Research England Confirms University Funding Changes from 2027-28
UKPulse Health Desk
Research England has set out a refreshed vision and funding approach for English universities. Core research and knowledge exchange funding will continue, with modest increases.
- Mainstream quality-related research (QR) funding and Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) will see a modest increase.
- The Enhancing Research Culture Fund, Participatory Research Fund, and Policy Support Fund will end in 2028.
- A new suite of funding interventions will support collective action at regional and national levels.
Research England has confirmed changes to university funding from the 2027-28 academic year. The changes follow a period of engagement with the English higher education sector.
The core research and knowledge exchange funding will continue, with modest increases in mainstream quality-related research (QR) funding and Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF).
However, three targeted funding streams - the Enhancing Research Culture Fund, Participatory Research Fund, and Policy Support Fund - will end in 2028 after six years of investment totalling £390 million.
A new suite of funding interventions will be launched in early 2027 to support collective action at regional and national levels.
Why this matters: The changes aim to ensure that university funding continues to support the sector effectively in a challenging environment.
What this means for you: If you're a university student or staff member, these funding changes may affect your institution's priorities and resources.