Research Impact Fund
Forecasted
Research Impact Fund supports local academics undertaking impactful, translational research and external collaborations to deliver benefits beyond academia for communities in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Preliminary proposals) | March 2027 (Hard and soft copies)
Funding Amounts: HK$3 million–HK$10 million from RGC per project over three to five years; mandatory 70% RGC / 30% university or partner funding
Summary: Supports impactful, translational research by local academics that benefits communities beyond academia and encourages external collaboration.
Key Information: Project Coordinators must meet the RGC’s academic staff employment requirements at a UGC-funded university.
Description
The Research Impact Fund (RIF), administered by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), encourages local academics to articulate how their research can benefit the wider community. It supports impactful and translational projects, assessing both academic merit and potential research impact. Benefits beyond academia may include contributions to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment, or quality of life.
The fund also encourages greater collaboration with government departments, businesses, industry and research institutes. The 2026/27 call emphasised local impact alongside academic merit, and encouraged greater interaction with and participation from commercial entities. Research impacts may occur locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
