Research funding

Our Research Excellence Grant (REG) supports world-leading research in Scottish universities, ensuring Scotland remains globally competitive and attractive to the best researchers.

It recognises and rewards excellent research and the effective translation of research, including effective business support by universities.

We uphold the principles of the dual support system, including contributions to the full economic costs from Research Council, charity, European and other research income.

The REG funding model takes into account the Research Excellence Framework (REF), a UK-wide system for assessing research in higher education institutions. It is conducted jointly by all four UK higher education funding bodies.

In Academic Year 2020-21 we are providing £240 million through the REG.

Explanation of REG funding method [PDF]

Research Excellence Grant for AY 2020-21 [XLS]

Research Postgraduate Grant

Our Research Postgraduate Grant (RPG) invests in the environment needed for high quality research training and supports postgraduate research students to contribute to research in Scotland. 

Research Postgraduate Grant for AY 2020-21 [XLS]

Read about our support for Researcher career development and postgraduate research students.

Subject Weights Review

SFC’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee (RKEC) conducted a focused review of subject weights. Read more at SFC review of subject weightings.