Research funding and collaborative research

Our research funding supports innovative academic research aimed at advancing APM’s mission to further the science, theory and practice of project and programme management for the public benefit. 

APM offers two distinct research funds: the Early Career Research Fund and the Main Research Fund. Both funds issue an annual call, and the research supported typically spans one year. The Main Research Fund is currently open for applications. 

The Main Research Fund 

This year, our theme focuses on “The Future of Project Value: Integrating Strategy, Sustainability and Success”. This theme reflects the evolving role of projects in creating long-term strategic, social and environmental impact. It invites research that explores how project success can be measured beyond traditional metrics, how sustainability and green transitions can be embedded into project delivery and how strategic risk thinking can be integrated to align projects with broader organisational and societal objectives. 

Through this call, APM seeks to encourage innovative research that bridges theory and practice and helps shape the future of project management. This is APM’s largest and most prestigious research fund, supporting academics to carry out their research. A total of up to £50,000 is available, and applicants may request any amount up to this limit, whether for a large-scale project or a smaller study. The call is open to both UK and international applicants.

Key Features 

• Grants Available: up to a £50,000 pot 
• Application Deadline: Monday 19 January 2026 
• Results Announcement: Friday 13 March 2026  

How to Apply

❶  Dive into the Main Research Fund Guidelines – get all the details you need. 

❷  Check your budget – make sure your costing aligns with the requirements. 

❸  Fill in the Research Proposal Template – clearly outline your project. 

❹  Submit your application – email it to research@apm.org.uk with the subject line “Main Research Fund” and include your most recent CV(s).