UK Research and Innovation

We’re launching a new initiative for researchers who are considering launching a spin-out company.   The new £9 million proof-of-concept fund will enable researchers to build confidence in their innovative ideas before creating a spin-out, reducing the risks of entering the market too early.   By bridging this crucial gap in the commercialisation journey, we aim to bring more innovative products and services into the marketplace, bolstering the UK economy and driving advances in technology, health and sustainability.   If you’d like to apply, register your intention to submit by 3 March.   Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eNuaeqZG

Today we’re announcing an increase of 8% in the minimum stipend paid to UKRI students. We are also adjusting our training grant terms and conditions to provide better support for students and greater flexibility for research organisations.   From 1 October 2025, the minimum stipend will increase to £20,780. The new level is our best endeavour to provide an amount at least equivalent to take-home income from the national living wage over the 2025-26 academic year, noting the rate of national living wage beyond March 2026 is not known.   We have also published updates to the UKRI Standard Terms and Conditions of Training Grant which take effect from the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Updates include: •            allowing students to take up to 28 weeks medical leave  •            making it easier for students who take medical or additional leave to get an extension to their studentship •            removing barriers that might prevent disabled students from getting support •            ensuring that students are treated in a way that is transparent and fair.   In addition, 2025 will see a 4.6% increase in the minimum fee that research organisations can claim from a student grant, plus details of a new service for submitting studentship data to replace the Je-S system. Over the next year, significant changes are being made to the support available to UKRI funded students through our training grant funds and their management. To learn about the latest developments and receive invites to webinars, sign up to our newsletter via the link on the webpage below.   Read more about the changes: https://lnkd.in/ezRE6t4A

We’re launching a new nationwide campaign to further boost UK participation in Horizon Europe - the world’s largest research and innovation programme. This new push will help business and researchers access funding and strengthen UK-EU science and tech links to: 📈 grow the UK economy 💊 find new treatments for diseases 🌊 move towards clean energy Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ewGH4zCY

We often meet inspiring people making unique contributions to research, but their roles don’t always get the recognition they deserve. In our brand-new 101 Jobs season 3, our very own Zoe meets the people whose jobs are changing the world and finds out what’s really involved. In this episode, Hannah Shaw, a fly facility technician, gave us the most amazing behind-the-scenes look into her work at The Francis Crick Institute, where she looks after thousands of fruit flies. All to help answer the biggest questions about human health. This clip here is just a glimpse into Hannah’s incredible job. Why are fruit flies so important? How did she know she wanted to work with them? And what is it like to switch gears from an academic path to applying science in a different way? Watch the full video from our day with Hannah here: https://lnkd.in/ecfXSkH3 #101Jobs #technicians

Do you use the UKRI website? Help us improve your experience by taking our 3 minute survey. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/edscQwMq Your responses will be used to help us improve the content, structure and navigation of our website. ⏰ Closes 28 February

Apply now for the REF 2029 panels. 📝 There is one application form that covers all available roles and there is no nomination process - put yourself forward! Closing midday 6 February 2025 ▶️ Sub-panel chair and deputy chair Closing midday 28 April 2025 ▶️ Sub-panel member ▶️ Main panel international expert 🌍 ▶️ Main panel people, culture & environment (PCE) expert ▶️ Main panel user expert ▶️ Main panel interdisciplinary expert 📝 There is one application form to complete that covers all available roles. 📢 We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you are not certain that you meet every criterion. We are keen to hear from individuals with varied expertise who can bring unique perspectives to the panels. Experiences beyond academia, including other sectors, policy work, and community-based experience are also highly valued; this includes diverse lived experiences and those with an understanding of diverse research practices, outputs, impacts and engagement practice. https://lnkd.in/e8VwaJYW #ref2029 #panelopportunity Medr: Commission for Tertiary Education and Research | Y Comisiwn Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil Scottish Funding Council Research England Department for the Economy NI

Our Strength in Places fund was designed to help different parts of the UK enrich their local economy by building on their research and innovation strengths. Last week, a project drew on Bristol's creative scene with a series of heart-racing concerts that could teach us how to make live performances even more engaging 🎵

We're funding ten exciting new projects harnessing UK and Canadian expertise in quantum technologies 🍁 Supported by UKRI and NSERC, researchers will work together to advance the fields of quantum communications and quantum sensing & detection. They will explore areas including: - linking quantum computers in a 'quantum internet', with potential applications in efficiency, security and technology - using quantum sensors to non-invasively assess brain disorders - enhancing the sensitivity and precision of quantum sensors for applications like environmental sensing, medical diagnostics and fundamental physics. It's a great example of how UK-Canada collaboration is supporting pioneering research and innovation. Head to the UKRI website to find out more. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) #quantum #QuantumSensors

A few weeks ago, the Transforming UK Food Systems programme held its annual meeting. Hear about some of the fascinating interdisciplinary work transforming the health of people and the environment in this video and others on Tracey's profile 🍎

📢 Join UKRIO Workshops to Improve Authorship Practices in UK Research We invite research stakeholders with experience in addressing authorship disputes to participate in upcoming UKRIO workshops aimed at improving authorship practices in UK research. These workshops are part of 'Supporting Collaborative Thinking and Progress on Discussing Authorship Disputes', a project commissioned by UK Research and Innovation and led by UKRIO. Workshop details: 💻 Wednesday, 5 March 2025 2-5PM GMT – held remotely via Zoom 📍 Wednesday, 12 March 2025 2-5PM GMT – held in person at Impact Hub London, 1 Triton Square, London NW1 3DX (travel funding can be provided) Participants will work collaboratively to build practical tools to help research stakeholders improve their authorship practices, including: - Guidance on authorship challenges  - A model procedure for resolving disputes  - A template authorship agreement To participate, please submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 31 January 2025. Submit an EOI here👉 https://lnkd.in/eMtkdvSd 👥 We are seeking diverse perspectives from researchers, publishers, funders, and governance professionals—especially those whose voices have been underrepresented or who’ve been affected by poor authorship practices.  📣 Please share this opportunity widely through your networks. This initiative is supported by an advisory group featuring representatives from leading organisations working within UK research, including UKCORI, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), The Royal Society, The Alan Turing Institute, The Publishers Association, UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN), The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network, Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts (CHASE), Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), and University of Cambridge.   Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eYGP8NnY  #ResearchIntegrity #Authorship #UKRIO #UKRI