A drop-in session to learn more about the DARE UK next-generation Trusted Research Environment (TRE) capabilities funding opportunity and provide answers to applicants’ questions.

The session, intended for prospective applicants, offered a comprehensive overview of the funding call. It covered information on available funding, eligibility criteria, application guidance, public involvement and engagement (PIE) and specific areas of TRE innovation for which applications are being sought. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and interact directly with the DARE UK team.

Slides from the session

In case you missed the session, watch the recording or register for the next drop-in session below:

Next drop-in session (22 May 2025; 14:00 – 15:00)

In case you missed the first drop-in session, we’ve scheduled another session to discuss all about the opportunity and answer any questions you have to support your application. See details of the session below and register to attend.

FAQs

Is this call only open to organisations involved in DARE UK Phase 1 projects?

No. This call is open to all organisations, regardless of whether they participated in DARE UK
Phase 1.

Do applicants need to be working with Trusted Research Environments (TREs) currently funded under DARE UK Phase 2?

No. There is no requirement to be affiliated with TREs funded in Phase 2 of the DARE UK programme.

There is £1.875 million available in the 2025/26 financial year (April 1st 25 to March 31st 26) and only £375,000 in the 2026/27 financial year (April 1st 26 to March 31st 27). With this in mind, how should our project spend be distributed?

The spend profile for this call is not evenly distributed and it will not be possible to shift funds across financial year boundaries. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that costs are frontloaded. A suggested spend distribution is approximately 85% of costs in 2025/26 FY and 15% in 2026/27 FY.

What are the expected project start and end dates? Can these dates be adjusted?

Projects are expected to start around September 2025 and conclude by September 2026. All projects will have the same start and end date, and this will be as close to September 2025 as administratively possible.

Is it necessary to demonstrate a proof of concept using real data, or can synthetic data be used?

There is no requirement to use real data. Projects may use synthetic data to demonstrate proof of concept, particularly in light of the project timescale.

Will applications building on work from DARE UK Phase 1 be considered?

Yes. Applications that extend work from Phase 1 are welcome. An independent panel will assess and determine which projects will receive funding.

Can international organisations apply as project co-leads?

Yes. International organisations are eligible to participate as co-leads. Please consult UKRI’s project co-lead (international) policy for further information.

Can industry partners take part in this call?

Yes. Industry partners are eligible to participate as project partners. Note: If your application includes industry project partners, you will also need to complete the ‘Industry Collaboration Framework (ICF)’ section. Find out more about ICF.

Can a project focus on a topic not listed under the “What we are looking for” section of the call specification?

Yes. The listed topics are intended as guidance and are not exhaustive. Projects addressing other relevant areas are welcome.

Where can I find the slides and recording from the webinar which took place on Thursday, 1 May 2025?

The slides and recording can be viewed here.

Learn more about the funding opportunity