Lancaster has a stated strategic priority of remaining a research intensive and financially sustainable university

Lancaster University encourages researchers to undertake the very best research and, where appropriate, to deploy internal ‘match’ funds to support this. Several funders, particularly UKRI, have updated their funding policies recently bringing greater clarity as to when match funding by institutions is not expected, and highlighting where such contributions will no longer be a factor in the approval and award of research grants. Additional measures on equipment costs also took effect from 1^st April 2025 and details of the full UKRI announcement can be found here.

In the light of this new UKRI policy, we have considered our approach to match funding support for externally funded research proposals. We want to emphasise that our community are encouraged to continue to exercise the freedom to apply to the most appropriate funder and associated scheme that best suits their work. The University remains committed to our research endeavours while it is critical that we also address financial sustainability to ensure our future. We strongly support and encourage our researchers to seek financial support for their research from external funders, and in many cases, this is essential for their research to progress and succeed. Further, University support for our research community can be demonstrated in letters of support (when required) without the need for explicit match funding.

Frequent queries still arise about institutional contributions to research funding, particularly in collaborative bids where partners might seek agreement of match funding from all partners for a submission and hence the following is provided by way of guidance in such instances:

• Where mandatedby the funder, and where the proposal fits with University strategy, we will support within reason up to the level that is stated or implied commensurate with the needs of the specific research opportunity.
• Where not mandated or the requirements are ambiguous, such contributions will be judged on the needs of the research and financial justification, and appeal to funder guidelines.