The Local Government Technical Advisers Group (LGTAG) has launched a new Research Funding opportunity, developed in collaboration with the Institution of Highway Engineers (IHE).

This funding provides LGTAG members with the opportunity to bid for a share of a £20,000 research fund, aimed at supporting practical, impactful research that helps move ideas from research into reality.

LGTAG is particularly keen to receive proposals aligned to the following areas:

• Adaptation
• The impact of Electric Vehicles on highways
• Adaptive transport initiatives
• Artificial intelligence in highways and transport

The organistion is also welcoming proposals beyond these themes, where they clearly demonstrate value to the sector and alignment with LGTAG’s objectives.

To ensure the research is firmly grounded in real-world challenges and outcomes:

• Proposals must be led by LGTAG members
• Research must be driven by a local authority, either as the lead organisation or as a core project partner

Submission and assessment:

• Deadline for submissions: 29 May 2026
• Assessment: Proposals will be reviewed and scored by LGTAG’s Past Presidents group, ensuring a robust and independent assessment process.

LGTAG President Emily See (pictured) said:

“We are extremely grateful to the IHE for supplying the funding and for their strong support in helping us progress this initiative. Together, this collaboration directly supports the “Research to Reality” theme championed by our Immediate Past President, Sean Rooney, and reinforces our shared commitment to practical outcomes that make a real difference for the sector.

“I strongly encourage members to consider submitting a proposal and taking advantage of this opportunity to help shape the future of highways and transport through applied research.”

Further details on how to apply and the submission requirements are available HERE.


(Picture: LGTAG)