BBSRC seeks views on its flagship funding programme – UKRI

This consultation will assess the effectiveness, reach and impact of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s (BBSRC) investigator-led research funding and help shape how it evolves to continue supporting world-class bioscience.

Why your input matters

Each year, BBSRC invests around £150 million through its applicant-led mode grant funding to support the most innovative, investigator-led research in bioscience.

Dr Jef Grainger, Senior Strategic Lead for BBSRC’s responsive mode consultation, said:

BBSRC’s Applicant-led Mode funding has long been at the heart of UK discovery science. It supports the curiosity-driven ideas that advance our understanding of life and spark innovation across bioscience.

This consultation is an important opportunity for the UK bioscience community to tell us what they think about our flagship programme.

It will help guide our thinking and operations to ensure our investments continue to drive discovery, enable excellence and deliver real benefits that improve lives and livelihoods.

Responsive mode awardees

If you have received BBSRC responsive mode funding, you will be contacted directly by Pye Tait Consulting, who are conducting the consultation on behalf of BBSRC.

If you have not received an invitation by 16 October 2025, email [email protected] or [email protected] to request access to your dedicated survey.

Unfunded responsive mode applicants

If you have previously applied for responsive mode funding but not received an award, you will be contacted directly by BBSRC.

If you have not been contacted by 16 October 2025, email [email protected] to take part.

Wider UK academic bioscience community

If you are a UK academic bioscience researcher or research technical professional who has not applied for responsive mode funding, we still want to hear from you.

Access your dedicated survey.

We also welcome contributions from bioscience stakeholders, including industry partners.

If you would like to be considered for an interview as part of this consultation, contact [email protected] before the closing date.

The online survey is now live and will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Consultation closes on 14 November 2025 at 4pm UK time.

Need help?

If you have any questions about the consultation, contact [email protected]