WUN is pleased to announce that the Research Development Fund (RDF) 2025 round is now open. In its sixteenth year, the RDF provides researchers at member universities with grants of up to £10,000 to foster research collaborations across the network.
WUN Research Development Fund 2025
Since 2009 the WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) has directly invested over £3.2 million to establish research projects on problems of global significance, and on which researchers from member universities, working together, can make real progress.
The RDF 2025 Round continues WUN’s commitment to supporting research that addresses sustainable development. The RDF 2025 Guidelines, have been developed following consultation with the WUN Academic Advisory Group.
Proposals may be submitted only by researchers at WUN member universities, and must be endorsed by the local WUN Academic Advisory Group member. Proposals are welcome from researchers across all career stages, with projects led by early career researchers especially encouraged.
Applications must be completed on our online application portal by Friday 17 October 2025 at 21.00 UK time. Please note, however, that each university has its own internal deadlines. If you are considering submitting a proposal, you should first contact your local WUN Coordinator.
For more information, and to view the most recent awards, please visit the Research Development page.