This round closed on 22 July 2026. The details below are from that round.
Research England (UKRI)
Partnership to Transform University Knowledge Exchange Metrics
12:00pm UK time; submit via email to kemetrics@re.ukri.org
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The Partnership to Transform University Knowledge Exchange Metrics offers up to £5 million over five years (January 2027, March 2032) to establish a national advisory unit designed to overhaul how UK universities measure and report knowledge exchange, commercialisation, and innovation outcomes. Eligible applicants are English higher education providers registered with the Office for the Student (OfS) and partner organisations with expertise in KE metrics, commercialisation tracking, or AI-driven analytics. This is a one-off, strategic call to build shared infrastructure for next-generation KE data tools and policy-informing analysis across the sector.
Details
| Funder | Research England (UKRI) |
| Budget | Up to £5 million |
| Duration | 5 years (January 2027 – March 2032) |
| Consortium | Optional — applications can be collaborative or independent |
| Application | 2-stage: written application (business case template, max 15 pages) → in-person interview in Bristol (weeks of 7 and 14 September 2026) |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to English Higher Education Providers registered with OfS (approved fee cap) and, under HERA 2017 s.97(3), organisations with strong KE/commercialisation metrics expertise. Applications can be collaborative or independent, but only eligible English HEPs or organisations may lead. Funds a national KE metrics advisory unit to design next-generation KE data tools, commercialisation metrics (spinouts, patents), and AI-based analytical approaches for policy and institutional funding.
Who Should Apply
- •English higher education institutions registered with OfS (fee-cap approved)
- •Organisations with demonstrated expertise in KE metrics, commercialisation data, or innovation measurement
- •Institutional leaders or research offices seeking to co-design next-generation KE reporting frameworks
- •Partners with technical capability in AI-based analytics or data infrastructure for policy use
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 22 July 2026, 12:00pm UK time (submit via email to kemetrics@re.ukri.org)
- •Two-stage: written application (business case, max 15 pages) followed by in-person interview in Bristol (weeks of 7 and 14 September 2026)
- •Project duration: five years, January 2027, March 2032
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The business case must address a concrete gap in current KE metrics frameworks, generic statements about 'improving measurement' will not score well; ground your proposal in specific institutional or policy pain points.
- ✓Research England will interview shortlisted teams in person in Bristol; prepare to defend the feasibility and scalability of your proposed metrics tools and data workflows to a cross-sector panel.
- ✓Collaboration strengthens applications, partner with at least one organisation that brings complementary expertise (e.g. HEP + analytics specialist, or university + commercialisation consultancy). Clarify the governance and roles in the business case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available for the KE Metrics partnership?
Up to £5 million over five years (January 2027, March 2032).
Who can apply for the Partnership to Transform University Knowledge Exchange Metrics?
English higher education providers registered with OfS and organisations with strong expertise in KE metrics, commercialisation measurement, or AI analytics. Only eligible English HEPs or qualified organisations may lead.
What does the KE Metrics grant fund?
A national knowledge exchange advisory unit to design next-generation KE data tools, track commercialisation outcomes (spinouts, patents), and develop AI-based analytical approaches for policy and institutional funding decisions.
Is this a one-off call or recurring?
This is a one-off, strategic call, it is not an annual programme.
What is the application timeline for KE Metrics?
Applications close 22 July 2026; shortlisted teams are interviewed in Bristol in weeks of 7 and 14 September 2026.
Related on Grantsby
- Research England (UKRI) writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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