Researchers, academics, think tanks and policy institutes can apply for rapid-response funding to examine how the 2026 conflict and disruption to vital shipping routes have impacted and will continue to affect people and businesses in the UK.
Up to £300,000 in total is available for up to eight projects, and the deadline for applications is 10 July 2026.
The Nuffield Foundation’s UK impacts of the US-Iran conflict funding will support high-quality, policy-relevant research informing responses to rising energy, fuel and living costs linked to the 2026 conflict involving the US, Iran, Israel and the wider region, including disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Grants will be awarded to projects that can rapidly generate robust evidence on how these developments are affecting households, businesses and the wider economy, and identify practical policy responses. The impacts are expected to persist and require action even as tensions ease through the upcoming ceasefire, underlining the importance of timely and rigorous analysis to support decision-making.
Through this funding, part of our wider commitment to supporting rigorous, independent research that informs social and economic issues, we aim to support evidence-led policymaking and help ensure the UK is better prepared to respond to ongoing and future economic challenges.
During periods of heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty, it is essential that policymakers and practitioners have access to robust, timely evidence. The Foundation’s new rapid-response funding will support research that helps to understand the impacts of global disruption on people’s lives, informs policy trade-offs, and learn lessons that will help strengthen the UK’s future resilience.Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive
Applications open on Tuesday 16 June, with a deadline of 11.59am on 10 July 2026. Up to eight projects will be supported. Successful projects are expected to run for three to six months, ideally beginning in August or September 2026.
How to apply
Researchers and organisations with relevant expertise can apply. Full details and application guidance are available on the funding page.
