Introduction

This funding opportunity, offered by the Medical Research Council (MRC), is designed to support new investigators in population and systems medicine who are ready to transition to independence. The grant aims to fund research that deepens our understanding of human health and disease across the lifespan, focusing on areas like population health, environmental factors, and the physiology and pathophysiology of major organ systems. The MRC typically funds 80% of the full economic cost of a project, covering up to 50% of the researcher's salary. This is an ongoing opportunity with application rounds closing every January, May, and September.

Scope of Work

The MRC seeks to fund new investigators with research proposals that advance knowledge within the field of population and systems medicine. The research should contribute to understanding the complexity of human health and disease across the life course, including areas like cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastroenterology, renal medicine, liver function, endocrinology, reproductive health, maternal health, nutrition, metabolic regulation, trauma, and health inequalities. The MRC encourages applicants to contact them to discuss their applications, especially if their research may cross MRC or other research council interests.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this funding opportunity, applicants must have research organization support and demonstrate that their skills and experience align with the "transition to independence" stage outlined in the MRC applicant skills and experience table. They must also be able to show that they will direct and be the sole intellectual leader of the proposed project, focusing their application within the research area of population and systems medicine. Applicants who do not have a contract of employment for the duration of the project must have their research organization confirm that contracts will be extended and necessary support will be provided.

Applicants are not eligible if they have already achieved independence, as defined by receiving substantial grant income as a fellow or project lead. They are also ineligible if they have already held an award that facilitates the transition to independence, applied for a new investigator research grant twice before, or have an application for any UKRI fellowship currently under consideration.

Budget and Duration

There is no limit to the funding applicants can request, but the typical full economic cost of a project is under £1 million. The MRC will usually fund 80% of the full economic cost. Funding typically lasts for three years and covers up to 50% of the researcher's salary. While longer durations are possible, applicants must justify the need for a project exceeding three years.

Additional Information

The MRC encourages applicants to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment. They also emphasize the importance of Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) and expect applicants to demonstrate how their proposed projects will comply with TR&I principles, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls they will put in place.

Key Dates

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

• Closing Date: 9 January 2025, 4:00 pm 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

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.

• Only the lead research organization can submit an application to UKRI.

• Applicants are encouraged to check early if their organization is available in the Funding Service, as there may be additional steps required for setup.

• Applicants should allow enough time to check their application in a "read-only" view before sending it to their research office for review.

Selection Process

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

• Applications that pass the initial examination are then subject to peer review by independent experts.

• Shortlisting is based on expert reviewer comments and scores.

• Shortlisted applications are further assessed by a funding panel, which ranks them and makes a funding recommendation.

• The MRC makes the final funding decision.

Contact Information

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

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

• For queries regarding the Funding Service, contact the helpdesk: support@funding-service.ukri.org or 01793 547490.

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