Research Charities
Discover 933 Research charities. Use the search below to filter within these results.
Notable charities in this sector
Major UK charities curated by Charity Finder for size, recognition, and registry coverage. Click through for full profiles, financials, and trustees.
Wellcome Trust
Arts, Charitable activities, Heritage, ResearchWellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive.We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. We are a politically and financially independent foundation.
British Heart Foundation
Beneficiary group, Research, Saving of livesThe BHF is the UK's largest independent funder of cardiovascular research in the UK. For over 60 years BHF has pioneered life-saving research that has helped halve the number of deaths from heart and circulatory disease in the UK. BHF also helps provide vital support and information for the 7.4m people living in the UK with heart and circulatory disease.
The Royal Society Of London For Improving Natural Knowledge (commonly Known As The Royal Society)
Charitable activities, ResearchThe Royal Society has three roles: A learned society; The UK's Academy of Science; And as a funding agency. We- Promote science and its benefits- Recognise excellence in science- Support outstanding science- Provide scientific advice for policy- Foster international and global cooperation- Provide education and public engagement
Alzheimer's Society
Charitable activities, Charity and VCS support, Health, Housing, Research, Social care, Social welfareAlzheimer's Society staff and volunteers provide services to people affected by dementia, including day care and home care, support and befriending services across England, Wales, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. We provide information and training, and every year we invest in research. We campaign for the rights of people with dementia and those who care for them.
The Royal Horticultural Society
Facilities, Leisure, ResearchThe RHS was founded in 1804 to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture. We want to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. To achieve our aim we undertake scientific research; provide education, training and horticultural advice; support community horticulture projects; and share our renowned gardens and shows with the public.
The British Academy For The Promotion Of Historical Philosophical And Philological Studies
Heritage, ResearchTo inspire, recognise and support high achievement in the humanities and social sciences throughout the UK and internationally, and to champion their role and value.
The Institute Of Physics
ResearchImplementation of various projects aimed to promote the advancement and dissemination of a knowledge and education in the science of physics, pure and applied.Communicating importance of physics to all audiences, increasing awareness of and participation in physics.Maintaining and increasing membership.
John Innes Centre
Charitable activities, Economic and community development, ResearchAn independent, international Centre of excellence in plant science and microbiology. The Centre's mission is:- To generate knowledge of plants and microbes through innovative research- To apply it's knowledge of nature's diversity to benefit agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being- To train scientists for the future- To engage with policy makers and the public
The Corporation Of The Hall Of Arts And Sciences
Heritage, ResearchTo maintain the Royal Albert Hall, a Grade I listed building of historical and cultural significance and, through its use, to promote the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the Arts and Sciences.
Anthony Nolan
Health, ResearchAnthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancer. By growing our register of stem cell donors, conducting research and providing outstanding support to patients, Anthony Nolan cures people's blood cancer and blood disorders. But we need to do more. Without you, there is no cure.
The Institution Of Engineering And Technology
Charitable activities, ResearchEducation, policy & awareness activities engage the public in the role of science, engineering & technology in enhancing peoples' lives. IET gathers & distributes knowledge content via a variety of channels to a global audience, drawing on the unique strengths of its membership. Membership & professional development focuses on career long professional development & registration of individuals.
Royal Hospital For Neuro-Disability
Health, ResearchThe Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is an independent, national, not-for-profit medical charity. It is not part of the NHS. It seeks through the provision of specialist services and research to enable people with profound or complex disabilities resulting from damage to the brain or other areas of the nervous system, to enjoy an optimal quality of life through enhanced independence.
The Pirbright Institute
ResearchTo conduct and promote scientific research on infectious diseases of farm animals, including exotic diseases and to develop appropriate methods for their control; and on matters concerned with animal health and ancillary thereto, and to publish the results of such research.
National Museum Of Wales
Charitable activities, Heritage, ResearchWe operate 7 free-entry museums across Wales, plus the National Collections Centre, to further our core objective of 'the advancement of the education of the public' in the fields of science, art, industry, history and culture.
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Charitable activities, Health, ResearchThe MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to improving care and support for people affected by MND, funding and improving research, and campaigning and raising awareness so that the needs of people with MND are addressed by society. Visit www.mndassociation.org
Royal Institute Of British Architects
ResearchThe objectives of the RIBA, as set out in its Charter, are the Advancement of Architecture and the promotion of the acquiring of knowledge of the Arts and Sciences connected therewith. Its mission is to advance architecture by demonstrating public benefit and promoting excellence in the profession.
Arthritis UK
Charitable activities, ResearchThe charity funds scientific and medical research into all types of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. It is working to take the pain away from sufferers with all forms of arthritis and helping people to remain active. This will be achieved through funding high-quality research, providing services, information and campaigning.The charity's vision is a future free of arthritis.
London's Air Ambulance Limited
Health, Research, Saving of livesThe relief of sickness and physical injury by the provision of emergency medical services and equipment and in particular by the provision of a helicopter ambulance service or other emergency transport.The provision of training, research and education in the field of pre-hospital medicine for the treatment and/or prevention of sickness and physical injury.
Lhasa Limited
Charitable activities, ResearchThe charity promotes public education through the development and use of computer-aided reasoning and information systems in chemistry and the chemistry-related sciences.
The Chartered Institute Of Building
Charitable activities, ResearchThe CIOB is governed by Royal Charter with the following objectives - the promotion for the public benefit of the science and practice of building and construction and, the advancement of public education in the science and practice of building and construction including necessary research and the publication thereof.
Leicestershire & Rutland Organisation For The Relief Of Suffering Limited
Health, Professions, ResearchHospice care with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of patients with cancer, progressive neurological disease and other conditions, and for whom curative treatment is no longer possible. Patients are aged 18 years and upwards.Areas of activity:In-patient Ward (31 beds), Clinics:Community Nurse Specialists, DayTherapy, Counselling, Lymphoedema Clinics, Education/Training, Research
Asthma And Lung UK
Charitable activities, ResearchAsthma and Lung UK exists to help people with lung disease. It achieves this by:1 - Funding vital research into understanding, treating and preventing lung disease.2 - Promoting greater understanding of lung disease and campaigning for positive change in the nation's lung health.3 - Offering services and support so no one has to face it alone.
Enginuity
ResearchTo promote and advance education, training and skills in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing, and in particular to advance skills in such areas as are or may be in future required by the engineering profession, for the development of: (i) persons employed or intending to be employed in Industry and / or commerce, and (ii) the public generally.
Greenpeace Environmental Trust
Environment, ResearchThe Trust aims to achieve its objectives by funding work that includes education, scientific research, investigations and promoting sustainable development.In the medium to long term we are prioritising work in the areas of Climate change, Forests, and Oceans.We work closely with other Greenpeace entities around the world so as to maximise the impact of our charitable work.
The Nuffield Foundation
Beneficiary group, Charitable activities, ResearchThe advancement of social well being, particularly by scientific research. We do this in two ways: by supporting research, enquiry and innovative development that will contribute to the improvement of policy and practice; and by supporting young people to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Frequently asked questions about this sector
How many research charities are there in the UK?
There are 933 registered research charities on the Charity Commission for England and Wales register at the most recent refresh.
Which is the largest of the research charities by income?
Wellcome Trust is the largest by latest reported annual income (£589.5m). Notable peers are listed on this page; the full ranking is available by sorting the results by highest income.
What is the combined annual income of research charities?
Research charities reported a combined annual income of £3.6bn across their most recent filings with the Charity Commission.
What is a typical program ratio for research charities?
Across all research charities, the aggregate program ratio (charitable expenditure as a share of income) is 100.0%. Individual charity ratios vary widely — see each profile for a sector-band benchmark.
What is the average annual income of research charities?
Research charities have an average annual income of £3.8m. The distribution is heavily skewed: a small number of large charities account for most sector income, while the majority report under £100k a year.
Where does this data come from?
All figures are sourced from the Charity Commission for England and Wales public register, refreshed weekly. Derived metrics (program ratio, efficiency) are calculated by Charity Finder using the formulas documented on the data sources page.