Impact of quality-related (QR) funding for research in English higher education institutions

Summary

In 2005-06 HEFCE allocated quality-related (QR) research funding totalling £1.2 billion as a block grant, which HEIs are free to spend according to their own priorities.

HEFCE commissioned SQW Ltd to review the impact of this funding. The review was based on case studies of 11 higher education institutions (HEIs).

The study found that the attractions of QR are its relative predictability and stability, at least between the periodic Research Assessment Exercises. HEIs felt that internal allocations of QR funds could be aligned with institutional priorities and contributed to developing and sustaining research capabilities. The HEIs' support activities can be grouped in four broad categories: maintaining research competitiveness, developing research staff, restructuring or investing in underperforming subject areas, and developing new research areas.

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