UK Research and Innovation has published a new research data policy that will apply across research funded by the research councils, UKRI-wide schemes, and some activities supported by Innovate UK and Research England. The policy, announced on 14 October 2026, will take effect for new funding opportunities published on or after 1 April 2027.
The update replaces multiple policies and principles with a single framework, with UKRI saying the move is intended to make expectations clearer for researchers and institutions while supporting better data management across publicly funded science. The policy is designed to ensure that research data are findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable, often described as FAIR principles.
A single framework for research data management
UKRI said the new approach follows extensive consultation with the research community and reflects current best practice in a research landscape that is becoming increasingly data intensive. It also introduces a more streamlined approach to research data management plans, signalling a shift toward simpler and more consistent requirements for applicants.
The policy applies to research funded by the research councils, UKRI-wide schemes, and some Innovate UK and Research England activities. By consolidating existing rules, UKRI aims to support the integrity of research outputs and improve the public benefit of funded work.
Why the change matters for researchers and institutions
The policy is likely to affect how future projects plan, store and share data, especially where large datasets or collaborative research are involved. UKRI says the framework is meant to be flexible across different disciplines while still maintaining a common standard for good data practice.
For applicants, the key date is 1 April 2027, when the new rules will begin to apply to funding opportunities launched from that point onward. That transition period gives universities, research organisations and principal investigators time to align internal processes with the updated expectations.
More details are available in the UKRI announcement on the policy release. UKRI’s new research data policy announcement
In a separate publication listing, UKRI also noted an independent review titled A pan-UKRI approach to data management plans (2026), underscoring the organisation’s broader push to modernise how research data are handled.
For the UK research sector, the new policy is a reminder that funding compliance is increasingly tied not only to scientific quality, but also to how responsibly and transparently data are managed. As the policy moves toward implementation, universities and grant holders will be watching closely for operational guidance and any discipline-specific adjustments.
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