Shared Services Collaboration Fund

The R&I Shared Servies Collaboration Fund (SSCF) is a new funding call which opened in April 2025 with an application deadline of 29 August 2025.  For further information see the Call for proposals.

SSCF provides university funding to develop sustainable models for the implementation of shared services, including, but not limited to, sharing technology transfer office (TTO) facilities and research offices. 

The Fund aims to kick-start long-term collaboration by supporting the initial costs of change, enabling institutions to navigate the difficult proof of concept stage and reducing the risk of exploring new approaches in a financially constrained environment. Ultimately, the Fund will support the sector to work differently and create efficiencies through the sharing of essential R&I back-office services. 

A total of up to £3m is available over AY2025/26 and AY2026/27 with individual awards ranging from £250k-£750k. It is not SFC’s intention to fund projects on an ongoing basis past the end of the award, as funding is intended to support the transition to a different way of working by proving the feasibility and viability of a shared approach. 

SSCF Assessment Panel

An assessment panel has been formed to assess SSCF applications. 

The Panel will be chaired by Professor Lesley Yellowlees, Chair of SFC’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and SFC Board member.  The Panel is made up of representatives from SFC’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee/Board members, SFC, and UK research funding organisations.