4Sciences conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the University of Leicester’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Strategy, covering the 2018–2021 period. The review was commissioned to inform the University’s future development research strategy and support formal reporting to Research England.
The evaluation assessed the use of QR GCRF funding and progress against the University’s strategic key performance indicators (KPIs). It combined quantitative analysis of institutional data—including research outputs, annual submissions to Research England, and contributions to REF 2021—with qualitative insights from key informant interviews and impact case studies.
Key findings demonstrate a substantial expansion of the University’s development research portfolio, now representing over 4% of externally funded research activity. Strategic and targeted support mechanisms have played a pivotal role in enhancing the success of funding applications and programme delivery. Sustained investment in these support structures is essential to fully realise long-term impact.
The University’s commitment to equitable partnerships has been a defining feature of its approach, prioritising sustainable collaboration over short-term gains. However, the evaluation also identified limitations in the current KPIs – stemming from gaps in internal systems and the cyclical nature of research – which pose challenges in attributing outcomes directly to specific interventions.