UKRI

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a public body that funds research and innovation projects across the UK, driving discoveries and breakthroughs in various sectors, including science, technology, healthcare, the environment, and the creative industries. By supporting cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, UKRI plays a pivotal role in ensuring the UK remains a global leader in innovation and knowledge.

About UKRI

UKRI brings together nine research councils and funding bodies under one umbrella, coordinating efforts to promote world-class research and innovation. These councils include:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
• Innovate UK: Supports innovation by helping businesses bring new ideas to the marketplace.

UKRI provides a unified framework for funding research across multiple sectors, promoting collaboration, innovation, and excellence across the UK.

Key Benefits of UKRI Funding

• Comprehensive Funding Support: UKRI provides financial backing for a wide range of research and innovation projects, from early-stage research to large-scale collaborative efforts.
• Sector-Specific Funding: Through its research councils, UKRI funds projects in diverse areas such as healthcare, biotechnology, climate science, artificial intelligence, and more.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: UKRI fosters collaboration between universities, research institutions, businesses, and government agencies to promote interdisciplinary research and innovation.
• Driving Innovation: UKRI is dedicated to supporting projects that can lead to commercialisation, helping turn research breakthroughs into real-world solutions and technologies.

Who Can Apply for UKRI Funding?

UKRI funding is available to:

• Academic Researchers: Universities, higher education institutions, and research groups conducting pioneering research.
• Industry Innovators: Businesses and startups working on innovative technologies or solutions that align with UKRI’s funding goals.
• Collaborative Projects: Joint projects that bring together industry, academia, and public sector organisations to address complex challenges through research and development.

Funding Opportunities

UKRI offers a variety of funding streams, including:

• Research Grants: Support for research projects in areas such as science, technology, and social sciences.
• Fellowships: Grants for early-career researchers and postdoctoral fellows to advance their careers through independent research.
• Innovation Funding: Through Innovate UK, UKRI supports businesses in developing new products, processes, and services that drive economic growth.
• Collaborative Research: Funding for collaborative research initiatives that tackle major societal challenges, including climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

How to Apply for UKRI Funding

If you’re interested in applying for UKRI funding, here’s how to get started:

1. Identify a Research Council: Determine which UKRI council best aligns with your project, whether it’s technology, healthcare, social sciences, or another field.
2. Prepare a Detailed Proposal: Develop a proposal that outlines your research or innovation project, including its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
3. Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted through the UKRI funding portal. Make sure to include a project timeline, budget, and any required documentation.

For more detailed guidance on application deadlines and eligibility, visit the UKRI website or contact the specific research council for your area of focus.

Supporting the Future of Innovation in the UK

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is committed to supporting cutting-edge research and fostering innovation across the UK. By providing funding, resources, and collaboration opportunities, UKRI plays a key role in helping researchers, businesses, and institutions turn ideas into impactful, real-world solutions that benefit society and the economy.