Discover the UK-HyRES Flexible Fund 4 – the Challenge Call, including the funding opportunity and Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

The session will be hosted by Chris Brace, UK-HyRES Director & Project Lead, and Rachael Rothman, UK-HyRES Co-Director & Theme Lead.

This is the final major Flexible Fund call of the UK-HyRES Hub Programme, supporting ambitious, challenge-led research that addresses pressing real-world needs in hydrogen and green alternative liquid fuels.

Up to three research grants of up to £150,000 will be awarded for projects of up to 12 months.

What will the webinar cover?

The session will provide an overview of the Challenge Call and give prospective applicants an opportunity to understand what is expected at the EOI stage. Topics will include:

  • The scope and priorities of the Challenge Call
  • Eligibility and funding available
  • The EOI application and assessment process
  • Partnership and co-creation requirements
  • Alignment with UK-HyRES technical and cross-cutting themes
  • Expectations around impact and project delivery
  • Key dates and next steps
  • Q&A with the UK-HyRES team

A key feature of this Challenge Call is the requirement for proposals to address a clearly defined real-world challenge, developed with an industry, civic, public-sector or other end-user partner. Applicants should have engaged with their intended partner before submitting an EOI.

Key dates

Information Webinar: Friday 11 September 2026
EOI opens: Monday 14 September 2026
EOI deadline: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Maximum award: £150,000
Project duration: Up to 12 months

Reserve your free spot here

Meet the hosts

Chris Brace

Chris Brace, UK-HyRES Director & Project Lead

Chris Brace is a Professor of Automotive Propulsion and Deputy Director of the Powertrain Vehicle Research Centre at the University of Bath. He leads a wide portfolio of powertrain research projects, with a focus on the measurement, analysis and control of multi-cylinder engine systems running under dynamic operating conditions. Chris has extensive experience working collaboratively with industry, including major automotive manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company and Jaguar Land Rover. His research spans powertrain technologies and systems, with a strong emphasis on translating research into practical applications.

Rachael Rothman

Rachael Rothman, UK-HyRES Co-Director & Theme Lead

Rachael Rothman is passionate about creating a more sustainable world and communicating sustainability to a wide audience. Her research focuses on sustainable processes and clean energy systems, taking a systems-level approach to understanding environmental, economic and social impacts. Her expertise includes circular economy, hydrogen production from water, carbon dioxide utilisation, life cycle assessment and systems analysis. She is a strong advocate for interdisciplinary working to address complex sustainability challenges and avoid unintended consequences.