EPSRC Green+ Network · Birmingham Botanic Gardens, UK

Network Launch &
Funding Sandpit

Bringing together academics, industry, green space professionals, and communities to shape the future of smarter, healthier, and more inclusive outdoor spaces.

Launch 11 June 2026
Sandpit 12 June 2026
Venue Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Countdown to Event
Days
Hours
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Registration Deadline 3 May 2026 · Midnight

About the Event

Two days of
ideas in action

The Green+ Network launch and funding sandpit at Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a working environment built around collaboration, rapid idea development, and hands-on engagement in a landscape suited to experimentation.


Participants will explore practical pathways to create healthier, more inclusive, safer, and more engaging green spaces. Short inputs and demonstrations feed directly into structured co-creation sessions, where teams shape concepts and proposals in real time.

11
June
UK Network Launch
All day · Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Official launch bringing stakeholders together from academia, industry, government, and green space communities.
2 keynote talks Network introduction Co-creation Cross-sector participation
12
June
Funding Sandpit
10:00–17:00 · Application required
Selective session for academics and supported representatives. Rapid idea development leading to research proposals.
Competitive process Requires launch attendance

Who Should Apply

Diverse expertise,
one shared goal

Participation is selective to maintain a balanced mix of organisations, expertise, and perspectives.

🎓
Academics
Researchers with interest in technology and engineering applied to green spaces. All career stages welcome.
🏭
Industry Partners
Technology companies, engineering firms, and commercial partners developing relevant solutions.
🌳
Green Space Professionals
Owners, managers, rangers, and landscape professionals responsible for parks and outdoor environments.
🤝
Beneficiary Organisations
Charities, local authorities, government bodies, healthcare providers, and community groups.

Funding Available

Shape research that matters

Sandpit participants will work in teams to develop interdisciplinary proposals. Competitive funding is available for the most promising collaborations to take ideas forward.

Maximum per Project
£35,000
EPSRC Green+ Network Funding

Selection Process & Key Dates

Your journey to the sandpit

1
Midnight · 3 May 2026
Register your interest
2
6 May 2026
Confirmation of attendance
3
19 May 2026 · Online
Sandpit workshop
4
11–12 June 2026 · Birmingham
Launch and sandpit event
5
22 June 2026
Final pitch