UK Research and Innovation has published a unified policy for managing and sharing research data, with implications for universities preparing future funding applications. Announced on 14 October, the framework applies to funding opportunities launched on or after 1 April 2027.
It covers research council funding, UKRI-wide schemes and selected funding from Innovate UK and Research England. UKRI says the framework brings several existing policies and principles together. Opportunities launched before April 2027, and awards arising from them, remain subject to the existing arrangements.
The policy addresses data alongside related digital materials, including code, models and software. Its aim is to make research outputs easier to find, access, combine and reuse responsibly. Accompanying guidance deals specifically with sharing research data about people.
UKRI also plans a simpler approach to data management plans. For university research offices, a practical next step is to review application guidance and support for researchers ahead of the transition. That is an editorial implication of the timetable; the publication does not mean every existing project immediately moves to the new framework.
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