We want the Forum to be as accessible as possible, and we know that cost can be a barrier. Below are some routes that may help you fund your place — please explore whichever applies to you.

Are you based at a Higher Education Institution?
Many HEIs have professional development funding that delegates don’t always think to ask about — and it’s often more accessible than you might expect.

If you’re able to secure funding through your institution, this also helps us keep subsidised places available for delegates who have no other options, making the Forum a richer and more representative space for everyone.

Who to approach:

Your public engagement team — they may be able to support your attendance directly, and may already have colleagues planning to come to the Forum.
Your researcher development team — most institutions hold dedicated funding for professional development activity.

Making the case: when you reach out, a short, focused pitch works best. You might highlight how attending the Forum will help you and your institution by:

  • Deepening your understanding of the research and innovation policy landscape, including REF2029
  • Bringing back practical tools and approaches to improve your knowledge mobilisation work
  • Building skills and capacity you can share with colleagues
  • Supporting your institution’s work on Research Excellence, Impact and Engagement, Knowledge Exchange, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, and Policy Engagement

Are you an Early Career Researcher?
It’s always worth checking whether your university offers internal travel or development grants for early career researchers — provision varies, but many institutions have funds that go underleveraged.


You might also explore:

ECR Central — a searchable platform for travel grants and funding opportunities relevant to early career researchers.

No other funding available?
We have a very limited number of reduced registration rate places for individuals with no other means of funding their attendance. In assessing applications, we consider factors including:

  • Career stage
  • Employment security (for example, fixed-term or part-time contracts)
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Limited or no access to institutional funding

Priority is given to applicants for whom attending the Forum offers clear benefits for professional development, networking, and career progression, and who would genuinely be unable to come without financial support. Our aim is to promote fairness and support equitable access to the Forum.

If you have any questions about funding your attendance, please get in touch.