Introduction

The Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS) is an ongoing funding opportunity offered by the Medical Research Council (MRC) to support the development and testing of novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and other interventions. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between early-stage research and clinical trials, funding projects at various stages of the developmental pathway, from early development to early-phase clinical studies. The scheme is open to researchers based at eligible research organizations in the UK, with no limit on the amount of funding that can be applied for.

Scope of Work

The DPFS supports academically-led translational projects that aim to improve prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of significant health needs or develop research tools that increase the efficiency of developing interventions. All diseases and interventions are eligible for support, including global health issues. The scheme welcomes follow-on proposals where continued support is justified.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the DPFS, applicants must be employed by an eligible research organization and actively engaged in the project. They must be looking to develop and test novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and other interventions. International applicants can be included as project co-leads, but the project lead must be based at an eligible UK research organization. International research organizations are not eligible to apply as project leads, except for MRC Unit The Gambia and MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Budget and Duration

There is no limit on the amount of funding that can be applied for, but it should be appropriate to the project. The MRC typically funds 80% of a project's full economic cost. The duration of the project is also flexible, but applicants must justify the timescale in the context of the proposed work. Projects should start one to six months after the funding decision date.

Additional Information

The DPFS encourages collaborations with charities or industry partners to add value to the project. Applicants can request funding for various costs, including salaries, research consumables, equipment, travel, and data management. However, the scheme does not fund PhD studentships, publication costs, funding to bridge between grants, or costs associated with applying for IP protection.

Key Dates

• Stage one opening date: 28 August 2024 9:00am UK time

• Stage one closing date: 20 November 2024 4:00pm UK time

• Stage one panel meeting: January 2025

• Stage two proposal submission: December 2024 to March 2025

• Informed of funding decision: Within 10 working days of funding decision meeting

• Future round open for stage one applications: 21 November 2024

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Service. The project lead is responsible for completing the application process, but all team members and project partners are expected to contribute. The application process involves answering questions directly in text boxes, uploading documents, and embedding a Gantt chart. Applicants are encouraged to check their application in read-only view before submitting it to their research office for checking.

Selection Process

Applications are assessed in a two-stage process. Stage one applications are reviewed by an independent panel of experts. Successful applicants are invited to submit a stage two application, which undergoes further assessment. The decisions of the DPFS panel are not open to appeal.

Contact Information

• For questions related to this specific funding opportunity: dpfsanddcs@mrc.ukri.org

• For general questions related to MRC funding: rfpd@mrc.ukri.org

• For queries regarding the Funding Service: support@funding-service.ukri.org

• Phone: 01793 547490

Reporting Requirements

The MRC will publish the outcomes of the funding opportunity at Board and panel outcomes. If an application is successful, some personal information will be published on the UKRI Gateway to Research.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.