AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Project Nominations 2026 is an invite-only funding opportunity from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) that funds collaborative doctoral research projects between AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) grant holders and higher education institutions.

The scheme fosters collaboration between cultural and heritage organisations and universities, providing studentships for doctoral research starting in October 2026 with four years of funding per studentship. This opportunity is only open to higher education institutions that have been offered a studentship through the AHRC CDP scheme round 4 and invited by AHRC to apply. The deadline for nominations was March 26, 2026.

AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Project Nominations 2026 (invite only) – UKRI Funding opportunity: AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Project Nominations 2026 (invite only) Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 24 February 2026 9:00am UK time 26 March 2026 4:00pm UK time Higher education institutions (HEIs) offered a studentship through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme round 4 are invited to nominate projects for studentships starting in October 2026.

This scheme fosters collaboration between AHRC CDP grant holders and HEIs, providing studentships for doctoral research. Institutions offered a CDP studentship by the CDP grant holder should outline the selected research project, and work with the CDP partner to recruit, supervise, and support students. CDP4 studentships offer four years of funding.

You can only apply for this funding opportunity if AHRC has invited you to do so. This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible .

Equality, diversity and inclusion We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers. We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances.

This includes: support for people with caring responsibilities alternative working patterns UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.

The aim of the CDP scheme is to support collaborative research training through: giving non-HEIs greater autonomy in the selection of doctoral projects they would like to support and supervise providing non-HEIs, individual organisations or consortia with a firm funding horizon of collaborative doctoral awards (CDAs) to support their research training strategy enabling the development of enhanced programmes of doctoral study that provide students with career development opportunities outside the standard academic route fostering collaboration between CDP-holding organisations and consortia in the development of wider training and development opportunities for the doctoral students they support AHRC will provide funding for collaborative CDAs.

These are in support of doctoral projects with university partners, selected by the CDP4 grant holders. The CDPs have been awarded notional studentships over three academic years, starting in October 2024, 2025, and 2026. This opportunity is for the October 2026 recruitment.

CDP grant holder organisations are responsible for identifying suitable collaborators (HEIs) to host AHRC CDAs. The collaborating academic partner is then invited to submit a project proposal. CDAs enable doctoral students to conduct their research in collaboration with a non-HEI organisation gaining experience of work outside the university environment.

All collaborative doctoral projects will need to be within AHRC’s remit, aligned with the CDP organisation’s priorities, and undertaken with a university partner. Applications to this scheme are made annually by the HEIs offered a CDA in partnership with the CDP award holding organisation. This process is for studentship projects to start in October 2026.

A lead applicant from both the HEI and the non-HEI must be identified, with permission of their Head of Department (or equivalent) and their respective organisations to enter a collaborative working agreement. The lead applicant from the HEI will be deemed by AHRC to accept the overall responsibility for the progress and management of the studentship.

We will be seeking assurance that the project falls within AHRC’s remit, that there will be a fair, open and transparent recruitment process, and that there is a plan in place to meet the student’s training, development and support needs throughout the period of the project.

In the context of this opportunity, a project partner is defined as a collaborating organisation beyond academia, which will have an integral role in the proposed doctoral training and development. Each application must include at least one non-HEI partner. The CDP partner organisation must be named but, if all partners agree, other non-HEIs can be included.

In-kind support from HEI and non-HEI partners is mandatory. There must be at least one project partner letter, provided by the CDP award holding organisation. A supervisor from both the HEI and the non-HEI organisation must be identified and involved in the students’ supervision.

The supervisory team should have relevant expertise and experience to guide the student effectively. Supervisors should be accessible and approachable, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

Financial support for students The collaborating non-HEI organisation (CDP partner organisation) is expected to make a financial commitment to the students recruited, recognising the higher costs which doctoral students may incur in undertaking a collaborative project, especially where the HEI and non-HEI are geographically distant.

Studentships funded under CDP4 will receive four years of funding, which can be adjusted pro rata for part-time students. The four-year duration is to enable students to undertake development activities as part of their doctoral study and to submit their thesis within the funded period. Studentship projects must start no later than 1 October 2026.

AHRC CDP collaborative doctoral studentships provide funding for stipend and fees, plus an additional research training support grant. Awards will be supplemented with London allowance where eligible.

Additionally, AHRC CDP collaborative doctoral studentships include a CDA stipend uplift as a contribution to additional costs which students may incur while undertaking a collaborative award, such as travel between the non-HEI and HEI organisations they are affiliated with.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in your application The HEI and non-HEI must ensure recruitment of students follows a robust set of processes that include transparent decision-making structures and an appropriate and open advertising strategy, in line with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s equality, diversity and inclusion policy and UKRI good practice principles in recruitment and training at a doctoral level .

Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) UKRI is committed in ensuring that effective international collaboration in research and innovation takes place with integrity and within strong ethical frameworks.

Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) is a UKRI work programme designed to help protect all those working in our thriving and collaborative international sector by enabling partnerships to be as open as possible, and as secure as necessary. Our TR&I Principles set out UKRI’s expectations of organisations funded by UKRI in relation to due diligence for international collaboration.

As such, applicants for UKRI funding may be asked to demonstrate how their proposed projects will comply with our approach and expectation towards TR&I, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls you will put in place to help proportionately reduce these risks. See further guidance and information about TR&I , including where you can find additional support.

We are running this funding opportunity on the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service so please ensure that your organisation is registered. You cannot apply on the Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system. The project lead is responsible for completing the application process on the Funding Service, but we expect all team members and project partners to contribute to the application.

Only the lead research organisation can submit an application to UKRI. Select ‘Start application’ near the beginning of this Funding finder page: Confirm you are the project lead. Please allow at least 10 working days for your organisation to be added to the Funding Service.

We strongly suggest that if you are asking UKRI to add your organisation to the Funding Service to enable you to apply to this Opportunity, you also create an organisation Administration Account. This will be needed to allow the acceptance and management of any grant that might be offered to you. Answer questions directly in the text boxes.

You can save your answers and come back to complete them or work offline and return to copy and paste your answers. If we need you to upload a document, follow the upload instructions in the Funding Service. All questions and assessment criteria are listed in the How to apply section on this Funding finder page.

Allow enough time to check your application in ‘read-only’ view before sending to your research office. Send the completed application to your research office for checking. They will return it to you if it needs editing.

Your research office will submit the completed and checked application to UKRI. Please be aware that research office and finance teams undertake checks on hosting arrangements and financial eligibility. The ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with all opportunity requirements lies with the applicant.

Where indicated, you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.

When including images, you must: provide a descriptive caption or legend for each image immediately underneath it in the text box (this must be outside the image and counts towards your word limit) insert each new image on a new line use files smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format Images should only be used to convey important visual information that cannot easily be put into words.

The following are not permitted, and your application will be rejected if you include: sentences or paragraphs of text excessive quantities of images A few words are permitted where the image would lack clarity without the contextual words, such as a diagram, where text labels are required for an axis or graph column.

For more guidance on the Funding Service, see: how applicants use the Funding Service how research offices use the Funding Service how reviewers use the Funding Service References should be included within the word count of the appropriate question section. You should use your discretion when including references and prioritise those most pertinent to the application. Hyperlinks can be used in reference information.

When including references, you should consider how your references will be viewed and used by the assessors, ensuring that: references are easily identifiable by the assessors references are formatted as appropriate to your research persistent identifiers are used where possible General use of hyperlinks Applications should be self-contained. You should only use hyperlinks to link directly to reference information.

You must not include links to web resources to extend your application. Assessors are not required to access links to conduct assessment or recommend a funding decision. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) Use of generative AI tools to prepare funding applications is permitted, however, caution should be applied.

For more information see our policy on the use of generative AI in application and assessment . AHRC must receive your application by 26 March 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. You will not be able to apply after this time.

Make sure you are aware of and follow any internal institutional deadlines. Following the submission of your application to the funding opportunity, your application cannot be changed, and applications will not be returned for amendment. If your application does not follow the guidance, it may be rejected.

AHRC, as part of UKRI, will need to collect some personal information to manage your Funding Service account and the registration of your funding applications. We will handle personal data in line with UK data protection legislation and manage it securely. For more information, including how to exercise your rights, read our privacy notice .

If you or a core team member need to tell us something you wish to remain confidential, email skills@ahrc. ukri. org Include in the subject line: [the funding opportunity title; sensitive information; your Funding Service application number].

Typical examples of confidential information include: individual is unavailable until a certain date (for example due to parental leave) additional information about eligibility to apply that would not be appropriately shared in the ‘Applicant and team capability’ section conflict of interest for UKRI to consider in reviewer or panel participant selection the application is an invited resubmission For information about how UKRI handles personal data, read UKRI’s privacy notice .

If your application is successful, we will publish some personal information on the UKRI Gateway to Research . In plain English, provide a summary we can use to identify the most suitable experts to assess your application. We usually make this summary publicly available on external-facing websites, therefore do not include any confidential or sensitive information.

Make it suitable for a variety of readers, for example: the wider research community Guidance for writing a summary Clearly describe your proposed work in terms of: the challenge the project addresses potential applications and benefits Assign yourself as project lead. List the key members of your team and assign them roles from the following: project co-lead (UK) (PcL) Only list one individual as project lead.

For this opportunity the collaborating non-HEI partner from the CDP partner organisation must be added as project co-lead. Find out more about UKRI’s core team roles in funding applications . What are you hoping to achieve with your proposal studentship?

What AHRC is looking for in your response Explain your plans for the proposed studentship, addressing the following points: provide a summary statement of the PhD topic to be undertaken, including why it is timely and will advance current knowledge and understanding clearly define aims and objectives, along with measures to support the student’s progress You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.

Further details are provided in the Funding Service. References may be included within this section. How are you going to work with the co-supervisor(s) and student to deliver the proposed studentship?

What AHRC is looking for in your response Explain how you have designed your approach so that it: describes the role of the CDP award holding organisation in the project, including their input to both the project and support for the student provides the nature and frequency of contact with the CDP award holding organisation and any additional project partners is effective and appropriate to achieve the studentship’s objectives, including a clear plan for managing risks and ensuring feasibility outlines how the student’s training needs will be identified, met and monitored describes how your, and if applicable your team’s, research environment (in terms of the place and relevance to the project) will contribute to the success of the studentship Add details about any project partners’ contributions.

A project partner is a collaborating organisation who will have an integral role in the proposed studentship. This may include direct contributions for example cash, donated equipment and resources, or staff seconded to the project, or indirect and in-kind contributions for example use of project partner’s equipment, datasets, or facilities.

Project partners may be in industry, academia, third sector or government organisations in the UK or overseas, including partners based in the EU. Each application must include the CDP award holding organisation as a project partner. If applicable other partners can also be included.

Add the following project partner details: the organisation name and address (searchable via a drop-down list or enter the organisation’s details manually, as applicable) the project partner contact name and email address the type of contribution (direct or indirect) and its monetary value If a detail is entered incorrectly and you have saved the entry, remove the specific project partner record and re-add it with the correct information.

For audit purposes, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made. Project partners: letters (or emails) of support Upload a single PDF containing the letters or emails of support from each partner you named in the project partners section. These should be uploaded in English or Welsh only.

What AHRC is looking for in your response There must be at least one project partner letter provided by the CDP award holding organisation. For consortia CDPs, the project partner letter must come from the non-HEI organisation hosting the student, not the CDP award holding organisation (unless they are the same) Enter the words ‘attachment supplied’ in the text box.

Each letter or email you provide should: confirm the partner’s commitment to the project clearly explain the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the work to them describe any additional value that they bring to the project have a page limit of two sides A4 per partner The Funding Service will provide document upload details when you apply.

Ensure you have prior agreement from project partners so that, if you are offered funding, they will support your project as indicated in the project partners section. For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made. How will the supervisory arrangements be structured to ensure effective support for the student throughout the studentship?

What AHRC is looking for in your response Your response should provide: clear description of the supervisory arrangements, including the roles and responsibilities of each supervisor details of the frequency and format of supervisory meetings information about the supervisors’ research experience and expertise how the supervisory team will work collaboratively with the student to support the student’s development needs throughout the studentship examples of how supervisors have successfully supported students in the past any additional support mechanisms, such as mentorship programmes or peer support networks statistics or examples of submission rates for previous students, highlighting the success and reliability of the supervision provided Recruitment, selection and EDI How will you recruit, select, induct and support the student?

What AHRC is looking for in your response Your response should provide: an outline of the recruitment and selection process, ensuring involvement of both HEI and non-HEI partners justification for named students identified at the application stage outreach efforts to attract a diverse pool of applicants steps taken to recognise and mitigate unconscious bias details of how equal opportunities policies will be implemented examples of previous successful recruitment and selection processes an outline of how an inclusive environment will be created that supports mental health and wellbeing, essential for all candidates and students information on how the induction process will support the student’s integration, initial engagement, and ongoing development Intellectual property (IP) management and communication What arrangements have been agreed upon to maintain confidentiality of information and to manage intellectual property rights between all partners?

What AHRC is looking for in your response how you will ensure the student is made aware of any confidentiality issues who will be responsible for agreeing procedures to address these issues how you will manage the outputs of the project, including any intellectual assets and intellectual property Ethics and responsible research and innovation (RRI) What are the ethical or RRI implications and issues relating to the proposed studentship?

If you do not think that the proposed work raises any ethical or RRI issues, explain why.

What AHRC is looking for in your response Demonstrate that you have identified and evaluated: the relevant ethical and RRI considerations, including both the research or topic area itself and the design and delivery of the project the wider implications of the proposed work, and how you will maximise the positive societal, environmental, and economic benefits arising from the project, while minimising unintended negative impacts, such as research misuse or accidental harm how you will manage these considerations throughout the lifecycle of the project You may demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.

Further details are provided in the Funding Service. Please refer to the UKRI position statement on funding ethical research and Responsible innovation for more information around our expectations on ethical and responsible research and innovation. Discipline classification: primary Please provide the primary research area of your proposal.

What AHRC is looking for in your response You must select from one of these research disciplines. This information will be used for the purposes of processing your proposal and in the selection of appropriate assessors.

The research disciplines are: cultural and museum studies drama and theatre studies information and communication technologies library and information studies political science and international studies theology, divinity and religion Discipline classification: secondary Please describe, using keywords, the research area of your proposal.

It is particularly important that you provide these where the research area(s) you have selected are only defined to two levels. Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) Does your proposed work relate to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s Trusted Research and Innovation principles?

What the assessors are looking for in your response Demonstrate how your proposed work relates to UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation principles including: list any dual-use (both military and non-military) applications to your research if this project is relevant to one or more of the 17 areas of the UK National Security and Investment (NSI) Act , please list the area(s) please read the academic export control guidance and confirm if an export control licence is required for this project and the status of any application(s) if your project involves any items or substances on the UK strategic export control list, please provide a list We may ask you to provide additional TR&I information later, in line with UKRI TR&I principles and funding terms and conditions (RGC 2.

6. 2, 2. 7.

1 and 2. 7. 2).

How we will assess your application We will assess your application using the following process. We will conduct internal checks to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your application. This includes verifying: research organisation and project partner information the project title and abstract alignment the classification and interdisciplinary status We reserve the right to modify the assessment process as needed.

The assessment areas we will use are: discipline classification Find details of assessment questions and criteria under the ‘Application questions’ heading in the ‘How to apply’ section. Get help with your application If you have a question and the answers aren’t provided on this page The helpdesk is committed to helping users of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service as effectively and as quickly as possible.

In order to manage cases at peak volume times, the helpdesk will triage and prioritise those queries with an imminent opportunity deadline or a technical issue.

Enquiries raised where information is available on the Funding finder opportunity page and should be understood early in the application process (for example, regarding eligibility, content or remit of a funding opportunity) will not constitute a priority case and will be addressed as soon as possible.

For help and advice on costings and writing your proposal please contact your research office in the first instance, allowing sufficient time for your organisation’s submission process. For questions related to this specific funding opportunity please contact skills@ahrc. ukri.

org Any queries regarding the system or the submission of applications through the Funding Service should be directed to the helpdesk. Email: support@funding-service. ukri.

org Our phone lines are open: Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm To help us process queries quicker, we request that users highlight the council and opportunity name in the subject title of their email query, include the application reference number, and refrain from contacting more than one mailbox at a time. For further information on submitting an application read How applicants use the Funding Service .

The fourth round of Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships, which closed on 6 September 2022, led to the awarding of 15 collaborative doctoral partnership awards and funding for 156 collaborative doctoral studentships over three academic years, 2024 to 2026. This opportunity is specific to the cohort of studentships starting in October 2026.

Research and innovation impact Impact can be defined as the long-term intended or unintended effect research and innovation has on society, economy and the environment; to individuals, organisations, and the wider global population. Research disruption due to COVID-19 We recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major interruptions and disruptions across our communities.

We are committed to ensuring that individual applicants and their wider team, including partners and networks, are not penalised for any disruption to their career, such as: disruptive working patterns and conditions role changes that may have been caused by the pandemic Reviewers and panel members will be advised to consider the unequal impacts that COVID-19 related disruption might have had on the capability to deliver and career development of those individuals included in the application.

They will be asked to consider the capability of the applicant and their wider team to deliver the research they are proposing. Where disruptions have occurred, you can highlight this within your application if you wish, but there is no requirement to detail the specific circumstances that caused the disruption. This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK.

Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .