GW4 is delighted to invite applications for the latest round of its Building Communities Generator Fund.
Interdisciplinary collaborative research and innovation communities across the GW4 Alliance universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter can now apply for up to £20k funding to support 6-month research projects.
The GW4 Building Communities Programme aims to build research communities of scale and capability that will deliver a step change in world-class research and innovation which could not be achieved by a single institution or researcher alone.
The GW4 Generator Fund supports both the creation of new research communities and the development of the strongest ideas emerging from our existing communities.
The Fund is an open call in any area of research and innovation, with the purpose of addressing a major research or societal challenge. Last year, GW4 backed eight communities with research projects spanning a variety of topics ranging from children and young people’s mental health to antimicrobial resistance, and digital sexual health.
Interdisciplinary research is a key focus of the fund, with Early Career Researcher (ECR) communities especially encouraged to apply. Successful projects are expected to involve collaboration between all GW4 academic institutions and encouraged to work with external partners.
GW4 Building Communities Manager, Dr Sarah-Louise Dietz, said: “The GW4 Building Communities Generator Fund continues to play a vital role in empowering collaborative research communities to address large-scale challenges. Many previous awardees have successfully used this funding as a springboard for major initiatives. We encourage applicants to see this fund as a launchpad for building new ideas and partnerships that can attract future external investment.”
GW4 Alliance Director, Melanie Knetsch, said: “By harnessing cross-institutional innovation, GW4 strengthens research capacity to address major societal challenges. The GW4 Building Communities Generator Fund remains a powerful catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling research communities to tackle pressing issues with fresh perspectives. In my first year as Director of the GW4 Alliance, I am excited to see the ideas and partnerships that will emerge from this round of applications - which can further amplify our collective research impact.”
Since 2013, the GW4 Alliance has invested in over 100 collaborative research communities, across Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter universities, covering a range of topics, including those related to the Alliance’s new key strategic priorities – cyber and digital; health and wellbeing; creative communities, and sustainable Net Zero.
To date, our investment has generated over £89.4million in external research grants, a remarkable £25 return for every £1 spent.
GW4’s existing research communities draw on complementary expertise across the institutions and work with hundreds of external partners. They produce pioneering findings and influence policy in a variety of areas such as the gender pay gap, cancer research, mental wellbeing, climate change education and developing new drugs to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Professor Aurelien Mondon (University of Bath), Principal Investigator of the Reactionary Politics Research Network, said: “The GW4 Generator Fund was a brilliant experience overall, allowing us to establish our research network and get it off the ground, clearly meeting a need – as demonstrated by our members’ strong engagement. The funding has been an essential stepping stone for us, supporting a wide range of activities, including workshops, training opportunities, membership growth and events.”
Dr Daniel Whitcomb (University of Bristol), Principal Investigator of the Fabrication and Testbed Network for Next-Generation Optical Brain Computer Interfacing Community, said: “Our experience of the GW4 Building Communities Generator Fund has been very positive. The funding allowed us to complete experimental work, we felt supported to achieve our objectives and the structured nature of the project monitoring helped us to clearly define our aims. Our research project provided us with a foundation of empirical work that we can take forward to support further funding applications.”
Dr Rebecca Hemming (Cardiff University), Principal Investigator of the Physical, psychological and social factors influencing musculoskeletal injury and wellbeing in Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional students research community, said: “The GW4 Generator Fund has been invaluable, providing our new team with the results needed to expand our research across the UK. It’s also helped team members build strong connections, which has been excellent for networking. For me, as an early career researcher, it’s been a fantastic opportunity for professional development.”
Dr Zhenyu Zhang (University of Exeter), Principal Investigator of the All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with cellulose enhanced solid polymer electrolytes (ALLIANCE) research community, said: “The GW4 Generator Fund has provided a valuable opportunity to establish and strengthen our research network. Throughout the project, we’ve generated numerous ideas for future funding applications and successfully organised seminars, webinars, and conferences. These activities have significantly expanded and enriched our collaborative network."
Further information
Generator funding can be used as a stand-alone award or in conjunction with other sources of funding. Applicants are encouraged to view our application guidance and webinar for support with building an effective application. Applications must include 3 or more GW4 Alliance institutions.
All existing research and innovation communities can be viewed on the GW4 website, along with case studies showcasing some of the outcomes from previous awardees.
The deadline for applications is 2 February 2026. For more information, please view the application guidance, application guidance webinar, and forms, on the GW4 Generator Fund Webpages. Interested applicants may also contact the GW4 Building Communities Manager by emailing communities@gw4.ac.uk.
By harnessing cross-institutional innovation, GW4 strengthens research capacity to address major societal challenges. The GW4 Building Communities Generator Fund remains a powerful catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling research communities to tackle pressing issues with fresh perspectives.
In my first year as Director of the GW4 Alliance, I am excited to see the ideas and partnerships that will emerge from this round of applications - which can further amplify our collective research impact.”
