Planning

Educational Neuroscience Research Centre

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

03 Nov 2025 at 12:05

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education is in the planning stage of a procurement process to establish an Educational Neuroscience Research Centre. The initiative aims to advance understanding in fields such as brain development, learning processes, mental health, and special educational needs, impacting pedagogical strategies and informing government policy. Located in England, the procurement falls under the industry category of research and development services and related consultancy services (CPV: 73000000). An important milestone is the engagement end date on 30th November 2025. Additionally, there will be an online supplier event on 12th November 2025, providing further information and a platform for questions. The procurement is conducted via the Crown Commercial Service's Research and Insight Dynamic Procurement System (DPS) - RM6126, with a contract value up to £3 million over two years.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses engaged in research and development services within the educational field, particularly those capable of conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research. Companies skilled in brain development, educational neuroscience, and the associated consultancy services may find this an attractive prospect for expansion and collaboration with the Department for Education. Although not specifically suited for SMEs or VCSEs, businesses registered with the DPS are poised to benefit from contributing to critical educational research, with the potential to influence policy and practice in the education sector across the United Kingdom.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Educational Neuroscience Research Centre

Notice Description

DfE is preparing to procure two pilot Research Centres, one on educational neuroscience and one on the Economics of Education. These Research Centres will produce high-quality, timely, policy-relevant evidence. They will conduct a programme of work agreed in advance with DfE but also retain capacity for responsive work. Further information about the Economics of Education Research Centre will be available in due course. The Educational Neuroscience Research Centre will help DfE better understand issues such as brain development (in both early childhood and adolescence), learning processes, mental health, and special educational needs; how this impacts pedagogy; and what it means for DfE policy. We will be holding an online supplier event for the Educational Neuroscience Research Centre on Wednesday 12 November 2025, 11:30-12:30. This will be an opportunity to find out further information and ask questions. Please contact Science.Team@education.gov.uk if you would like to join. Additional information: The contract value will be up to PS3 million over two years for each of the Research Centres. How to apply This procurement will be via the Crown Commercial Service Research and Insight Dynamic Procurement System (DPS) - RM6126 . Suppliers will need to registered on the DPS to be able to be invited to tender. For more information on how to register please follow this link: https://supplierregistration.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/dps/RM6126?nav=0

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-0c52cfe1-5589-4932-a55b-dca61d60a7c3
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b5fa319a-084c-4878-9aa3-026578426e4e
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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