Commissioned by Wellcome, 4Sciences conducted a global review of overhead practices among research funders and their implications for research-performing organisations (RPOs). The study aimed to inform Wellcome’s evolving international funding strategy by examining how overheads are managed across different contexts.
The project included a comparative analysis of selected funder approaches, interviews with funders and RPOs, and a global survey that received 187 responses. This was complemented by a review of academic and grey literature, and two stakeholder workshops with Wellcome.
Delivered in collaboration with Kerridge Research Consulting, the study explored diverse overhead models to better understand international practices and their alignment with institutional needs. The findings are expected to support Wellcome’s efforts to develop more equitable and sustainable funding mechanisms across its global portfolio.
“Through their research, 4Sciences and Kerridge Research Consulting delivered valuable data and information that was necessary for us to understand better the global context within which Wellcome operates. With this information, we can make better informed decisions on the impact of our funding across the globe and the incredibly diverse and rich research cultures and environments we wish to invest in.”
Sanja Vlaisavljevic, Funding Policies Manager and Wellcome’s project lead