Programme grants - Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated 3 February 2009
Q: Can I request support for a PhD student within my programme grant application?
A: No – The MRC only funds postgraduate research training through doctoral training grants and strategic competitions to Higher Education Institutes. Please refer to the MRC web site for further information on studentships.
Q: Can I apply for a five year research grant or indeed a programme grant that is less than five years in duration?
A: It is expected that programme grants will be five years in duration. In exceptional cases, programme grants may awarded for less than five years and, indeed, research grants for longer than four years.
Q: Can a principle investigator hold more than one programme grant at a time?
A: We would not normally expect anyone to be the principal investigator on more than one MRC programme grant.
Q: Can my application include an industry partner(s)?
A: Yes, the MRC recognizes the value that such partnerships can bring. If you have an industrial partner(s) and are making an outline application, no additional details than those requested in the outline application are required.
If you have an industrial partner(s) and are making a full application, you will need to include MICA: as a prefix to your project title, complete the ‘Project Partner’ section in the online Je-S application system and submit PDF versions of:
- A completed MRC Industrial Collaboration Agreement (MICA) form
- A signed Heads of Terms for the proposed collaboration
You and your potential collaborator(s) are advised to refer to the guidance on MRC Industry Collaboration Agreement (MICAs).
Q: As principal investigator I am planning to submit an application for a programme grant but I am due to retire during the tenure of the grant. What do I need to do?
A: Programme grants are usually five year awards but they could be awarded for a shorter period if the principal investigator is due to retire within five years. Please refer to the eligibility section in the applicant’s handbook for further details on applicants retiring during the course of a grant.
Q: If at outline stage, I am invited to submit a full application how long is the invitation valid for?
A: We would normally expect to receive a full programme proposal within 12 months of the invitation to submit. Those applicants who wish to substantially revise the content of a programme following the invitation should check with their programme manager as a new outline might be necessary
Q: If the MRC decline my programme grant outline, what can I do next?
A: It depends on the nature of the feedback on your outline proposal. If the outline was declined on the basis that it did not meet the criteria for an MRC programme grant then you may resubmit your proposal as a research grant to the next available board deadline. If it was declined on strategic grounds (for example, low strategic priority for the MRC or duplication of existing MRC investments), then any future application would need to be refocused, taking into account the feedback - an amended proposal could then be resubmitted at the next available board deadline.
For programme grant renewals only
Q: Is there a form to complete for my progress report?
A: Applicants are asked to structure their report using a defined set of headings – please refer to the guidance within the programme grant annex.