Finding Funding in Medical Research Dr Liesl Osman NDM Research Facilitation NDM Research Facilitation Dr Catherine Moyes Dr Liesl Osman Ms Claudia Alen Amaro

Today’s talk  Understanding the funding framework  The review process in funding decisions – what you need to know  Computer search tools for identifying funding sponsors  Fellowships and the career window  What makes a high quality application

 Important funders for NDM researchers MRC MRC BBSRC BBSRC Wellcome Trust Wellcome Trust Royal Society Royal Society Gates Foundation Gates Foundation Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Diabetes UK Diabetes UK B ritish H eart F oundation B ritish H eart F oundation Arthritis Research Council Arthritis Research Council UK Department of Health (NIHR, HTA) UK Department of Health (NIHR, HTA) EC/European Research Council EC/European Research Council NIH (USA) NIH (USA) Research Councils Charities Government bodies Foundations

Funding – things to think about, questions to ask Project grants Fellowships Funder priorities- have you shown how your project fits? Have you got a realistic time line which clearly describes goals? Have you shown the possible pitfalls and explained how you would deal with them Not just good science – have you got a real career strategy?

Planning!  Expect several months from when you think of making an application to actually putting it in.  Then, more time to review and decision  Then, more time to when the award is activated  At least 12 months all told. If you miss an application deadline this may delay you by 6 months to a year

Complexity of application deadlines Wellcome Trust: 4 panels per year Wellcome Trust: 4 panels per year MRC: project grants - 3 panels per yr (Jan, May, September) MRC: project grants - 3 panels per yr (Jan, May, September) : fellowships – once a year, Jan/Feb : fellowships – once a year, Jan/Feb BBSRC: project grants - 4 panels per year (Jan, April, July, October) BBSRC: project grants - 4 panels per year (Jan, April, July, October) : fellowships – once a year : fellowships – once a year NIHR/HTA: Efficacy of treatments: can put suggestions in, specific calls any time NIHR/HTA: Efficacy of treatments: can put suggestions in, specific calls any time EU/ERC: Independent Investigator Grant - July EU/ERC: Independent Investigator Grant - July NIH (USA); Any time NIH (USA); Any time CRUK - 4 panels per year (Jan, April, July, October) CRUK - 4 panels per year (Jan, April, July, October) : fellowships – once a year (May) : fellowships – once a year (May) Diabetes UK - 2 panels per yr ( June december0 Diabetes UK - 2 panels per yr ( June december0 B H F – project grants - 6 panels per yr, fellowships 4 panels per yr B H F – project grants - 6 panels per yr, fellowships 4 panels per yr A R C – project grants – 3 panels per yr, fellowships 1 panels per yr A R C – project grants – 3 panels per yr, fellowships 1 panels per yr

The review process APPLICATION COMES IN TO FUNDER.  First round - In house removes apps which don’t fit criteria.  Second round – Proposal sent out to external reviewers  Third round – short listed proposals go to panel. Panel members (2 or 3) are assigned to act as presenter of the proposal. PANEL MEETING (may last 1-2 days)  About 10 minutes per proposal, presented by assigned member  Panel members discuss and vote: give another score.  Proposals ranked – funding cut off then decided dependent on funds.  Proposals above the cut off are funded

How reviewers make their ratings Importance · Is research in this area needed? · Is there a good medical or scientific rationale for pursuing the questions or gaps in knowledge that are being addressed? Is success likely to lead to significant new understanding? · Does the proposal realistically set out the ultimate potential benefits with respect to improving human health? · To what extent will it contribute, directly or indirectly, to relieving the burden of disease? · How important it is to do the work now? · Is there similar or complementary research underway elsewhere? Are the proposals competitive? Scientific potential · How innovative are the proposals? · Are the experimental plans realistic, given the aims of the research and the resources? · Are the methods and study designs competitive with the best in the field? · Have major scientific, technical or organisational challenges been identified, and will they be tackled well? · In the case of grants for pilot or proof of principle work, how will the workbe developed and how feasible are the subsequent proposals Environment and people · Has the individual or group established a high quality track record in the field? · Are the applicants uniquely placed to deliver the work? · Where the proposal embarks on work in a field new to the applicants, or is a first funding proposal, is there a firm foundation to take the work forward? · How well does the work fit with other relevant research pursued by the applicants? · Has the host Research Organisation demonstrated a commitment to supporting the work? (MRC Guide for reviewers 2009)

Imagine you are a panel member!  You will be reviewing dozens of applications  You will be mostly influenced by the reviewers’ judgements  But what will encourage you to give a little bit higher score for an application?

Application tips  Do your homework. Be prepared – it takes time to draw up a good application (i.e. 6 months).  There is a crucial window of opportunity for early and mid career fellowships – they all have restrictions on time since doctorate awarded, don’t miss your chance. Early career – 3 to 6 yearsEarly career – 3 to 6 years Mid career - 3 to 8 yearsMid career - 3 to 8 years  If your career plans include going for a fellowship you MUST start thinking about this at 4-5 years post doc

Wellcome Trust Career Path Diagram Not many of these for basic scientists early post doc – more chance if you are a clinician Post doc, eligibility usually three years +. Must have own publishing record with some first author papers

Tools for finding funding  Researchresearch.com +Flexible, international -Not user friendly, complex, needs training  RDInfo +Easy to use -Limited flexibility

Final digression  Funding myths “It’s not worth applying to the MRC/British Heart Foundation/Royal Society because They don’t like funding Oxford They don’t like funding Oxford They are cutting back in funding They are cutting back in funding etc etc” etc etc”  Reality: Average award rate for Oxford is comparable with other high quality research institutions – 25-30%.

What makes a high quality application?  You answer the requirements specified in the application form and guide. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS  You don’t assume that the panel knows the details of your research area. You do assume that they are highly experienced researchers who can spot waffle at 100 paces.  You don’t attempt to glide over obvious criticisms – you acknowledge these and answer them.  Think of your proposal as a story – make it interesting for the reader

Research Facilitation - Support which increases the scientific value of research done in the department  Support for project/programme applications of PIs.  Strategic Planning support  Support of applications which need departmental commitment/involvement John Fell Fund John Fell Fund NIHR applications, and other senior fellowship applications where the funder asks for continuing salary commitment NIHR applications, and other senior fellowship applications where the funder asks for continuing salary commitment Organisation of mock interviews for shortlisted career development fellows Organisation of mock interviews for shortlisted career development fellows Preparing prize nominations for PIs, for major international awards Preparing prize nominations for PIs, for major international awards  Career development through Seminars and workshops for skills building in making applications Seminars and workshops for skills building in making applications One to one sessions to develop CVs, look at funding opportunities One to one sessions to develop CVs, look at funding opportunities