Apply for Research & Innovation Funding

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.

Our Research & Innovation Strategy: 2021-2026

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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. Opens in new window

Leeds Hospitals Charity is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities, and all research and innovation grant funding is awarded in line with its policies and principles.

Explore our ongoing research efforts

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

Application Process

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 Opens in new window

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

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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). Opens in new window

  • 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.

About our Scientific Advisory Panel

SAP Terms of Reference

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6. Peer Review

We have embedded the AMRC’s principles of expert review (Opens in new window).

All applications are subject to expert review. Applications for between £75-£10,000 are reviewed by at least two members of our Scientific Advisory Panel. Applications for £10,001 and over are subject to external peer review and review by our Scientific Advisory Panel. We mange conflicts of interest in accordance with our Policy.

Our peer review process is outlined in this flow chart.

Peer Review Process

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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. Opens in new window

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]

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