Published: 12 April 2018

Commenting on the announcement of the Research England funding allocations for 18/19, Aisling Burnand MBE, chief executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities said:

“Working with universities helps medical research charities invest in world-class research and seek transformative outcomes for patients. The quality-related (QR) funding allocated by Research England strengthens the UK’s higher education research landscape and lays the foundation for the development of innovative university-charity partnerships. Today’s announcement that the Charity Research Support Fund (CRSF), the QR stream that enables universities to leverage funding from charities, will be increased by 3% for the coming year is welcome in an era of flat-cash. We have long advocated for an increase in the CRSF and today’s decision is a welcome first step and sign that the charity sector’s contributions to the UK’s research landscape are recognised and valued. We look forward to exploring further with the Government how charities can contribute towards the commitment to achieve 2.4% of UK GDP invested in R&D.” 

Notes to Editors:

Since 2008, medical research charities have invested nearly £11 billion in UK universities and in 2016 88% of AMRC member’s investment in UK research took place directly in universities. Government quality-related (QR) funding underpins the UK’s university research landscape.

The CRSF underpins charity investment in university research across England by enabling universities to effectively leverage research funding from charities.