Global Challenges Research Fund

The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) was a 5 year £1.5 billion funding stream, part of the Government's 2015 spending review.  The fund supported cutting-edge research that addressed the challenges faced by developing countries through:

  • challenge-led disciplinary and interdisciplinary research
  • strengthening capacity for research and innovation within both the UK and developing countries
  • providing an agile response to emergencies  where there is an urgent research need

The GCRF was administered through delivery partners including the Research Councils and national academies.

To help shape Glasgow's response to the opportunities afforded by GCRF, a Coordination Group was established in 2016. In 2021, this group became part of the Glasgow Centre for International Development and now works broadly to strengthen the international development research capacity of the University of Glasgow and our partners.