Funding opportunity from DARE UK: Next generation trusted research environments

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 funding call will support innovative, early-stage projects that prototype new components, services, and tools to enable a secure and interoperable national infrastructure for sensitive data research in the UK. Projects will run from September 2025 to September 2026, with up to £390,000 (FEC) available per project, funded at 80% by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

DARE UK is looking for proposals that go beyond the scope of the DARE UK Transformational Programme, particularly those that:

• advance technical capabilities for federated TREs (e.g. federated machine learning, automatic data linkage, secure software management)
• explore the use of privacy-enhancing technologies such as homomorphic encryption and differential privacy
• integrate large-scale reference and synthetic datasets into secure research settings
• propose novel or disruptive approaches that challenge current assumptions about TRE federation.

Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the DARE UK vision and Federated Architecture Blueprint. However, radically new approaches that show potential for widespread adoption and scalability are also welcome. More detail on the desired areas of innovation is available on the UKRI website.

Eligibility and funding

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. International collaborators may be included as co-leads where their contribution brings significant intellectual value, but they may not lead projects. For full details on organisational eligibility, visit the UKRI website.

Projects may request up to £390,000 (at 80% FEC), with a total funding envelope of £2.25 million. Funding may be used for:

• salary costs for key personnel
• research and technical staff
• cloud computing, travel, and engagement
• knowledge mobilisation activities
• public involvement and engagement (PIE)
• open-source software development and data sharing.

All projects must also include workstreams on legal, ethical and governance considerations, and demonstrate alignment with UKRI’s Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) principles.

The deadline to apply is Thursday 5 June 2025 at 16:00 (UK time).

DARE UK recently hosted an event to give more information and answer applicants questions. Listen to the recording and sign-up for the next drop-in session on 22 May 2025.

Find out more

Public involvement and engagement

All applications must include a comprehensive and integrated plan for involving the public in project design and delivery. This must include:

• appointment of a dedicated PIE lead
• meaningful engagement with diverse public groups
• robust feedback mechanisms
• clear explanation of how public input will shape project outcomes.

Plans must adhere to the DARE UK PIE Guidelines. PIE activity should be properly costed into the project budget.

How to apply

If you're interested in advancing the UK’s secure data research ecosystem, DARE UK wants to hear from you.

For full eligibility criteria, funding scope, and application guidance:

Visit the DARE UK website