Introduction

This funding opportunity, offered by the Medical Research Council (MRC), supports research projects focused on population and systems medicine. The MRC aims to unlock the complexity of human health and disease across the life course, encompassing population health and the impact of environmental factors on health outcomes. This ongoing funding opportunity welcomes applications every January, May, and September.

Scope of Work

The Population and Systems Medicine Board (PSMB) funds research in areas such as cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastroenterology, renal medicine, liver function, endocrinology, reproductive health, maternal health, nutrition, metabolic regulation, diabetes, obesity, trauma, acute medicine, surgery, inflammation, medical sociology, lifestyle, socio-economic and behavioural impacts on health, and health inequalities. The MRC encourages applicants to contact them to discuss their application, especially if their research may cross MRC or research council interests.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this funding opportunity, applicants must be employed by an eligible research organisation and actively engaged in the project. The research organisation must confirm that contracts will be extended beyond the project's end date and that all necessary support will be provided. International applicants can be included as project co-leads, but the project lead must be based at an eligible UK research organisation.

Budget and Duration

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

Additional Information

The MRC encourages applicants to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment. The MRC is committed to ensuring that effective international collaboration in research and innovation takes place with integrity and within strong ethical frameworks. Applicants may be asked to demonstrate how their proposed projects will comply with the Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) principles.

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 funding decision meeting

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 lead research organisation submits the application to UKRI. Applicants are encouraged to check early if their organisation is available in the Funding Service. 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 is based on reviewer comments and scores.

• A funding panel assesses shortlisted applications and makes a funding recommendation.

• The MRC makes the final funding decision.

Contact Information

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

• For questions related to remit and scientific aspects of this specific funding opportunity, email: psmb@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: support@funding-service.ukri.org, 01793 547490.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.