Research Impact Fund
The Research Impact Fund by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council supports collaborative research projects that deliver significant, real-world benefits to society beyond academia.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Preliminary proposal submission deadline via RGC Electronic System (projected) | March 2027: Hard copy and searchable soft copy of proposal submitted to UGC Secretariat via university Research Office by 17:00 HKT (projected)
Funding Amounts: HK$3–10 million per project (RGC share, 70% of total); 3–5 year project period; 30% matching funds required from university/partner(s).
Summary: Supports collaborative, community-focused research in Hong Kong with demonstrable real-world impact beyond academia.
Key Information: Forecasted cycle; eligibility limited to full-time academic staff at UGC-funded universities; one proposal per Project Coordinator per cycle.
Description
The Research Impact Fund (RIF) is a competitive grant administered by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council to drive research that delivers tangible benefits to the wider community. The scheme prioritizes impactful and translational research, encouraging collaborations that extend beyond academia to include government, industry, and other external partners. Projects must demonstrate both academic merit and a clear pathway to real-world impact, with a focus on outcomes that enhance the societal value of academic work in Hong Kong.
