Funding for Your Research
Funding for health/medical research can be sought from a variety of sources: Research Councils, Government Schools, charities, international sponsors and industry.
Research funding databases can be used to identify specific sources of funding for your research project and customised funding alerts can keep you informed of upcoming deadlines and new funding opportunities.
Medical Research Council
The Medical Research
Council (MRC) supports research across the biomedical spectrum, from fundamental
lab-based science to clinical trials, and in all major disease areas. It gives a
high priority to research that is likely to make a real difference to clinical
practice and the health of the population. For details of funding schemes and
current calls for proposals visit:
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/index.htm
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
The Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Funds research in plants, microbes,
animals (including humans), tools and technology underpinning biological
research. The BBSRC funds research from the level of molecules and cells, to
tissues, whole organisms, populations and landscapes. Note: BBSRC funds genetics
and genomics research relevant to understanding normal human function, but does
not fund research focused on specific human diseases and disease processes or
abnormal conditions. For details of funding schemes and current calls for
proposals visit:
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/funding-index.aspx
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Funds research and training
in engineering and the physical sciences. Current programmes and emphasis:
Cross-disciplinary interfaces, ICT, Materials, Mechanical and medical
engineering, Mathematical sciences, Physical sciences, Process, environment and
sustainability, Public engagement, Infrastructure and international, Digital
economy, Energy, Nanoapplications, Healthcare. For details of funding schemes
and current calls for proposals visit:
http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/Pages/default.aspx
Many Charities and Trusts support health and medical research. This is by no means an exhaustive list, there are a vast number of charities which fund research into specific diseases or disorders. If you require funding in a very specific area, please contact Dr. Beverley Wilkinson (bwilk@) for advice.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Commissions and funds NHS and social care research (applied research). A range of programmes addressing a broad range of health priorities is being funded. Funding is based on the quality and relevance of the research to personal social services and the NHS.
To view current Calls for Proposals visit:
http://www.nihr.ac.uk/proposals/Pages/default.aspx
FP7 is the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007-2013. The programme has a total budget of over € 50 billion. FP7 is a key tool to respond to Europe's needs in terms of jobs and competitiveness, and to maintain leadership in the global knowledge economy. The Framework Programmes for Research have two main strategic objectives:
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to strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry
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to encourage its international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports EU policies.
FP7 is made up of 4 main blocks of activities forming 4 specific work programmes:
The core of FP7, representing two thirds of the overall budget, is the Co-operation programme. It fosters collaborative research across Europe and other partner countries through projects by trans-national consortia of industry and academia. Research will be carried out in ten key thematic areas, the "Health" theme being relevant to medicine and health.
To view all Health open Calls for Proposals visit:
http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.FP7CallsPage#Health
NIHR - Dementia Themed Call
The National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR) is issuing a call for research on dementia. This call extends
across the translational pathway, covering the fields of cause, cure and care,
including prevention. Seven of the NIHR managed research programmes are
participating in this call. Applications which support multi-disciplinary and
cross-professional collaborations are particularly encouraged. In addition:
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applications that may lead to improvement in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, management or care of people with dementia are welcomed;
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research should seek to demonstrate benefits to the health and/or well being of individuals with dementia or their carers and/or improvements in the organisation or delivery of care;
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proposals solely to explore the aetiology or pathophysiology of dementias are out of remit.
Research proposals should relate to dementia and must be within the remit of one of the seven participating programmes:
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Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME)
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Health Services Research (HSR)
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Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
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Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR)
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Public Health Research (PHR)
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Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB)
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Service Delivery and Organisation (SDO)
The deadline for applications is 20th May 2011.
For
further information visit:
http://www.nihr.ac.uk/research/Pages/Dementia.aspx
NIHR – Research for Patient Benefit Programme (RfPB)
Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) is
a national, response-mode programme which aims to generate high quality research
for the benefit of users of the NHS in England. It funds regionally-derived
applied research projects in health services and social care. Its main purpose
is to realise, through evidence, the huge potential for improving, expanding and
strengthening the way that healthcare is delivered for patients, the public and
the NHS. RfPB does not specify topics for research and encourages proposals for
projects covering a wide range of health service issues and challenges. The
programme supports:
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Studies of the provision and use of NHS services.
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Evaluations of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of interventions.
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Examination of the resource utilisation of alternative means for healthcare delivery.
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The scrutinising of innovations and developments.
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Pilots or feasibility projects to help reach the next step of a definitive trial.
RfPB particularly welcomes proposals that have benefited from interaction with patients and the public, which relate to patient and service user experience and/or have been drawn up in association with a relevant group of service users. The programme will not fund laboratory-based or basic science research, the setting-up or maintenance of research units, or proposals which are solely service developments or audits, surveys, needs assessments, etc. All researchers in the NHS in England can apply and joint applications from NHS researchers with academic partners as co-applicants will be particularly welcome (for joint NHS/university applications, funding will be awarded to the NHS partner). The closing date for applications is 20th May 2011.
Wellcome Trust – Seeding Drug Discovery
The aim of this scheme is to
facilitate early-stage small-molecule drug discovery. The awards help applicants
with a potential drug target or new chemistry embark on a programme of compound
discovery and/or lead optimisation. Projects must address an unmet need in
healthcare or in applied medical research, offer a potential new solution, and
have a realistic expectation that the innovation will be developed further by
the market. UK based not-for-profit organisations and companies may apply and
may collaborate or partner with parties located overseas. Preliminary
applications may be submitted twice a year and the next deadline is 10th June
2011.
For
full details of this scheme visit:
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Technology-transfer/Awards/Seeding-Drug-Discovery/
Prostate Action – Grants
Prostate Action was formed from the
merger of Prostate UK and Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. The charity funds
research and education into all three prostate diseases, benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer and prostatitis. Prostate Action publish an
annual call for applications from any researcher with an interest in prostate
disease to apply for a grant of up to £100,000 over a maximum of three years.
Applications in Basic or Translational science are considered. Applications must
be submitted by 6th June 2011 (please note this is the email copy deadline,
paper copies can follow the following week, but must be received no later than a
week after the original submission date).
For
further information and application details visit:
http://www.prostateaction.org.uk/research-and-training/apply-funding
BUPA Foundation
BUPA is a medical research charity
dedicated to providing support for research into the prevention, relief and
treatment of ill health. In 2011 the foundation will be looking to support
community-based projects around the UK, such as the workplace or educational
establishments. All applications should be for translational or
action-orientated research and should cover one or more of the following:
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healthy changes to diet or exercise amongst children, families or in the workplace or educational establishments
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shared decision-making shared-decision making tools for use amongst disadvantaged or diverse groups
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healthy ageing strategies (physical activity and other behaviour-based and social solutions for the older age group (65+ years))
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new technologies to interpret health outcomes data cheaply and effectively - for better design of community health activities and to improve patient decision making.
All projects should develop, apply or test research-based approaches in community settings - with clear intended impacts on public health. BUPA runs 3 research programmes. The programmes are open to clinicians, researchers and health care professionals who are UK residents. Applicants are encouraged to include on their application partnerships with other universities, healthcare organisations, research institutes, charities and community groups
Programme 1: Research grants (all four objectives above)
All projects should develop, apply or test research-based approaches in
community settings - with clear intended impacts on public health. The areas for
funding as detailed above are not intended to be exclusive of each other. The
Foundation will normally consider applications for funding to a maximum of
£100,000 per annum for up to three years term. Successful applications are more
likely if added value (such as potential for co-funding) is clearly
demonstrated. The closing date is 31st March 2011.
Programme 2: Annual Multi-country Grant
A total grant of up to £600,000 will be awarded to fund one multi-country
initiative of 1 to 3 years duration, under the first funding theme on sustained
behaviour changes "Enabling sustained behaviour changes in physical activity
and/or nutrition amongst children, families or in the workplace or educational
establishments". This should be defined as a project carried out in at least two
of the following countries: United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, the
United States or India. Closing date: 20th June 2011.
Programme 3: Philip Poole-Wilson Seed Corn Fund
A fund of £200,000 per annum to award grants of up to £20,000 each, to fund
research into any of the four Research Grant themes. Each application must be
made either by a researcher beginning their research career or if a pilot
project by an experienced researcher, must include such a researcher on the team
and contribute meaningfully to his/her development and training. High priority
will be given to applications from young and/or new researchers who have not
previously been funded. Closing date: 31st July 2011.
For
full details visit:
http://www.bupafoundation.com/
ResearchProfessional
Research Professional
is an online database of research funding opportunities for every discipline.
All University staff have access to this database and can set up an individual
account which will enable them to create and save their own individual searches
and set up customised email funding alerts. Full guidance is available on the
ResearchProfessional website.
GRANTFinder
The University also has access to
GRANTfinder
- a user-friendly funding database that carries details of
more than 4,000 UK and EU grants, loans, venture capital and advisory programmes.
For further information on how to use GRANTfinder and how to gain access, please
contact Dr. Beate Reinhardt (Funding Development Manager, REO;
breinh@essex.ac.uk).