are at a relatively early stage of their academic careers. The scheme is demand managed by the University due to the funding structure of the fellowship. The internal deadline for the School to nominate a candidate is 18 November 2026.
- MRC - Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) round 5. MRC CoRE funding supports bold, ambitious and interdisciplinary research that addresses major health challenges with the potential to transform biomedical and health research. Funding for up to 14 years. The internal deadline for the lead applicant is 30 November 2026.
- Royal Society of Edinburgh – Research Leadership Scheme (Cohort 2). Building a happier, healthier Scotland. This scheme is open to current, mid-career, Academic members of staff. The scheme is intended to develop leadership skills, deliver training, mentoring and cross disciplinary peer networking. The internal deadline for the School to nominate a candidate is 8 December 2026.
Eligible candidates wishing to apply should contact the Director of Research within their chosen host School in the first instance and in good time, to find out more information about the internal selection process, documents, and links required for internal application selection or nomination.
Directors of Research can check 'DoR RIS Shared' Microsoft Teams or contact ris@st-andrews.ac.uk for further information.
Please refer to the sponsors' own web pages for up-to-date information and guidance on individual calls.
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- Research and Innovation Services (RIS) identifies the demand managed funding call.
- RIS electronically disseminates the call information and deadlines using a standardised format to the Schools and Departments (via the Director of Research and the Head of School), Research Development team and Financial Advice and Support (FAS).
- If required, RIS will coordinate an internal review panel, consisting of members from the Peer Review College.
- RIS will provide support and reasonable adjustments to applicants and staff with diverse needs, disabilities, health conditions, or caring responsibilities throughout the application and selection process.
- Internal selection application forms are submitted to RIS for the internal review by the given internal selection deadline.
- RIS ensures that all requested information is provided and undertakes preliminary eligibility checks.
- Where an internal process is required, RIS distributes the information to the internal review panel for their consideration. Reviewers assess and score applications against the criteria specified in the funding call, taking into account factors such as strategic alignment, institutional support, and overall fit with the scheme objectives.
- The internal review panel meeting is held, chaired by the Vice-Principal (Research, Collections and Innovation), or a member of the Research Excellence Board (REB) or Principal's Office to discuss the applications.
- The nominating School or Applicant, Research Development and FAS are informed of the outcome of the internal review process.
- Constructive feedback is provided to all applicants where the turnaround time allows for review. All applicants are offered support from subject-area experts, colleagues within the University's Engagement and Impact, and Research Development team to assist with the preparation of a full application or to adapt and strengthen their proposal for alternative funding opportunities.
What are reasonable adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are modifications or changes to the usual way of doing things that help ensure individuals with disabilities or specific needs are not substantially disadvantaged. These adjustments can be made to various aspects of the demand management process, including the following:
- Application process: alternative formats for application materials, or adjustments to the application process itself
- Panel meetings, sandpits and interviews: accessible venues, provision of assistive technology, sign language interpreters, or adjustments to meeting schedules and formats to allow for caring responsibilities
- Working arrangements: flexible working hours, different participation options, or provision of specific equipment or support
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Many externally funded calls are repeated on a regular basis, with varying frequencies; some calls are open multiple times each year, some are open once per year and some are open every two or three years. A list of calls which are routinely demand managed due to institutional caps or significant institutional commitment are listed below. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and some ad hoc calls will require demand management.
The Demand management calendar (PDF) provides an overview of the estimated timings for each known call to enable applicants and Directors of Research to plan their funding application and internal review process accordingly. Note that the calendar has accessibility issues - if you need the content in an alternative format, please contact ris@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Annual Calls
- Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships (ECRF)
- UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF)
- STFC Stephen Hawking Fellowships (managed by school contact)
- STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships
- NERC Discovery Science - Pushing the Frontiers
- The Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships
- The Royal Society Wolfson Fellowships (3 rounds per year)
- The Royal Society Faraday International Accelerated Fellowships(3 rounds per year)
- AXA post-doctoral Fellowships
- AXA Chairs
- NIHR Global Health Research Professorships
Less frequent calls
- Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships (Every 3 years; next 2029)
- Leverhulme Research Centres (Every 3 years; next 2027)
- Leverhulme Research Leadership Awards (Every 3 years; next 2028)
- British Academy Global Professorships (Even Years; 2028, 2030 etc.)
Other
- Equipment calls - please contact FAS to identify your School Strategic Equipment Working Group member.
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RIS facilitate a number of schemes to enable St Andrews researchers to deliver high-quality research, impact and innovation. Current calls are listed on the research support webpages and on the impact funding webpages.
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There are some prizes and awards that require pre-approval from the Vice-Principal (Research, Collections and Innovation) and may also require to be submitted centrally. The relevant Director of Research and Head of School will be advised of the process and invited to nominate a candidate.
The following prizes and awards are restricted in the number of applications or by invitation only and therefore require pre-approval/submission via the Vice-Principal (Research, Collections and Innovation)
- Philip Leverhulme Prize
- Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the United Kingdom
- Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship
Eligible candidates wishing to apply must contact the Director of Research within their chosen host school in good time, to find out more information about the internal nomination process.
Directors of Research can check 'DoR RIS Shared' Microsoft Teams for current information or contact ris@st-andrews.ac.uk.