Early Career Researcher Development Fund

The Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre runs an annual Early Career Researcher (ECR) Development Fund for research that aligns with the Centre’s programme of work, values and principles.

Person gesturing with their hands while sat at a desk with laptop, notepad and phone on the table

The Fund aims to build research capacity and capability to tackle current and emerging challenges related to vulnerability and policing. It seeks to widen the reach of the Centre’s work, enabling early career researchers to lead co-produced pioneering projects that contribute new findings and insights. It supports research in areas where knowledge gaps are most prominent and where research benefits offer the greatest value.

Research grants of up to £25,000 for 12-month projects are available. The Centre provides support to the successful applicants to maximise the reach and impact of their research.

ECR Development Fund for 2025

This year’s Fund is a vulnerability and policing open call with a particular emphasis on the following themes:

  • Quantitative methodologies and/or the use of administrative data
  • Vulnerability in drugs markets (Dr Leah Moyle Commemorative Award)

The Fund will be open for applications until 4pm (GMT), Monday 13 January 2025.

Read the Fund guidance and apply

Read the Fund FAQs

Watch a webinar about the Fund

The Centre hosted a webinar about the 2025 Early Career Researcher Development Fund for interested applicants on 17 October 2024. View the slides from the webinar and watch the webinar below:

View the slides from the webinar (PDF, 1.37MB)

Previous ECR Development Fund calls

The Centre received a wide range of high-quality applications in its first two calls. Read about the completed and existing funded projects:

ECR Development Fund for 2023

ECR Development Fund for 2024