Central to our Research & Innovation Strategy is our patient benefit ethos.

A decision to award funding will be made in the context of the benefit it can bring to a patient treated and cared for here in Leeds.

Leeds Hospitals Charity is committed to:

  • Working in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals and partners to fund high quality research and innovation
  • Funding projects that have the potential to improve patient outcomes within 10 years
  • Supporting future leaders with an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity
  • Funding projects that align with our areas of impact focus: health technologies and innovation, rare diseases and tackling health inequalities
  • Funding projects that have the potential to lead to centre of excellence status in Leeds

We have developed research management processes that ensure we fund the highest quality research that is independently reviewed and assessed by experts. Our processes comply with those set by the Association of Medical Research Charities.

Below we have outlined the key steps in applying for Research & Innovation funding.


Application Process

Our guidance document explains the main parts of the application and application process. We strongly advise that you read it before you start your application.

Guidance for applying for Research & Innovation funding

1. Eligibility

We fund staff at any stage of their career - whether stepping into the field of medical research or an experienced researcher whilst employed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals or holding a relevant honorary contract.

2. Idea

We encourage potential applicants to discuss their idea with a Line Manager or the Grant Funding team before preparing any paperwork.

The Charity awards seed funding under £10k, pump prime projects £10k - £50k and larger project grants over £50k.

3. Relevance

We encourage applicants to consider how the proposal aligns with our Research & Innovation strategy? How does it benefit patients in Leeds?

4. Make an application

To start an application form you will require a PIN that will have been shared with you as part your discussions with the Grants Team. 

If you haven’t received a PIN, please contact please the team for support on 0113 539 7091 or email [email protected]

Please read our guidance document before completing your application form.

Guidance for applying for Research & Innovation funding

For seed funding under £10k, please complete an application using the online form.

Application Form

We may request additional information depending on the scope of the proposal.

For projects over £10k it’s a two-stage process:

  • Step 1: completion of an Expression of Interest (EOI).

  • Step 2: applicants will be invited to complete a full application following triage of an EOI

5. Review

Applications under £10k are reviewed regularly, the CEO is able to approve applications on behalf of the Board of Trustees subject to review by two members of the Scientific Advisory Panel.

Expressions of Interest are triaged by charity and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Research & Innovation representatives to assess strategic fit, cross organisational opportunities, and provide the applicant with focused guidance.

There are four opportunities within the year for applications for over £10k to be considered and reviewed. Full applications are subject to external peer review as well as review by the Scientific Advisory Panel before progressing to our Research & Innovation Committee.

6. Peer Review

We have embedded the five principles of peer review within our processes. All funding requests regardless of their value are subject to external peer review.  We mange conflicts of interest in accordance with our Policy.

7. Decision

The Scientific Advisory Panel will make a recommendation based on the scientific quality (using an agreed assessment criteria) of the proposal to the Research & Innovation Committee.

A decision to award funding rests with the Trustees of the Charity in line with the financial instructions.

8. Monitoring & Evaluation

All successful applicants will be required to share with the Charity the impact of grant funding through progress and final reports, case studies, blogs and news stories.

Find out more about the projects we have funded

If you still have questions after reading the guidance, please contact the Grants Team on 0113 539 7091 or email [email protected]