Overview
Welcome to the applicant page for the National HVDC Centre Flexible Research Grant. This call supports short-duration academic research projects addressing technical, operational, or commercial challenges relevant to HVDC technologies and Great Britain transmission systems.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Call Criteria and Research Topics documents carefully and ensure they are using the latest versions, as indicated by the “Last updated” dates below.
Key Documents
- Flexible Academic Grant – Call Criteria
File: Flexible Research Grant Criteria 2026
Purpose: This document defines eligibility, submission requirements, assessment stages, prioritised criteria, and key disclaimers. Applicants should read this document first.
- Flexible Research Grant – Research Topics
File: Topics of Flexible Research Grant 2026
Purpose: This slide pack sets out the research topics within scope for this call. It will be used in the webinar. Proposals must clearly identify which topic(s) they address.
What Should Applicants Read First?
Applicants are advised to start with the Call Criteria to confirm eligibility, submission format, and assessment approach, followed by the Research Topics slide pack.
About the Call
This call supports one-year research projects that contribute to advancing HVDC technical capability, improving modelling and system understanding, reducing risk, and supporting the needs of GB transmission licensees.
Research Topics – Indicative Themes
- Wide-area AC/DC control architecture
- Frequency-domain specifications to de-risk control interactions
- Converter specification for guaranteed large-signal stability (HVDC grids)
- HVDC cable modelling
- Modelling and de-risking data centres in weak grids
Submission and Contact
Submission email: info@hvdccentre.com
Refer to the Call Criteria document for submission format and deadlines.
Timeline:
The indicative timeline for the Flexible Academic Grant call is set out below.
- Call issued: 23 March 2026
- Applicant webinar on Thursday 9 April, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm UK time: Register Now
(Webinar to explain research themes, scope, and assessment expectations) - Closing date for submissions: 12 May 2026
- Shortlisting notification: mid of June 2026
- Interview date(s): end of June 2026
- Project start date: September 2026
- Project completion: within 1 year after the start date
Note: The National HVDC Centre reserves the right to make adjustments to the above dates where necessary. Any changes will be communicated to applicants in a timely manner.
Last updated: 31st March 2026
For enquiries, please contact:
Dong Chen, The National HVDC Centre