The University is working towards accessing two upcoming frameworks that the Met Office will utilise to commission research and services in support of its vision for 2030 and Research and Innovation Strategy. Opportunities that qualified organisations will be invited to respond to will be advertised throughout the duration of the frameworks.
Researchers with previous, current, or planned collaboration with the Met Office and/or relevant expertise (weather and climate science) are invited to register their interest with the Research Funding Development team (funding@soton.ac.uk).
There are 2 distinct frameworks:
Met Office Academic Partnership Science Delivery Framework 2 (MOAP SDF 2)
- Closed framework for 8 partner universities selected through the MOAP qualification process.
- Commercial mechanism used to secure the external scientific expertise and resources needed to help deliver the Research & Innovation (R&I) Strategy
- Total value: ?25 M (excl. VAT) over 4 years (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030)
- Publication date of the tender notice: 15 September 2025
- Further information ?MOAP SDF 2 Early Market Engagement Document.pdf
Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements (FASTER)
- Open framework for about 30-40 suppliers
- Commercial mechanism used by the MO to secure skills and capacity to support the application of weather and climate science
- Aims to cover the use of scientific techniques and knowledge alongside technology solutions
- Total value: ?27 M (excl. VAT) over 2 years (1 April 2026 to 31 July 2028) with possible extension to 31 March 2034 (i.e. total 8 years)
- Publication date of tender notice: 31 October 2025
- Further information FASTER Early Market Engagement document_07052025.docx
A working group has been established to qualify the University for these frameworks, and the team will be in touch with colleagues who are interested in this opportunity.
Should you have any queries, please get in touch with Veronika Dawson (funding@soton.ac.uk ).