DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK) is inviting applications for a new funding opportunity to support the development of next-generation capabilities for federated Trusted Research Environments (TREs).
This initiative aims to fund innovative, early-stage projects that will prototype new components, services, and tools to support a secure, interoperable national infrastructure for sensitive data research in the UK. Up to £390,000 (fEC) is available per project, with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding 80% of the cost. Projects will run for 12 months, from September 2025 to September 2026.
What we’re looking for
DARE UK’s mission is to ensure that researchers can securely access and use diverse sensitive datasets at speed, scale, and efficiency—revolutionising the UK’s research productivity and accelerating public benefit. We are seeking innovative applications that address challenges and needs in the TRE landscape beyond those already identified in the DARE UK Transformational Programme.
We will particularly welcome proposals that:
- Advance core technical capabilities for federated TREs, such as federated machine learning, automatic data linkage, and secure software management
- Explore novel applications of privacy-enhancing technologies like homomorphic encryption and differential privacy
- Incorporate large-scale reference and synthetic datasets into secure research settings
- Propose innovative alternatives that challenge current assumptions around TRE federation
Full details of the areas of innovation we’re seeking applications for are available on the UKRI website. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the DARE UK vision and Federated Architecture Blueprint but are also welcome to propose radically new approaches that demonstrate potential for widespread adoption and scalability.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to researchers across all disciplines and UKRI research council remits. Project leads must be based at UK organisations eligible for UKRI funding (more information about eligible organisations is available on the UKRI website). Applications that support early career researchers through mentorship and development are encouraged.
While international researchers cannot lead projects, they may be included as project co-leads where their contribution adds significant intellectual value. All applicants are expected to demonstrate how they will ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion in their team and working practices.
Funding scope and details
Each funded project may request up to £390,000 (funded at 80% of fEC), with a total funding envelope of £2.25 million available. Projects should include:
- Salary contributions for key personnel
- Support for research and technical staff
- Costs for cloud computing, travel, and engagement
- Knowledge mobilisation activities
- Public involvement and engagement (PIE)
- Open-source software development and data sharing
Applicants must also integrate workstreams covering legal, ethical and governance considerations and be prepared to demonstrate compliance with UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) principles.
Public Involvement and Engagement (PIE)
All applications must include a comprehensive and integrated plan for involving members of the public in the design and delivery of the project. This includes appointing a dedicated PIE lead, ensuring diverse representation, building robust feedback mechanisms, and clearly outlining how public input will shape project outcomes. Adherence to the DARE UK PIE Guidelines is mandatory.
How to apply
If you’re passionate about driving innovation in secure data research and believe your idea can help transform the UK’s TRE ecosystem, we want to hear from you! For full details on eligibility, funding scope, and how to apply, click the button below. The deadline for applications is Thursday, 5 June 2025 (4:00 pm UK time).
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.
Which types of companies/organisations are categorised as industry?
Any organisation that fits into the definition provided here.
What is the difference between a collaborator and a sub-contractor for commercial companies?
According to UKRI guidance (see here and here), the key difference lies in the nature of the relationship with the lead applicant, the type of work done, and how the funding is managed. Whatever the arrangement, it must be clearly justified, as the panel will review this.
Project Partner (Collaborator)
- Role: Actively supports the delivery of the project. This may include providing expertise, staff time, facilities, or other in-kind contributions.
- Relationship: Involved in the research but not part of the core applicant team.
- Funding:
– Usually not funded by the grant.
– May receive funding for minor costs (e.g. travel, subsistence) at 80% fEC, but these must be justified and approved. - Examples:
– A pharmaceutical company providing a drug for a clinical trial.
– A charity assisting with participant recruitment.
– Commercial companies acting as project partners must follow the Industry Collaboration Framework.
Sub-contractor
- Role: Delivers a specific, defined task or service for the project.
- Relationship: Hired by the lead organisation and not involved in research design or direction.
- Funding:
– Paid for their services through the grant.
– All costs are eligible and paid at 80% fEC. - Examples:
– A company running lab tests.
– A software firm developing a bespoke tool for the project.
Can industry partners be paid as sub-contractors?
If an SDE/SDEs are participating in a project as project partners does the ICF form need to be completed?
It depends on the nature of organisation that owns the SDE (whether commercial or not) and the relationship. Please consult this decision tree to determine if an ICF is needed.
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.
Can a company play the role of both a collaborator and a sub-contractor in the same application?
Yes. See reference to section of guidance here, but only under specific conditions. This dual role is allowed only if the company is involved in clearly distinct parts of the project in each capacity. The roles must be separately defined and justified, and the company must have two separate contracts—one for the collaborative (in-kind or co-funded) contribution, and another for the subcontracted services.
Where can I find the slides and recording from the webinar / drop-in session?
The slides and recording can be viewed here.
