Research funding and REF impact consultant
Helping universities and researchers win funding, develop research impact and write outstanding REF impact case studies.
I'm Stephen Kemp, an independent consultant with over 20 years' experience in research funding and impact. I work with universities, research institutes and individual academics across the UK to strengthen funding applications, develop impactful research and maximise success in the Research Excellence Framework.
Whether you're preparing a proposal, developing REF impact case studies or building capability across your institution, I provide practical advice, expert review and engaging training that helps researchers succeed.
How I can help
- REF impact case studies – coaching, review, writing support and institutional preparation.
- Research funding – proposal development, review, interview prep and funding strategy.
- Research impact – impact planning, evidence gathering and impact strategy.
- Training and workshops – tailored sessions for researchers, professional services and leaders.
- Institutional support – helping universities improve their funding and impact performance.
Services for...
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Individual academics
- Research leaders
- Research development professionals
Whether you need one-to-one support, a review of a funding proposal or a REF impact case study or events such as workshops, training or writing retreats, I'd be delighted to discuss how I can help.
Why work with me?
My advice combines experience from every side of the research system.
After completing a PhD and postdoctoral research, I worked at EPSRC designing funding schemes and managing peer review. I then joined the University of Southampton, first as a funding development manager, then as the university's central impact lead, supporting researchers across disciplines and building institutional approaches to research impact. Since 2018, I've worked independently with universities across the UK, helping hundreds of researchers develop stronger funding applications and higher-quality REF impact case studies.
I understand what funders, reviewers and REF panels are looking for and I know how to help researchers communicate their work clearly and convincingly.