WUN Research Development Fund 2026
WUN is pleased to launch the Research Development Fund (RDF) 2026 round.
The RDF provides researchers at member universities with grants of up to £10,000 to foster research collaborations across the network.
Since 2009 the WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) has directly invested over £3.45 million to establish research projects on problems of global significance, and on which researchers from member universities, working together, can make real progress.
The WUN RDF 2026 round has been designed as a transition to our future approach to supporting research which is currently under development and will be implemented as part of the new strategic plan. During this transition, the 2026 RDF round will fund a smaller number of projects overall, with a maximum of one application per lead member university permitted. Member universities may still collaborate as co-investigators on as many projects as they wish.
The RDF 2026 Round continues WUN’s commitment to supporting research collaboration among member universities. The RDF 2026 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 Thursday 15 October 2026 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.
Applications must be completed on our online application portal by Thursday 15 October 2026 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.