About the Nuffield Foundation

The Nuffield Foundation is a charitable trust established in 1943 by William Morris, Lord Nuffield, the founder of Morris Motors. 

Lord Nuffield wanted to contribute to improvements in society, including the expansion of education and the alleviation of disadvantage. He called this the ‘advancement of social well-being’, and emphasised the importance of education, training and research in achieving that goal.

Today, we work to improve social well-being by funding research and innovation in education and social policy. We are also increasing the proliferation and quality of research and professional skills – both in science and social sciences – through our capacity building programmes.

Underpinning all our work is a belief in the importance of independent and rigorous research evidence and its power to bring about change.  

We work mainly in the UK, but also in Europe and eastern and southern Africa. 

Our income comes from the interest on our investments. We do not fundraise or receive funding from the Government. We are financially and politically independent. 

What we do – some examples

• Develop teaching and learning resources, including GCSE and A Level courses such as Twenty First Century Science and Science in Society.
• Influence policy and practice in education, civil law and children and families by funding research and innovation in these areas. 
• Build science and research capacity by providing over 1000 post-16 students each year with subsidised placements in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related workplaces.
• Improve science, health, education and social welfare in eastern and southern Africa by increasing professional and academic capacity in these areas.