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<p>In contrast to the number of open calls that UKRI runs, which remained relatively
stable with an additional surge to deliver specific COVID-19 related funding, the
number of applications for funding from UKRI has risen over the last year, including
in response to COVID-19. To date the trend has already shown an increase of over 1,000
applications ending December 2020, with a further projection of another 2,000 applications
to be received in the final quarter. These increases are against an active portfolio
of approximately 14,000 grants.</p><p> </p><p>UKRI has also responded to increased
demand to help stabilise the system and the pressures felt across the research and
innovation community. Active grants continue to attract a high number of requested
changes through their life, but more recently hundreds more enquiries have resulted
from COVID-19 disruption, generating many requests for both costed and no cost extensions
with £90 million in costed grant extensions paid this year.</p><p> </p><p>Other stabilising
interventions that UKRI has made in response to the pandemic include bringing forwards
£100 million of Quality Related funding from Academic Year 2020-21 to AY 2019-20,
and providing additional funding through the Sustaining University Research Expertise
(SURE) Fund in financial year 2020-21.</p>
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