Round 1

The first round closed in November 2025. Explore the funded projects.

Round 2

Our second funding round closed in June 2026. Explore the funded projects.

Round 3

Our third funding round is open for applications from 21 September until 11 December 2026.

Guidance for applicants

Tips and explanations about navigating institutional processes

Volunteer to review

Fill in your details at https://forms.office.com/e/KB10mVSAZZ

The DisCouRSE Network+ project aims to encourage and support the development of leaders of all kinds across all digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) roles, primarily within the UK, resulting in an empowered and connected community equipped to shape the future of digital research. We have a twin focus on leadership training and dRTP career pathways – preparing the next generation of leaders and ensuring roles exist for them to lead within.

Our flexible fund supports community-led projects aligned with this goal, enabling aspiring leaders to trial approaches to enhancing skills and career opportunities within their local contexts, build new connections through joint initiatives, and strategically assess options for future investment and activity.

Funding calls will be released approximately every 6 months between autumn 2025 and autumn 2027. Later calls will have aspects that are more targeted based on lessons learned from earlier projects and core DisCouRSE activities.

Call for reviewers

We always welcome volunteers to review applications in our funding rounds, giving you an excellent insight into the process. Please fill in your details at https://forms.office.com/e/KB10mVSAZZ.

Rounds

  1. The first round of the DisCouRSE Network’s Flexible Funding scheme closed at 16:00 GMT on 14th November 2025.
  2. The second round closed at 16:00 BST, 5th June 2026.
  3. The third round will open on 21st September 2026, with a closing date of 16:00 GMT, 11th December 2026.
  4. The fourth round is expected in spring 2027.

Help in applying

Many dRTPs have not been accustomed to leading research grants, and their organisation’s processes may not be set up to make it easy for them. Part of the motivation for the DisCouRSE flexible fund is to change this situation! We have prepared some guidance for applicants on typical issues to watch out for, and what some of the terminology you may encounter means.

We are also launching a mentoring scheme with round 3 whereby the DisCouRSE management team or previous applicants can provide direct assistance. If this is of interest to you then get in touch.