Diagnosis and Monitoring of Indoor Built Environments

Subsequent to the BreatHE IN Diagnosis and Monitoring Sandpit Event held on 29/04/2026 at the University of Birmingham, we now welcome eligible applicants to submit their application for the feasibility study funding.

Applications will close on 7th June 2026.

Terms of application

Individuals applying to be considered for the feasibility study funding must have attended the sandpit event held on 29/04/2026 either themselves or had a nominated individual attend. The lead applicant must follow UKRI eligibility criteria.

Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for feasibility study funding (projects up to £60k 80%FEC):
1) UKRI eligibility rules apply
(https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/find-out-if-you-can-apply-for-funding/#contents-list:~:text=Check%20if%20you,you%E2%80%99re%20interested%20in)
2) Early Career Researchers are particularly welcome, they can apply as leads provided their fixed-term contracts cover the project duration or as contributing members with the support of a PI with a contract covering the project timeframe.
3) Collaborations with industry, policy and other non-academic partners are strongly supported. While project leadership must sit within a HEI or research centre, partners from all sectors are encouraged to play an active role.
4) PhD students are not eligible to apply as project leads but can submit proposals with a supporting PI.
5) Submission of an expression of interest and sandpit attendance is a prerequisite for applying for feasibility study funding.

Funding allocation

Submitted projects must choose one of two categories, small or large. Small projects can be funded by BreatHE IN at 80% FEC with £30k and large projects with £60k. The Network will fund £120k per sandpit (2 large projects, 4 small ones or 1 large + 2 small).

Similarly to standard UKRI applications, all proposals submitted should be costed on the basis of full economic costs (FEC). If a grant is awarded, funding will be provided at 80% of the FEC by BreatHE IN. The organisation must then agree to find the remaining balance of FEC for the project from other resources (£37.5k 100% FEC for small projects and £75k 100% FEC for large projects). Funding can be used towards consumables, travel, equipment (up to £10k per item), contract extension and staffing. 

Feasibility study funding award process
1) Submission of feasibility study application
2) Applications are assessed by a scientific panel and a prioritisation panel composed of leadership team and advisory board members). Grants of up to £60k 80% FEC will be awarded to 2-4 projects
3) Project duration: 6 months
4) After project completion, award holders will have one month to deliver outcomes, including:
– A full project report (to be made publicly available on the BreatHE IN website)
– Any datasets generated, managed in line with data management requirements
– A presentation by the project lead as part of the BreatHE IN online roundtable series

We welcome ideas that address (but are not limited to): 
Diagnosis 
1) Identifying and characterising pollution sources across UK dwellings 
2) Using the BreatHE IN indoor pollution source tool (Mazzeo, Pfrang & Nasir, 2024) to highlight building‑related health challenges
3) Understanding exposure pathways for vulnerable populations
4) Exploring interactions between building design, occupant behaviour, and indoor air quality

Monitoring 
1) Low‑cost pollutant monitoring (e.g., CO₂, specific VOCs, pathogens)
2) Novel sensing opportunities for pollutants currently difficult to detect
3) Reference‑instrument studies in real‑world settings (homes, offices, hospitals, schools)
4) Activity monitoring (e.g., occupant behaviour, window/door opening) with full consideration of ethical implications Integration of building control system data (e.g., room‑level ventilation rates)
5) Machine‑learning‑enabled monitoring networks or digital twins
6) Ethical, privacy, and societal considerations around pervasive monitoring

We strongly encourage interdisciplinary, cross‑sector, and co‑designed ideas. Industrial, community and policy partners are especially welcome to contribute perspectives that shape real‑world relevance.

Contact
For any questions, please contact: 
BreatHE IN Network Project Manager: [email protected] 
BreatHE IN Project Lead: [email protected]

Applications will close on 7th June 2026.