SCGC Fund for Innovation and Research in Sustainability and Technology (SCGC-FIRST)
SCGC-FIRST is a University of Oxford fund that helps turn early-stage ideas into sustainability solutions for the chemicals industry. It supports ambitious, bold, high-reward research that is not typically funded through standard routes.
About the fund
The fund was established with a £1 million investment from SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited (SCGC), part of the Siam Cement Group (SCG). It is administered by the University through the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division and managed by the SCG-Oxford Centre of Excellence.
SCGC-FIRST builds on more than a decade of partnership between SCGC and the Department of Chemistry, which led to the creation of the Centre of Excellence. The fund extends this collaboration to researchers across the University.
What the fund supports
SCGC-FIRST funds innovative projects at a low or zero technology readiness level (TRL). Projects should show clear advantages in cost and environmental footprint over existing approaches. They should also be outcomes-driven and lead towards potential solutions or inventions. Projects run for up to 12 months, and awards are expected to be up to £100,000.
Areas of interest include
future plastics, advanced materials and sustainable chemistry
decarbonisation, electrification and energy transition
AI, machine learning, digital technologies and accelerated discovery.
Proposals on other topics relevant to SCGC are also welcome.
In 2026, SCGC-FIRST was Highly Commended in the Collaboration for Innovation category of the Vice-Chancellor's Awards.
Who can apply
Oxford academic staff can apply if their employment contract or independent fellowship extends to at least the end of the proposed project. Applications from researchers establishing independent research careers are encouraged.
How to apply
SCGC-FIRST Application Guidelines | SCG-Oxford Centre of Excellence
See previous SCGC-FIRST awardees
Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact Gulcin Avul, SCG-Oxford Centre of Excellence Alliance Manager, at gulcin.avul@chem.ox.ac.uk or email the SCGC-FIRST team at scgcfirst@mpls.ox.ac.uk.
