Research and Development in Higher Education Conference

Overview
Agenda
Speakers
Contributors and Partners
CPD

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Event Summary

Research and Development (R&D) are key drivers of economic growth, innovation and societal progress. Recognising this, the Government has unveiled a record £13.9 billion of R&D funding to boost innovation, jobs and economic growth.*

Investing in university-led R&D delivers returns, with every £1 generating over £8.50 for the economy.** Universities play a vital role in creating high-value jobs, strengthening industries and unlocking opportunities nationwide, therefore making sustained investment in R&D essential for the UK’s future prosperity and growth.

Join Westminster Insight’s Research and Development in Higher Education Conference on 30^th June 2025 to explore the future of R&D funding, next steps for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, and how to unlock the potential of R&D across the UK.

Gain strategies for successful grant applications, from identifying the right funding opportunities and assessing eligibility to preparing compelling proposals and navigating the evaluation process.

Learn how to leverage REF data to strengthen applications, enhance research quality through mentorship and peer networks, and build strong impact case studies.

Collaboration is key to securing investment. Discover how to partner with businesses to access R&D funding through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). We will discuss the impact of intellectual property and strategies for commercialisation.

How can you support early-career researchers and postgraduates? Gain insight on fellowships and starter grants in order to provide necessary support and enable R&D to flourish.

Join us for a half-day of networking and insights on maximising R&D funding to drive economic growth and sustain the HE sector.

* Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

** Russell Group Submission to the Autumn Budget

Key Points

Government priorities for research and development: Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
What is next for research and development funding in higher education?
Identifying the right funding opportunity: Smart Grants, Research and Development (R&D) grants, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and sector specific innovation competitions
Strategies for successful grant applications
Linking REF performance to funding success: how to enhance your research quality
Leveraging industry collaboration and commercialisation
Funding for early-career researchers (ECRs) and postgraduates: exploring fellowships and starter grants

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Group discounts

It was brilliant. The agenda was interesting and full of great speakers.
Joanne Wake, University of Sunderland

Good event, with very useful speakers and discussion.
Callum Kirk, University of Glasgow

Really well organised and great to meet people in person.
Professor Harriet Shortt, Bath Spa University

Agenda

09:00 - 09:30

Registration, Tea and Coffee

09:30 - 09:40

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Stephanie Smith

Deputy Director of Policy and Head of Research and Innovation Policy, The Russell Group

09:40 - 10:15

Keynote Address: What is Next for Research and Development Funding?

Next steps for policy and funding: Horizon Europe, the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and scientific research hubs
R&D Missions Programme (RDMP) and its impact on HE
The future of international research collaboration post-Brexit: leveraging funding schemes
Trends in AI, sustainability and digital transformation in research

Live Q&A

10:05 - 10:15

10:15 - 10:50

Strategies for Successful Grant Applications

Identifying the right funding opportunity: Smart Grants, Research and Development (R&D) grants, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Horizon Europe
Confirming eligibility and preparing your application: writing competitive proposals, aligning research with funder priorities and meeting deadlines
Submission, evaluation process and guidance on project delivery

Live Q&A

10:40 - 10:50

Kathryn Gillingham

Head of Research Development, Loughborough University

Dr Antonia Chatzopoulou Chatzi

Head of Research Bid Development, University of Edinburgh

10:50 - 11:40

Industry Collaboration and Commercialisation

Partnering with businesses to secure R&D funding
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Innovate UK opportunities
Understanding intellectual property and commercialisation strategies
The role of startups in research funding

Live Q&A

11:30 - 11:40

Professor Iain Reid

Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Manchester Metropolitan University

Dr Olga Kozlova

Director of Innovation and Engagement, University of Oxford

Dr Rachel Curwen

Director of Research Development, University of Leeds

Sarah Duckering

Executive Director of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation, University of Hull

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break

Meet your colleagues and make new connections

12:10 - 12:35

Linking REF Performance to Funding Success

Enhancing research quality: focusing on high-impact research and establishing mentorship and peer networks
Creating strong Impact Case Studies
Boosting research environment scores: encouraging external collaborations, early-career researchers and diversity and inclusion
Using REF data to strengthen grant applications

Live Q&A

12:25 - 12:35

Professor Susan Hodgett

Professor of Area Studies, University of East Anglia & Chair of Sub Panel 25, REF 2021

12:35 - 12:55

Funding for Early-Career Researchers (ECRs) and Postgraduates

Fellowships and starter grants: Leverhulme, Wellcome Trust, ERC
Strategies to supporting ECRs in securing research funding
Doctoral training partnerships and PhD funding opportunities

Live Q&A

12:45 - 12:55

Peris Thuo

Deputy Head, Early Career Researcher Network

12:55 - 13:20

Spotlight Session: The Oxford-Cambridge Arc Scheme

This session will highlight the revival of the Oxford-Cambridge arc scheme, aimed at bringing together researchers, businesses and policymakers to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge university research into real world impact. Gain insight on how to attract private investment, support startups and strengthen the UK’s position in global research and innovation.

Live Q&A

13:10 - 13:20

Dr Andrew Jackson

Director of Research Services, University of Cambridge

13:20 - 13:30

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Stephanie Smith

Deputy Director of Policy and Head of Research and Innovation Policy, The Russell Group

Speakers

Chaired by: Stephanie Smith, Deputy Director of Policy, Russell Group
Professor Iain Reid, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Olga Kozlova, Director of Innovation and Engagement, University of Oxford
Professor Susan Hodgett, Professor of Area Studies, University of East Anglia & Chair of Sub Panel 25, REF 2021
Peris Thuo, Head of the ECR Network, The British Academy
Dr Andrew Jackson, Director of Research Services, University of Cambridge
Kathryn Gillingham, Head of Research Development, Loughborough University
Dr Rachel Curwen, Director of Research Development, University of Leeds
Sarah Duckering, Executive Director of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation, University of Hull
Dr Antonia Chatzopoulou Chatzi, Head of Research Bid Development, University of Edinburgh

Contributors and Partners

Contributors

CPD

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Contribute 4 hours towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and receive a certificate of attendance.

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Event Summary

Key Points

Sponsorship

Group discounts

Testimonials

Agenda

Agenda

Registration, Tea and Coffee

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Deputy Director of Policy and Head of Research and Innovation Policy

The Russell Group

Keynote Address: What is Next for Research and Development Funding?

Strategies for Successful Grant Applications

Kathryn Gillingham

Kathryn Gillingham

Head of Research Development

Loughborough University

Dr Antonia Chatzopoulou Chatzi

Dr Antonia Chatzopoulou Chatzi

Head of Research Bid Development

University of Edinburgh

Industry Collaboration and Commercialisation

Professor Iain Reid

Professor Iain Reid

Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management

Manchester Metropolitan University

Dr Olga Kozlova

Dr Olga Kozlova

Director of Innovation and Engagement

University of Oxford

Dr Rachel Curwen

Dr Rachel Curwen

Director of Research Development

University of Leeds

Sarah Duckering

Sarah Duckering

Executive Director of Research, Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation

University of Hull

Networking Break

Linking REF Performance to Funding Success

Professor Susan Hodgett

Professor Susan Hodgett

Professor of Area Studies

University of East Anglia & Chair of Sub Panel 25, REF 2021

Funding for Early-Career Researchers (ECRs) and Postgraduates

Peris Thuo

Peris Thuo

Deputy Head

Early Career Researcher Network

Spotlight Session: The Oxford-Cambridge Arc Scheme

Dr Andrew Jackson

Dr Andrew Jackson

Director of Research Services

University of Cambridge

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Deputy Director of Policy and Head of Research and Innovation Policy

The Russell Group

Speakers

Contributors and Partners

Contributors

Russell Group

University of Oxford

University of Cambridge

Manchester Metropolitan University

University of East Anglia

The British Academy

Loughborough University

University of Edinburgh

University of Hull

Video

CPD

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