The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund has opened applications for two funding programmes designed to support both individual professional development and innovative projects across the UK transport sector.
The charity is inviting applications for its Ready for the Future professional development grants alongside grants of up to £30,000 for research and educational projects that improve how roads are experienced by everyone. The deadline for both schemes is 9 October 2026.
The Ready for the Future grants are intended to help transport professionals develop emerging skills that will be needed across the sector in the coming years. Funding is available for study in areas including artificial intelligence, big data, behavioural science, Safe Systems, accessibility and inclusion, and nature-based solutions.
The programme is aimed at applicants who would not otherwise be able to fund their learning and who can demonstrate how the new knowledge will have a practical impact on the transport sector.
Alongside this, the charity is seeking applications for innovative research and educational projects that promote new approaches to roads and transport. Grants of up to £30,000 are available for projects that develop and test new ideas or create learning that improves road safety, maintenance, environmental performance and the experience of road users.
Andy Graham, Chair of the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund, told Highways News: “The transport sector is changing rapidly, and we need both new ideas and new skills if we are to meet the challenges ahead. These funding programmes are designed to help people and organisations explore fresh thinking, develop expertise in emerging disciplines and deliver practical benefits that can be shared across the industry. We would encourage anyone with a strong idea, or anyone looking to build knowledge that will make a real difference, to consider applying.”
The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund is encouraging organisations considering an application to discuss their proposals with the charity before submitting a bid. Further information on both funding opportunities, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, is available here.
(Picture – RJRF)
