SFC news published since 2018. See SFC archived content for earlier news articles.
Photo: University of Glasgow
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has launched a consultation on two of its core research and innovation funding grants.
SFC’s Research Postgraduate Grant supports universities to invest in a positive, inclusive and collaborative environment for research training and development. It also helps Scottish universities secure a pipeline of skilled postgraduate researchers, and support their individual development in ways that also benefit academia, industry and society.
The SFC/ DSIT Higher Education Research Capital grant contributes to universities’ capital investment in research infrastructure. It is used across the sector in various ways including contributing towards new buildings; refurbishment of facilities; and investment in cutting edge scientific equipment.
The consultation is part of the Scottish Funding Council’s regular review of policies. Respondents are being asked to consider a set of questions developed with a short life expert working group with membership drawn from SFC’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and sector experts. The review explores potential changes to the allocation models of both grants to ensure they are fit for purpose. Purpose and principles of the grants and quantum of funding are out of scope for review.
Speaking about the consultation, Helen Cross, SFC’s Director of Research and Innovation, said;
“We welcome and value comments from stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the issues raised in the consultation documents published today. We particularly encourage responses from individual universities.”
“We’re acutely aware of the financial challenges currently being experienced within higher education. Only those changes with a clear rationale for improvement and support from universities will be taken forward. As part of the consultation we are also asking respondents to comment on potential mitigation of any changes.”
The consultation documents are now available on the SFC website. The closing date for submissions is noon 13 January 2026.
SFC will be holding two online drop-in sessions to discuss the consultation as well as sessions with sector bodies. Further details are available here SFC HERC/RPG Consultation drop in sessions.
