Research Innovation Awards
Call Closed. Next call opens 23 July 2024. Deadline 8 October 2024 @ 1pm.
Have you a novel, game-changing research project in mind, if so, we want to hear from you! This call is for bold, innovative research projects that have the real potential to impact the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Aligning with our research strategy, proposals must clearly demonstrate the innovative nature of the research, including how it will lead to the improved health and well-being of men affected by, or at high risk of, prostate cancer. The application and assessment process reflects our increased focus on innovation and potential impact, and so you should make every effort to detail how your proposal meets those criteria.
We will also consider applications for small scale pilot grants or ‘blue sky’ research in this call. However, longer term / broader proposals that comprises of inter-connected work streams may be more aligned to our Transformational Impact Awards.
Remit & Eligibility
We want to see novel, game-changing research!
Our Research Innovation Awards funds both fundamental and clinical research (and all stages in between), with all projects having a focus on eventual benefit to men.
We will consider applications that bring innovative ideas from other cancer types and other diseases to be tested or translated for prostate cancer, and we encourage you to build teams that include experts from other disciplines and other countries to improve the project.
You will be required to set out a logical and realistic project that has the potential to deliver real benefit to men.
There are no financial restrictions on requests in this call – you should simply apply for what you need!
Whilst this scheme typically supports research projects 3-5 years in duration, we do also welcome applications for smaller scale, yet highly innovative, pilot projects. Funding for projects of this type would usually be for up to 24 months, costing less than £100,000, with a focus of establishing proof of principle and/or generating novel data, whilst still being hypothesis-led research. Although such 'blue skies' research can be applied for with less supporting preliminary data, your total funding request should be proportionate to the extent and strength of your preliminary data.
Please note that value for money will be a consideration in making final funding decisions, so we would advise you to ensure that the amount you are requesting is a realistic reflection of what is needed.
If you wish to discuss a prospective project with the Research Team before applying, please contact us via email ([email protected]). If you are applying to us for the first time, we strongly advise you to reach out and discuss your application with us.
Application & Assessment Process
The application process consists of two stages:
1: Expression of Interest Stage
- DEADLINE: Call closes 1pm on 8 October 2024.
- SHORTLISTING: Applications are considered by our Research Advisory Committee in late November 2024, where a decision is made on which proposals to shortlist to the second stage.
- NOTIFICATION: Applicants are notified of the outcome of their submission w/c 6 January 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a second stage application form.
2: Second Stage (for shortlisted applicants)
- DEADLINE: Shortlisted applicants must submit their second stage proposals and ensure that all online declarations and approvals have been completed by the relevant parties by 4 March 2025.
- EXPERT REVIEW: Submitted applications will then be subject to external expert review (in line with AMRC guidance). The expert reviewers' comments will be sent to the applicants (anonymously) via our online system. Applicants will have an opportunity to submit a rebuttal to the reviewers' comments in Early May 2025.
- DECISION: All applications, external reviews and rebuttals will then be considered by our Research Advisory Committee in June 2025. It will make a final funding recommendation to our Board of Trustees. All applications will be assessed by our Patient and Public Involvement Representatives (a lay review panel consisting of people affected by prostate cancer).
- NOTIFICATION: Applicants will be notified as to the outcome of their submission via email in July 2025. We aim to provide feedback for all successful and unsuccessful applicants. We appreciate your patience during this time.
All awards made will be in line with our terms and conditions (please note - these terms may be subject to change).
For information on what to include in your application form, please see the guidance notes.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to discuss an application with the Research team, please e-mail [email protected]
If this is your first application to us for funding, we strongly advise you to reach out and discuss your proposal with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about or already started applying to one of our funding schemes? Here are some frequently asked questions to assist you with your queries
Application success rates
- 2023/24: 18% success rate, 28 Expression of Interest applications received
- 2022/23: 29% success rate, 24 Expression of Interest applications received
- 2021/22: 26% success rate, 42 Expression of Interest applications received
- 2019/20: 17% success rate, 36 Expression of Interest applications received
Meet our recent Awardees
Our Research Innovation Awards focus on new ideas which tackle taming prostate cancer from a completely new angle. Read more about awards we funded in previous years
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