Research Impact Fund
The Research Impact Fund supports collaborative, high-impact research in Hong Kong that delivers tangible benefits and translational outcomes for the wider community.
Funder: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Preliminary proposal electronic submission deadline (projected) | March 2027: Hard copy and searchable soft copy submission to UGC Secretariat by 17:00 HKT (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to HK$10 million per project (RGC share), 3–5 years duration, with 30% mandatory matching from university/partner.
Summary: Supports impactful research benefiting the wider community, requiring cross-sector collaboration and translational outcomes.
Key Information: Mandatory matching funds (30%) required from UGC-funded universities or partners.
Description
The Research Impact Fund (RIF) aims to encourage academics in Hong Kong to pursue research that delivers tangible benefits to the wider community, emphasizing impactful and translational projects. The program promotes collaboration beyond academia, including partnerships with government, industry, business sectors, and other research institutes. Projects must demonstrate both academic merit and a clear pathway to impact, with a strong focus on local relevance and societal benefit. The RIF is highly competitive and requires a substantial commitment from both the applicant's institution and external partners.
