ESERO-UK
The European Space Education Resource Office UK (ESERO‑UK) is the UK’s flagship national space education and engagement programme, using the context of space to support young people to engage with learning, explore science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and consider careers in the space sector, particularly those from under‑represented backgrounds.
- Opening date: (Midday)
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
The UK Space Agency, a part of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology (BIST), is committed to strengthening the space sector workforce by addressing current workforce challenges and nurturing the future space talent pipeline. UKSA’s Education and Future Workforce programme (EFW) provides opportunities to engage with space-related educational, enrichment and skills interventions at multiple life stages: across school, college, community, cultural and social settings to build and sustain interest, confidence, knowledge and competence to pursue space careers.
In collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the UK Space Agency is seeking a consortium to deliver the European Space Education Resource Office in the UK (ESERO-UK): a UK-wide space education and engagement programme that uses space as a context to support learning, develop skills and provide opportunities for young people to explore space science, technology and its applications and pursue careers in the space sector.
The UK Space Agency is encouraging a consortium approach to ensure ESERO-UK brings together the breadth of expertise, networks and delivery capacity needed to provide a coherent UK-wide programme across schools, colleges, cultural, community and social settings.
The UK Space Agency intends to award up to £4.5 million over financial years 2027/28 to 2029/30 to deliver ESERO-UK. ESA also expects to provide up to €750,000, approximately £638,700, over the same period subject to separate contract negotiations between ESA and the successful applicant. The total co-funding envelope available for ESERO-UK is therefore approximately £5,138,700.
Eligibility
All successful applicants must meet the UK Space Agency’s eligibility criteria for grant funding.
Objectives
Support the future space sector skills pipeline by supporting young people aged 4–19 to build interest, confidence, skills/competence and understanding of space, and to make informed choices about relevant subjects, qualifications, skills pathways and careers.
Improve equity, inclusion and diversity in the future space workforce by increasing access to high-quality space education and enrichment opportunities for young people who are underrepresented in STEM and space careers, or who face barriers to participation and progression.
Strengthen the capability and confidence of educators and other influencers to use space as a context for learning, enrichment and careers-related activity, so they can support young people’s learning, aspirations and career choices.
Dates
Grant competition launch: 14 October 2026
Market engagement webinar: 28 October 2026
Application deadline: 23:59(GMT) 20 January 2027
Application assessment period: January-February 2027
Successful applicant notified: 24 February 2027
Grant start date: 1 April 2027
Delivery commencement: From 1 April 2027, with full delivery
anticipated by September 2027
How to apply
Please apply via Flexigrant, you will need to create an account/log in and find the ESERO-UK application form from the Application Portal homepage.
Supporting information
Additional information and guidance, along with all forms required to complete the application, can be found on our gov.uk website.
Questions or clarifications can be directed to ESERO-UKgrantcall@DSIT.gov.uk.The UK Space Agency will not respond to questions asking for applications to be reviewed ahead of the submission deadline or clarification questions directed to any other email address.