MRC Experimental Medicine Challenge Grants launched
01 February 2012
Improving our understanding of disease mechanisms in humans is necessary in order to underpin translational research, and inform more basic research through “reverse translation”. The Medical Research Council (MRC) has launched a new funding scheme - the Experimental Medicine Challenge Grants - to stimulate clinical and translational research. The funding forms part of the government’s Life Sciences Strategy, which was launched by the Prime Minister in December 2011.
The “Challenge Grants” initiative will support ambitious, challenge-led* programmes of research into disease mechanisms in humans. We hope that these studies will produce major new mechanistic insights into human disease, with potential application to new therapeutic approaches.
Sir John Savill, Chief Executive of the MRC, said:
“Experimental medicine is a core element of MRC’s strategy to drive the translation of scientific discoveries into benefits for human health. Studies funded through the Experimental Medicine Challenge Grants will play an important role by providing the key bi-directional link between fundamental research and the development of new treatments for patients.”
David Willetts, the Universities and Science Minister said:
“In our Strategy for UK Life Sciences we emphasised the importance of collaborative working for driving innovation and addressing some of the biggest health challenges facing us today. The MRC’s Experimental Medicine Challenge Grants will support this approach, bringing institutions together to provide insights into disease and helping translate research into benefits for patients and the economy.”
Collaborations between institutions and between disciplines will be strongly encouraged. Collaboration with industry is welcome. Awards will be significant (£2-4m each), in line with the ambitious nature of the research, although smaller studies will be considered if particularly innovative.
This new scheme will help to deliver the MRC’s Translational Strategy and forms part of the MRC’s £354m investment in translational research over the next 4 years. It will provide new opportunities to strengthen the UK’s academic-industrial collaborative links, contributing to the UK’s economic growth.
The scheme will commit £20m a year, and it will run annually for 3 years initially. Outline applications are invited until 19th April 2012. Investigators from UK academic institutions, NHS Trusts and MRC Units are eligible to apply.
For further details, including how to apply, see the scheme web page: www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Grants/EMCG
or contact Dr Tom Foulkes: tom.foulkes@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
* Based around a substantial and clearly articulated gap in understanding – for example, “what are the early cellular and molecular mechanisms of COPD at its inception?” Or “what are the mechanisms of weight loss and metabolic improvement following bariatric surgery?”
