UK funding landscape
The UK has a competitive research and funding landscape. In addition to funding individual research projects, securing this funding contributes to strategic institutional funding (QR) through a process called the Research Excellence Framework (REF). This is because delivering high impact externally funded research contributes to the University’s performance in the REF. The results of the REF determine how much Quality Related (QR) funding the University receives from Research England, and this flexible funding is used by institutions to fund research infrastructure, staff, and other strategic initiatives. QR block grants are part of the UK’s ‘dual support’ system for supporting university research.
Where can I find out more about QR funding?
UKRI's website provides useful context: understanding the link between QR funding and the REF.
What is the dual support system?
This is the UK's approach to funding university research. It is two-pronged and includes competitive funding awarded to academics through open competitions and flexible block grants awarded directly to institutions (QR).
UKRI's website provides useful context: understanding the UK's dual support system for research.