We are looking for projects that generate strong evidence and practical insights to improve police operations and support skills development.

There's up to £170,000 available through this call. You can apply for the amount needed for your project, and we'll aim to fund a variety of projects from across the research community.

Your application should respond to one or more of the following themes:

• Crime Prevention
• Personal Safety and Wellbeing of Officers
• Investigative Practices and Digital Forensics
• Maximising the Potential of Data-driven Policing
• Enduring Challenges, Communities and Public Trust

These are drawn from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Policing Areas of Research Interest and Policing Problem Book, and informed by engagement with police stakeholders and areas of expertise at Bath.

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 30 October 2026.

Funding requirements

Your application should demonstrate how the project has been co-designed with policing partners and describe their role in shaping the project's objectives, design, and delivery.

Projects should be a maximum of 12 months. They must begin no later than 1 February 2027 and completed no later than) 31 January 2028.

If successful, you are expected to comply with ESRC policies on best practice for researchers, data management and research ethics.

Eligibility

You can apply for this funding if you are a member of the Bath P-ACE network (this includes including current postgraduate students and members of staff).