Freedom of Information
The MRC aims to be as open as possible in informing others how we conduct our business through our publications, our website and face-to-face discussions. Our Publication Scheme, which you can access from this page, outlines the information we routinely publish and provides links to help you locate it.
We are committed to openness, good record-keeping and effective communication in our handling of requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act. All information will be made freely available unless there is a good reason not to do so, in line with relevant exemptions under the Act. Our website and those of our units and institutes are developed with this goal in mind.
Requesting information from the MRC
The MRC already makes information widely available primarily through our publications, our website and through communications with our staff. Our Publication Scheme can help you locate and access this information. Details of the research we support can be found in the Research Portfolio.
If the information you are interested in cannot be accessed through our Publication Scheme, our publications or elsewhere on our website you can make a request in writing.
To help us to locate the information please outline your request as clearly as possible, providing any relevant dates, organisations or names, you may also wish to specify in what format you would like to receive the information, either in hard copy or in electronic format. To make a request please contact our Freedom of Information Officer by e-mail at foi@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk or by writing to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Medical Research Council
Corporate Affairs Group
2nd Floor, David Phillips Building
Polaris House
Swindon SN2 1ET
Email: foi@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
Telephone: 01793 416387
Charging policy
We aim to provide as much information as possible free of charge although we reserve the right to charge fees in accordance the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulation 2004.
Making a complaint
If you are not satisfied that we have dealt with your request in an appropriate manner you may appeal using the MRC complaints procedure. If after receiving the Complaints Officer's reply you remain dissatisfied, you may contact the Information Commissioner. Details of how to take your complaint further can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website.
Freedom of Information and Peer Review
The peer review of research proposals is central to the MRC’s mission to encourage and support high-quality research to improve human health. The MRC’s approach to requests for information relating to the peer review process is described in the peer review process.
Further Information