Research England has announced changes to targeted funding streams for English universities from the 2027 to 2028 academic year.

Today, Research England confirmed that the following non-recurrent quality-related research (QR) funding will end: Enhancing Research Culture Fund, Participatory Research Fund and Policy Support Fund. A £9 million fund will assist institutions in transitioning away from these ring-fenced funds, with support to be provided by a dedicated coordinator for small and specialist institutions.

Research England also confirmed that the Research Capital Investment Fund (RCIF) will be recalculated, with a higher minimum funding threshold implemented. Both the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and QR funding will see a modest increase.

Responding to these announcements, our Head of Research Policy Rachel Persad said:

We are disappointed that the cuts to the ring-fenced QR funding streams are going ahead. These funds have supported all institutions to make significant enhancements to their research culture and emboldened them to work in new ways with diverse communities and with policy makers. These funds are not easily replaced by other schemes, especially for smaller scale and specialist research environments which are also facing cuts to teaching grants, uncertainty over the future of specialist institutional funding, and reduced RCIF allocations.

However, we welcome the early notice of this decision, and the careful thought that has gone into developing transition initiatives. GuildHE is committed to working with our members, and colleagues representing similar specialist institutions, to ensure these initiatives involve and address the needs of all institutions, regardless of location, size or disciplinary focus.

Rachel Persad, Head of Research Policy

Professor Emile Bojesen, Director of GuildHE Research, added:

The UK's research and innovation system is strengthened by the diversity of institutions, expertise and partnerships that contribute to it. The ring-fenced QR funding streams have helped institutions strengthen research culture, build capability and develop new collaborations. For many GuildHE Research members, they have supported specialist expertise, place-based partnerships and strong connections between research, education and professional practice, helping to build capacity across the wider research and innovation ecosystem.

As these schemes come to an end, it will be important that future funding arrangements continue to support the breadth of talent, expertise and institutional diversity that enables research and innovation to flourish across all parts of the UK.

Professor Emile Bojesen, Director of GuildHE Research

Read more about Research England's funding announcement