Introducing Formation Fractional: Agile Expertise for the Research and Innovation Sector

At Formation, we know that the research and innovation sector doesn’t stand still. It evolves quickly—shaped by policy shifts, funding changes, talent shortages, and new regulatory and compliance demands. Responding to these pressures often requires more than capacity. It needs experience, agility, and trust.

That’s why we’re exploring a new service: Formation Fractional.

What is Formation Fractional?

Formation Fractional will offer interim and fractional professional support tailored to the research and innovation sector. Whether on a short-term basis or part-time over a longer period, we’ll help you plug critical gaps, scale up for a new initiative, or bring in specialist expertise—quickly and flexibly.

We know that sometimes what’s needed isn’t a full-time hire, but the right person at the right time—with the skills and sector knowledge to hit the ground running.

We're particularly focused on supporting organisations in areas such as:

• Trusted research and due diligence

• Research governance and policy

• Strategic project and programme management

• Research culture development

As we shape this new offer, we want to understand where demand is likely to be so we can build something that truly meets the sector’s needs.

Is Your Organisation Interested in Interim or Fractional Support?

If you're part of a university, research institute, funder or mission-driven organisation that could benefit from interim or fractional expertise, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Let us know you're interested 

Are You a Professional Open to Interim or Project-Based Work?

We’re also looking to connect with individuals across the sector who are experienced, thoughtful, and interested in taking on interim or fractional assignments aligned with their values and availability.

👉 Tell us about your interest 

Why Now?

We’ve seen growing demand for more flexible ways of working in and with the research sector. Institutions are increasingly looking for help during transitions, crises, or periods of change—but without always having the time or budget for long-term recruitment.

At the same time, the shifts in the sector mean that there’s a brilliant community of professionals who are open to flexible, high-impact, mission-led work.

We think Formation might be able to bring them together—and Formation Fractional is our first step in that direction.

If this sounds like something you or your organisation could benefit from, get in touch or share your interest using the links above. We’ll keep you informed as we shape this new service with and for the sector.