A scoping Review on the Use of Research Development Awards by Research Funding Organisations in the UK and Beyond.

Background Research Development Awards (RDAs), also referred to as seed funding or development grants, are widely used by research funding organisations to support early-stage research activity, collaboration, and capacity building. Despite their widespread use across disciplines and funding systems, evidence on their purpose and outcomes remains fragmented, limiting opportunities for cross-funder learning and evidence-informed funding decisions. This review synthesises the evidence on RDAs across disciplinary and geographical contexts, examining their intended purpose, benefits, challenges, and contribution within wider research funding ecosystems. Methods A scoping review methodology was undertaken due to the conceptual and methodological diversity of the literature. The search strategy was limited to the last ten years (2015-2025) and included UK and international academic and grey literature. Searches were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science on 9 May 2025, with supplementary searching using Google Scholar, Sci-Space, and citation tracking of key articles. Data were extracted and synthesised across five research questions addressing the purpose, context, benefits, challenges, and outcomes of RDAs. Results A total of 998 records were identified, of which 102 articles met the eligibility criteria and included for full extraction. The evidence described RDAs as flexible, early-stage mechanisms designed to enable collaboration, build research capacity, and support future funding opportunities. RDAs were particularly valued for fostering partnerships, supporting community-engaged and interdisciplinary research. However, recurrent challenges included short award duration, limited funding, misalignment with traditional evaluation metrics, and difficulties evidencing longer-term or relational outcomes. Sustained impact was frequently contingent on follow-on funding and supportive institutional contexts. Conclusion RDAs function most effectively as enabling components within wider funding ecosystems rather than as stand-alone interventions. Their value lies in supporting readiness, relationship-building, and pathway creation, often beyond the life of the award. This review provides a cross-disciplinary foundation to support more transparent, evidence-informed design and evaluation of RDAs.