Standout success from Research Councils

Researchers from the University of Reading have again achieved standout success in securing grant funding from Research Councils.

In the year 2021–22, the University maintained its strong track record of successful funding applications, with a number of major awards from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), including from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Funding from Research Councils is increasingly competitive. UKRI reported that in 2021-22, the University of Reading achieved a funding success rate of 35%, surpassing the sector average of 27%.

The total value awarded to fund projects and fellowships across the University was £12.9m. UKRI invested £4m in five Fellowships for Reading researchers.

The University's exceptional performance in securing funding from NERC is worth highlighting, with over £4m awarded and a funding success rate of 44%. This has placed Reading in the top 10 universities in terms of award value.

For research projects across Arts and Humanities disciplines, an impressive £1.4m in awards were granted, with a success rate of 44%.

The University also saw a significant increase in its award value from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, rising from £1.5m to £2.6m in 2021. This is in addition to awards of £500k and £1.1m from the Medical Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council respectively.

Dr Anne-Marie van Dodeweerd, Director of Research Services, said: “This success underpins our activity as a research-intensive institution. It enables research that explores ways to tackle climate change, improve human health, provide food security and understand human culture.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the role of our Research Development Team, who provide advice, coordination and guidance in developing high-quality research proposals across our four research themes and relevant divisions. Their expertise in working with researchers to develop new initiatives has been instrumental in improving our application success rates and increasing income from external sources.”

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation said: “Our success rate in securing funding from Research Councils reflects the University's unwavering commitment to research excellence, innovation, and impact. The efforts of our researchers and professional services staff, combined with our commitment to collaboration and public engagement, have helped position us as a leading institution for research and innovation and it is incredibly gratifying to see this being reflected in our awards from Research Councils.”