UKRI Translation: Impact Acceleration Accounts 2027
UKRI's Impact Acceleration Accounts provide 3-year flexible funding for UK research organisations to accelerate research impact, support innovation, and foster cross-sector partnerships across multiple disciplines.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (councils must receive your application by 15 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time)
Funding Amounts: Award duration: 3 years (starting April 1, 2027). Typical annual awards: AHRC £155,000/year | EPSRC: council allocation to invited orgs | MRC £150,000–£750,000/year | STFC £70,000/year.
Summary: Flexible, institutional-level funding to accelerate the impact of UK research through early-stage support, strategic partnerships, and knowledge exchange across disciplines.
Key Information: Only one application per eligible research organisation; EPSRC applications by invitation only.
Description
This funding opportunity provides UK research organisations with institutional-level, flexible support to accelerate the impact of their research into real-world benefits. The scheme harmonises Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) funding across the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Funding supports a wide range of activities, including proof of concept, commercialisation, market validation, and engagement with policy, business, and the third sector. The IAA aims to drive innovation, enable adaptive responses to emerging opportunities, and strengthen knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships across disciplines and sectors. Funds are managed by institutions to align with their own strategies while adhering to UKRI principles of responsible research, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
