Research England to end three university funding schemes after £390 million investment

Research England will end three targeted funding schemes for English universities from the 2027–28 academic year, following six years of investment totalling £390 million.

The changes will affect the Enhancing Research Culture Fund, Participatory Research Fund and Policy Support Fund. Research England said the programmes were established as time-limited schemes to build capacity across the higher education sector.

The funding changes form part of a refreshed approach to supporting research and knowledge exchange in English universities. Research England said it would place greater emphasis on sector-wide collaboration and shared capacity rather than time-limited, ring-fenced funding programmes.

Core university research funding to continue

Despite the closure of the three schemes, Research England said mainstream quality-related research (QR) funding and Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) would both continue to receive modest increases.

The QR funding supports universities' research activities, while HEIF helps institutions work with businesses and other organisations to translate knowledge and research into economic and societal benefits.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has also committed to sustaining core QR funding for English universities in real terms, with at least £2.2 billion a year over the Spending Review period.

Research England is separately consulting on proposed changes to the HEIF funding formula following a review. Institutions and other stakeholders have been invited to submit responses by January 15, 2027.

New research culture network to receive £9 million

To support the transition, Research England will provide up to £9 million over three years from 2027 for a new research culture collaboration network.

The network will include four regional coordinators and a dedicated coordinator for small and specialist institutions, supported by a central hub. It will work with universities to share good practice, support senior leaders and governing bodies, and encourage collaboration across institutions.

Research England also plans to introduce a new suite of funding interventions in early 2027 to support collective action at regional and national levels.

Separately, the Research Capital Investment Fund will be revised to introduce a higher minimum funding threshold and a cap on the maximum amount an individual institution can receive. Research England said the changes would allow infrastructure funding to be distributed more widely on a competitive basis.

Institutions to receive transition support

Research England said targeted transition support and enhanced monitoring would be introduced as universities adjust to the revised funding arrangements.

A specialist provider funding review will also provide independent advice on how specialist institutions should be recognised within the funding framework.

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, executive chair of Research England, said the changes were intended to ensure funding continued to support the sector effectively, alongside investment in core research and knowledge exchange.

She acknowledged that some institutions would face greater challenges than others in adapting to the changes and said Research England would continue working with universities during implementation.