Funding opportunities in global health research
- MRC Global Health Trials
- MRC Research Grant schemes
- Partnership funding schemes
- Funding schemes receiving MRC contributions
MRC Global Health Trials
Global Health Trials Programme
This MRC response mode scheme funds proposals for large scale, late phase, trials in global health research which are relevant to the MRC’s published strategic aims. Applications to this scheme should focus on evidence of efficacy and effectiveness of interventions related to a major health need predominant in developing countries. The MRC Global Health Trials Programme is open to any UK-based researcher who can demonstrate that they will direct the proposed research and be actively engaged in carrying it through. It is anticipated that the majority of global health trials will involve strong collaboration with investigators in the developing countries concerned.
Eligibility requirements:
- Only researchers based in UK institutions may apply as the Principal Investigator
Available funding:
- Up to £5 million
Mechanism:
- Response mode scheme open all year
For further advice on this scheme please see the full details: Global Health Trials Programme
MRC Research Grant schemes
As well as the specific calls and grant schemes listed on this page, proposals for research in Global Health can be submitted to any of the MRC Grant schemes. These grants are for earlier phase research grants and operate through the standard Research Board mechanism. The full list of current grant schemes can be found here.
To be eligible for an MRC grant you must be based at a UK institution, for more information on eligibility please consult the MRC Applicant Handbook.
Overseas co-applicants and collaborators on MRC grants
Applications for MRC grant schemes can include overseas co-applicants and collaborators, where the nature of the research makes this necessary. If applicants wish to request funding for the overseas partners, they must first discuss their request with the relevant Research Board scientific contact. All funding for overseas partners is paid by MRC to the grant Host Institution (usually the Principal Investigator’s host organisation), who take responsibility for paying costs out to their overseas research partners.
For further information please see the Applicant Handbook and the Je-S System Help pages.
Partnership funding schemes
Open Calls
MRC/DFID African Research Leader scheme 2013
The UK Medical Research Council and the UK Department for International Development announce a further call for proposals for the prestigious African Research Leader awards.
Closed Calls
DfID/MRC/Wellcome Trust Joint Global Health Trials
The Joint Global Health Trials were launched in 2010 funded by the Department for International Development, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding for the best proposals to generate new knowledge about interventions that will contribute to the improvement of health in low and middle income countries. The programme will give priority to proposals that are likely to produce implementable results and that are designed to address the major causes of mortality or morbidity in low and middle income countries.
Global Alliance for Chronic Disease Request for Applications (RFA): Hypertension Prevention and Control in low and middle income countries (LMICs)
In 2011 the MRC launched its first call under the Global Alliance for Chronic Disease (GACD) seeking research project proposals to investigate hypertension prevention and control in LMICs, with an emphasis on implementation science. Similar calls were launched in several of the GACD Partner countries. Outline applications have been received for this call and applicants have been invited to the second stage.
ICMR-MRC Joint Initiative: Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Research Funding
In 2010 the MRC launched a call for proposals with the Indian Council for Medical Research for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases research. The scheme aims to tackle the burden of chronic disease in both countries and have outcomes meaningful to a wider international audience. Four projects have been funded from this scheme and are due to start in late 2011.
Funding schemes receiving MRC contributions
European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) involves 14 EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, and a number of African countries. Its aim is to help fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries, with the overall goal of reducing poverty by improving the health of populations.
The EDCTP programme objective is to accelerate the development of new or improved drugs and vaccines against these diseases, with a focus on phase II and III clinical trials and on Sub-Saharan Africa.
EDCTP funding is awarded on a competitive basis through:
- Clinical Trial grants
- Networking grants
- Capacity Building grants
- Training Awards
All calls for proposals are handled by the EDCTP secretariat, for information on current calls for proposals visit the EDCTP website.
For information on UK Member State support please see the MRC EDCTP webpage.