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Each year, the Trust awards four or five small grants, on a competitive basis, to support projects across Ulster University Departments, Schools and Faculties.

The project application asks project leads to set out how their project will meet the GWT aims and to demonstrate how it will deliver impactful results in a "meaningful and timely manner”.

For further information on the application process, please see the F.A.Q. below or contact Paul Sampson, Garfield Weston Trust Secretariat, by email: GWT@ulster.ac.uk.

Over the years the GWT has funded several innovative projects:

  • 25@25 Leadership Programme: Leading Northern Ireland’s Future

    The 25@25 Leadership Programme was a learning and leadership development programme for graduates from Ulster University who live and work here, are committed to our place in Northern Ireland and choose to lead Northern Ireland’s future. It was designed to expand experiences, grow leadership capacity, and build a long-lasting network of change-makers, with a firm focus on enhancing and defining the next 25 years for NI. Learning focused on topics such as Foundations of Leadership, Becoming a Creative Leader, Leading with Sustainability, and Leading for the Future.

  • Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) Conference & Workshops

    The overall project aim was to raise awareness of the transformative potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence in education and to prepare educational institutions in the region for its impact. In addition, it helped identify related opportunities and challenges by upskilling educators in the effective, responsible and ethical use of these tools while providing staff and students with hands-on experience in a safe, guided environment. This was achieved through a multi-faceted approach of workshops, events and conferences contributing to the region's readiness and reputation as a forward-looking leader in educational technology.

  • The Ulster Gene Editing Academy

    UGenie 2024 was a unique and innovative Garfield Weston Trust-funded summer programme on the Coleraine campus in August 2024. Pupils entering year 14 (KS5) and students studying an Applied Science BTEC Diploma were introduced to the power of biotechnology and gene editing to solve some of society's greatest issues in relation to medicine and environmental sustainability (biofuels, pollution, climate change, etc.). The students had the opportunity to carry out exciting ‘hands on’ laboratory experiments in CRISPR gene editing using highly innovative and portable ‘all-in-one’ molecular biology workstations.

  • Connections 2024

    Connections 2024 was a project led by the National Theatre of London in partnership with the Riverside Theatre and a network of over three hundred other youth arts organisations and six thousand young people around the UK. Every year ten new plays are commissioned for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK's most exciting writers and creatives of tomorrow. The Riverside Theatre brought together arts professionals, local children aged 12-18 years old and Ulster University undergraduate students in a collaborative learning and creative project that enhanced skills and provided experience for all participants alike.

  • Introducing Children to STEM

    The primary aim of this initiative was to ignite curiosity and foster a love for STEM subjects, rather than steering children toward specific STEM careers. STEM is often underemphasised in schools, and many teachers may lack experience in delivering STEM-focused lessons. The aim was to collaborate with primary schools in socially disadvantaged areas to develop and implement a customised set of STEM activities tailored to Year 7 students.

2025/26 Project Applications

The closing date for applications is Noon on Friday 9 May 2025.

Application Form

FAQs

  • What is the project criteria

    Each year, the GWT Board supports a broad range of projects. Every application is assessed on its own merit; however, applications should meet the established funding criteria, which are as follows:

    • Promote education and research
    • Contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of the community benefitting from the project
    • Assist the University in widening access to Higher Education
    • Contribute to or associate with the University strategy, 'People, Place and Partnership', which seeks to unlock our collective potential to deliver 'Sustainable Futures for All' and to the core values of 'Inclusion, Integrity, Collaboration and Enhancing Potential'.
  • What is the funding range

    The GWT generally funds three to five projects each year without a predetermined funding limit. In the funding cycle for 2024/25, projects were awarded funding that varied between £3,000 and £20,000.

  • What is the expected project timeline

    Funded projects typically operate within the academic year, commencing in September following the award of funding and concluding by the subsequent May. Proposals for long-term projects may also be considered.

  • How are projects selected

    All projects submitted are presented to the Board during their June meeting. Applications are evaluated based on the above criteria. The Board encourages innovative and impactful projects that typically would not receive funding from elsewhere in the University. Applications should demonstrate clear, measurable impacts on participants that will contribute to a lasting legacy.

  • Can I get a copy of the application form in Word format?

    If you require a Word copy please email 'GWT@Ulster.ac.uk'. Please note that only applications submitted through the MS Forms link above will be considered by the Board.