Curiosity-driven research fund helps deliver Manchester 2035
27 Mar 2026
A second new fund from our Research Committee will support original, curiosity-driven research – catalysing the development of the ambitious fundamental discovery research our University is known for.
Our University’s Research Committee has announced its second new investment towards the delivery of From Manchester, for the world.
The commitment to advancing excellent, original, curiosity-driven research which drives discovery is one of the foundations of the University’s new ten-year strategy.
Researchers can now apply for funding to connect and collaborate on ambitious, novel and exploratory ideas which have the potential to scope, seed and grow new research directions and breakthroughs.
The new flexible fund will provide support for ideas generation, grant writing and network building.
The fund complements other strategic internal research investments in pump-priming interdisciplinary research and support with preparing applications for Horizon Europe.
Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan said: “We are further investing in our research community, this time to support their most original and novel research which has the potential to advance knowledge, build deeper understanding, uncover new directions and seed the next wave of breakthroughs.
“This will help us deliver our Manchester 2035 strategy. It will enable us to advance our reputation for research excellence and our position as the place to be for bold and ambitious fundamental discovery research.”
Colette added: “I encourage colleagues to explore this new resource and how it can support their curiosity and original ideas.”
Further information
For guidance on how to apply for the funding, visit:
Manchester 2035
To find out how you can get involved with our University’s new strategy to 2035, visit: