The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s ALERT 2026 scheme funds a single piece of mid-range equipment that will be widely used, well supported and shared. It is an equipment-only grant worth between £200,000 and £1.5 million including VAT, and the BBSRC pays 100% of the cost. Research technical professionals are encouraged to apply as project leads or co-leads.
Applications opened at 9am on 22 October 2026 and close at 4pm UK time on 14 January 2027. There is a webinar for potential applicants at 11am on 4 November 2026. The total budget is £13 million, awards last up to 12 months, and projects must start by 3 August 2027.
What it funds
Each application can request one piece of equipment. That can be a multi-component pipeline (an end-to-end experimental process) or a platform (a single instrument built from several parts), but you must check with the BBSRC that yours qualifies before you submit. The scheme is looking for:
- equipment that underpins capability across BBSRC’s remit and will be widely used
- equipment that opens up access for users in industry and other public sector organisations
- emerging technologies, or established equipment used in new ways
- upgrades or replacements for ageing workhorse equipment
One-off installation and service contracts of up to three years can be included if they are part of the manufacturer’s quote and paid within the grant. Essential refurbishment, such as ventilation or a cold room, may be eligible if it is itemised and justified. All costs must be requested under the Exceptions: equipment heading, and an application with costs anywhere else will be rejected.
The scheme will not fund single-user or single-project equipment, standard laboratory items such as centrifuges, fridges and incubators, staff or running costs, technology development, or equipment that will not be on the market by the closing date.
Who can apply
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding. Each organisation can submit a maximum of three applications, so speak to your research office early, as many will run an internal selection process. You can be project lead on one application and co-lead on one other. International researchers cannot apply but can be included as project partners, and uninvited resubmissions are not accepted.
Does it fit dementia research?
ALERT is a BBSRC scheme, so the main beneficiaries of the equipment must fall within its remit of fundamental bioscience rather than disease-focused medical research. Imaging, omics, structural biology or cell biology platforms that underpin basic neuroscience could fit, but a bid built around clinical dementia research is likely to be out of scope. For biomedical equipment, the MRC runs its own mid-range equipment scheme for biomedical research.
How applications are assessed
A single multidisciplinary panel covering scientific, managerial, technical and user perspectives assesses applications, with no external peer review. Applications are scored and grouped into tiers: the strongest are prioritised for funding, and those in the middle tier may be selected using tools that include randomisation. You need three quotes, a completed equipment classification and cost summary table, a Gantt chart covering procurement, installation and training, and plans for access, user feedback and sustainability, including how long-term running and staff costs will be met. The BBSRC aims to complete assessment within four months.
How to apply
Apply through the UKRI Funding Service. Questions, including whether a pipeline or platform qualifies, go to bbsrcalert@bbsrc.ukri.org. For wider advice on putting a bid together, see our funding and grant writing resources.
Read the full details and apply
Visit funding web page
(https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mid-range-equipment-for-biosciences-research-alert-2026/)