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UK Research and Innovation

Asked by Daniel FrancisLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 4 February 2026UIN 108424

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what support is available to help UK-based organisations become a UKRI approved research organisation to allow them to apply for research grants.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

To apply to become an eligible organisation, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) provides:

  • Detailed criteria for becoming an approved Research Organisation (RO)
  • Step‑by‑step instructions on how to apply for eligibility
  • Additional conditions for public sector bodies, charities, museums, and businesses.

UKRI encourages organisations to engage with the relevant UKRI Research Council and further information can be found at: https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/apply-to-be-an-eligible-organisation/.

To become a UKRI-eligible RO, the entity must demonstrate independent capability to lead, manage, and report on research, with a strategy aligned to UKRI priorities. The entity must also be legally constituted, have a track record of research investment, and provide evidence of their ability to manage public funding, such as having a physical UK research base.

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