UKRI updates funding policies for research

UKRI updates funding policies to support research sustainability

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced changes to its funding policies that could benefit research in the concrete sector. The updates, which come into effect from 1 April 2025, aim to improve financial sustainability, streamline funding processes, and provide clearer guidance on equipment costs, capital thresholds, and matched funding.

One of the key changes is an increase in the capital equipment threshold from £10,000 to £25,000. This means that any single piece of equipment above £25,000 will be classified as capital expenditure and require justification in grant applications. This adjustment reduces administrative burdens for smaller purchases and may be helpful for concrete sector projects involving high-cost equipment, such as testing or manufacturing machinery.

Additionally, UKRI will now fund all equipment purchases at 80% of their full economic cost (FEC), improving cost transparency across research projects. This policy change could benefit concrete researchers who need to purchase costly equipment for testing new materials or developing innovative concrete technologies.

UKRI is also clarifying its stance on institutional matched funding. There will be no default expectation for institutions to provide matched funding, making it easier for research organisations to apply for UKRI grants without needing to secure additional funding from other sources.

These changes align with UKRI's commitment to addressing the 'sustainability gap' in research funding, as highlighted in the Research financial sustainability: insights paper. The paper discusses the challenges faced by research organisations when funding falls short of actual costs, which affects project scope and the ability to invest in infrastructure and workforce development.

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, executive chair of Research England, commented, "By improving cost recovery and ensuring research organisations can plan with greater confidence, we are strengthening the long-term resilience of the UK’s research and innovation system."

The updates are part of UKRI's broader effort to improve funding mechanisms, streamline processes, and enhance collaboration between research institutions and funders. This approach aims to support the future of research in the UK, including in sectors like concrete, where innovation is key to sustainability and development.