The evaluation
From the outcomes of rounds one to six of the fund, the interim evaluation of the programme:
- provides insight on progress against the fund’s objectives
- reflects on the design of the programme
- highlights the positive impacts on the research capacity and capabilities of higher education providers (HEPs)
Commissioned by Research England, it has been produced by RAND Europe with Frontier Economics.
Supporting UK research: key findings
UKRPIF is addressing the critical infrastructure investment needs of HEPs, fostering industry collaboration, and boosting private-sector investment in research.
Key findings:
High-quality research infrastructure
UKRPIF has enabled HEPs across the UK to establish top-tier research facilities recognised nationally and internationally as centres of excellence by academics and industrial collaborators.
Strategic partnerships
The programme has fostered partnerships between HEPs, industry, the third sector and public institutions, leading to further investments through grants, donations, and industrial partnerships.
Sustainable and adaptable facilities
The infrastructure funded by UKRPIF is generally sustainable and adaptable, ensuring long-term benefits beyond the initial public funding.
Enhanced working cultures
UKRPIF awards have positively influenced research and innovation strategies, environmental sustainability plans, and the overall working culture at HEPs.
Driving investment into research
Steven Hill, Director of Research, Research England and Chair of the UKRPIF Programme Board said:
This interim report highlights the success of UKRPIF in driving investment into higher education research and underlines the important role of quality infrastructure in enabling research activity.
We look forward to continuing to work with RAND Europe and Frontier Economics during the remainder of the evaluation period to build on these findings.
Interim evaluation conclusion and full report
Overall, UKRPIF remains a robust and popular programme with HEPs, successfully enhancing research infrastructure and fostering strategic partnerships.
The round seven projects, currently in construction, promise to further strengthen the UK’s research capabilities and economic growth.
The interim report has been informed by research activity led by RAND Europe including:
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- an evaluation survey
- project interviews and site visits
- a data collection exercise
- desk-based review of project documentation
The evaluation is running until early 2028 when a final report will be delivered.
Further information
About UKRPIF
UKRPIF supports investment in higher education facilities across the UK.
£1 billion has been awarded to 59 projects over seven funding rounds, and the double-match funding requirement means over £2.5 billion has been committed in co-investment.
The objectives of UKRPIF are to:
- enhance the research facilities of HEPs undertaking world-leading research
- encourage strategic partnerships between HEPs and other organisations active in research
- stimulate additional investment in higher education research
- strengthen the contribution of the research base to economic growth
Top image: Credit: JohnnyGreig, E+ via Getty Images
