Research England: Expands Excellence In England fund, July 2018

The Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund is a first new initiative for Research England. This competitive fund will allocate up to £75m over three years to help grow small but excellent research units and departments in English universities.

Analysis of REF2014 results shows that there are subject areas with excellent research output operating at a limited scale (so called ‘pockets of excellence’). While by no means the only barrier, the nature of funding policy may constrain the ability of universities to grow these ‘pockets of excellence’, meaning valuable opportunities to enhance research performance and the associated benefits may be lost.

Research England is making up to £75m available through the E3 fund to be allocated between successful applicants over three years (Academic Year 19/20 - 21/22). This is based on a two-stage process, assessed via an expert panel. Gateway criterion at the expression of interest stage focus on research excellence, small size, expansion plans and strategic commitment.

Research England are now calling for submissions to the expressions of interest (EOI) stage. 

For the full call text please visit the grant call webpage.