Introduction

This funding opportunity, offered by the Medical Research Council (MRC), aims to support research projects focused on neurosciences and mental health. The opportunity is open to researchers employed by eligible research organizations in the UK. The MRC typically funds up to 80% of the full economic cost of the project, with a maximum duration of five years. This is an ongoing funding opportunity with application rounds closing every January, May, and September.

Scope of Work

The MRC Neurosciences and Mental Health Board (NMHB) funds research in neurosciences, mental health disorders of the human nervous system, and the interactions between the nervous system and other parts of the body. The research supported includes the brain, mental health, and physical health, as well as how episodes throughout life impact lifelong mental and neurological health. The funding opportunity encourages research in areas such as neurodegeneration, clinical neurology, neuroinflammation, mental health, addictions, substance misuse, behavioral and learning disorders, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, sensory neuroscience, and neurobiology.

Eligibility

Applicants must be employed by an eligible research organization and actively engaged in the project to be eligible for this funding opportunity. The research must focus on neurosciences and mental health. International applicants can be included as project co-leads, but the project lead must be based at an eligible UK research organization. The research organization must confirm that contracts will be extended beyond the project end date and that all necessary support for the project and applicants will be provided.

Budget and Duration

There is no limit to the funding that can be applied for, but the amount must be appropriate to the project and justifiable. The MRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost and 100% of permitted exceptions. Projects can last up to five years, but typically last three to four years. Projects should start between one to six months after the funding decision date.

Additional Information

The funding opportunity encourages applicants to contact the NMHB for advice before submitting an application, especially if the research may cross MRC or research council interests. The MRC may transfer applications to another research board if it is deemed more appropriate. The opportunity also encourages applicants to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment.

Key Dates

• Opening Date: 18 September 2024 9:00am UK time

• Closing Date: 9 January 2025 4:00pm UK time

• Shortlisting Decision Meeting: May 2025

• Funding Decision Meeting: July 2025

• Informed of Funding Decision: Within 10 working days of the funding decision meeting

• Future Round Open for Applications: January to May 2025

• Future Round Open for Applications: May to September 2025

Application Process

Applications must be 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 lead research organization is responsible for applying UKRI. The application process involves answering questions directly in text boxes, uploading documents, and submitting the completed application to the research office for checking.

Selection Process

• All applications are examined to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and scope of the funding opportunity.

• Expert reviewers independently assess applications against the specified criteria.

• Shortlisting recommendations are made based on reviewer comments and scores.

• Shortlisted applications are reviewed by a funding panel, which makes a funding recommendation.

• The MRC makes the final funding decision.

Contact Information

• For help and advice on costings and writing your application, contact your research office.

• For questions related to the remit and scientific aspects of this funding opportunity, email nmhb@mrc.ukri.org.

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

• For queries regarding the system or the submission of applications through the Funding Service, contact the helpdesk at support@funding-service.ukri.org or 01793 547490.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.