Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund
Register with us
Register with us to view a personalised homepage and to receive emails relating to your interests.
Register hereThe Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF) began in AY 2024-25 and replaced the University Innovation Fund. For further information see Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund Further Information 2024-25.
The KEIF is informed by SFC Knowledge Exchange Metric Data AY 2020-21 to AY 2022-23.
The KEIF Strategy Guidance for AY 2025-26 to AY 2029-30 provides detailed guidance on the submission of five-year KEIF strategies. It covers the requirements and priorities for all universities in receipt of KEIF as well as information on SFC approval and annual reporting.
Five-year KEIF strategies
KEIF strategies set out each institution’s priorities for knowledge exchange and innovation activities supported by KEIF from AY 2025–26 to AY 2029–30 and demonstrate the contribution of KEIF to Scottish Government priorities.
Five-year KEIF strategies were assessed by an expert panel in March 2025 and have now been published.
See strategies for each institution
All documents are in PDF format.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
University of the Highlands and Islands
University of the West of Scotland
Expert Panel
The KEIF Strategy Guidance for AY 2025-26 to AY 2029-30 outlines the submission process for five-year KEIF strategies. It sets out the priorities and requirements for all universities in receipt of KEIF and provides details on SFC approval and annual reporting.
An expert panel was formed to assess five-year KEIF strategies in March 2025.
The Panel was chaired by Professor Lesley Yellowlees, Chair of SFC’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee. The Panel was made up of representatives from Scottish Government, a broad range of UK research and knowledge exchange organisations and SFC Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee/Board members.
Panel membership
Professor Lesley Yellowlees (Chair), Chair of RKEC and SFC Board Member.
Dr Bethany Adams, Associate Director of Knowledge Exchange Strategic Projects & Partnerships, Research England.
Dr Annette Bramley, Director, N8 Research Partnership.
Tomas Coates Ulrichsen, Director, UCI Policy Evidence Unit at the University of Cambridge.
Linda Galloway, Strategic Lead for Science and Research, Scottish Government,
Dr Joe Marshall, CEO, National Centre for Universities and Business.
Tamsin Mann, Associate Director Sector Engagement, Knowledge Exchange UK.
Dr Alison McIntosh, Director, SULSA.
Dr Corinne Nguyen, Senior Innovation and Engagement Manager, Medr.
Morag Watt, Head of Innovation, Scottish Government.
Panel Terms of Reference
View the Expert Panel Terms of Reference.
Further information
Please contact Gary Bannon, Assistant Director, email: gbannon@sfc.ac.uk.
SFC Strategic Plan 2022-27
Building a connected, agile, sustainable tertiary education and research system for Scotland.