CTUS, in collaboration with The Robertson Trust, is excited to share the news that we’ve appointed a research team to help bring our latest project to life.

After a careful selection process, a team from the Open University has been chosen to lead the delivery. They will bring a wealth of technical expertise and a detailed understanding of widening access and participation practice both in Scotland and across the UK.

Co-funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (CTUS) and The Robertson Trust, the project aims to build a complete picture of the current access and participation landscape in Scotland.

Data collected will be made accessible through an online resource which will be open to all and updated regularly to capture changes over time.

Jo Lambert, Principal Investigator, said:

“We’re delighted to be leading this collaborative work to map and understand the fair access landscape in Scotland. The project represents a unique opportunity to connect data, policy and practice in ways that strengthen collective understanding and action. Our aim is to create a resource that supports everyone working to remove barriers and widen participation in higher education.”

The project is a key part of our commitment to improving the evidence base to inform higher education policy and funding decisions and to strengthen opportunities for participation in higher education for learners facing barriers.

Hannah Garrow, Chief Executive at CTUS, said:

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Open University on this exciting new project. We know there is a wealth of activity in Scotland to widen participation in higher education, but the lack of a complete national picture is holding us back.

“The project, and the digital resource that it will produce, should give funders, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers in Scotland a baseline from which to assess progress, identify gaps and work collectively to ensure talented learners of all backgrounds are supported to achieve their potential.”

Work is set to begin this month, with completion expected by Autumn 2026.

If you are a widening access and participation project or practitioner and wish to participate or know more about the research, then please get in touch at communications@carnegie-trust.org