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The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ receives Quality-related Research (QR) funding from Research England and a portion of that can be spent on a Policy Fund that supports academics to engage with policy audiences about their research. Two forms of support are available through the Policy Fund 2025-26:

1. Policy Activity Funding
2. Policy Consultancy Funding

To apply to either of the above funding streams, please see the details under the 'Internal Funding and Prizes' section (ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ login required).

To help you better understand the scope of eligible activities and criteria under the Policy Fund 2025-26, we recommend familiarising yourself with the definitions of Policy and Policy Audiences:

What is policy?

“A policy is a set of principles to guide actions in order to achieve a goal. A ‘government policy’, therefore, describes an objective or course of action planned by the Government on a particular subject.”(British Ecological Society - ) Policy can vary in its context and scale, from central and local government policy to organisational and institutional policy.

Who are policy audiences?

People and organisations who influence or implement policy, including government departments, advisory bodies, and external groups. “Policy is shaped by a range of stakeholders: civil servants, committees, interest and pressure groups, lobbyists, think tanks, donors, academics, subject matter experts.”(University of Plymouth - )

The Policy Fund supports ideas that grow, and sometimes they grow far beyond expectations. Your idea might start small, but where it goes could surprise you! Successful applicants of a previous Policy Fund cycle found themselves:

Can’t find what you’re looking for on this page?

Feel free to reach out to the Impact Team at policy@reading.ac.uk with any questions about the Policy Fund or contact your Impact Development Manager directly. We’re happy to help!