National Institute for Health Research Trainees Coordinating Centre (NIHR TCC) News

NIHR TCC is launching of a new round of NIHR Research Methods Fellowships and Internships. Applications are invited from NIHR Senior Investigators to host a NIHR Research Methods Fellow and Intern. The closing date for applications is 30th March 2011 (5:00 pm). For further information please see their website: http://www.nihrtcc.nhs.uk/researchmethodsprogramme/rmfellowsround2

Research Funding News

In an interview with Times Higher Education, the head of the MRC Sir John Savill, discusses blue skies research, protecting research funding and boosting the success rates of young researchers applying for grants.
Times Higher Education

The government has approved the MRC’s £300m funding plan for the UK Centre for Medical Research & Innovation (UKCMRI). UKCMRI will provide space for 1250 scientists.
MRC

Following a review, the BBSRC have decided to focus on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy as one of the three high-level strategic priorities.
BBSRC

EU research funding is discussed in an interview with the EU research commissioner Máire Geogheghan-Quinn. The commissioner discusses the recent green paper, a possible increase in and the balance between funding basic science and innovation.
Science

Weekly Funding News

NIH Dementia Themed Call
Application forms will be available from Tuesday 1 March 2011. Completed forms must be submitted by 20 May 2011.
http://www.nihr.ac.uk/research/Pages/Dementia.aspx

The Danish Council for Independent Research, Call for Proposals, Spring 2011 - Medical Sciences http://en.fi.dk/funding/calls/calls_2011/

ESMO Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Hamilton Fairley Award Deadline to submit nominations: 15th May 2011 http://tinyurl.com/ybw43td

EDCTP New calls for proposals launched: Senior Fellowship, Senior Fellowship NoE and Ethics Review Boards http://bit.ly/dMIKQM

RCPSYC The deadline for entries to the RCPsych Awards 2011 has been extended to 9 March. Get your nominations in now http://bit.ly/eQkt5u

Just launched: RCS - Fulbright Research Award. Apply online by 31 May 2011. Further details on http://bit.ly/eohgaQ

The next phase of the £10m Health Innovation Challenge Fund is now open, calling for 'Smart Surgery' applications http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Funding/Technology-transfer/Awards/Health-Innovation-Challenge-Fund/index.htm

RDInfo Service Statement

As you are aware, the current National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funding for RDInfo ceases on the 31st March 2011.

The team has been working hard to find alternative sources of funding, and to develop RDInfo into a financially sustainable service. This work is ongoing.

In view of the current need to focus on the sustainability of the service and the update of the RDFunding site, you may experience some delays or limitations in service levels until a solution is found.

Many thanks to all those who have supported RDInfo over the past 13 years - any continued support will be welcomed.

Academy of Medical Sciences Report

In spring 2010 the Academy of Medical Sciences was invited by Government to review
the regulation and governance of health research involving human participants, their
tissue or their data. A working group chaired by Sir Michael Rawlins FMedSci was
convened to undertake the review. The group received over 300 submissions from
across industry, academia, the NHS, charities and public sector bodies, as well as from
regulators themselves. There was a broad consensus about the key problems, and a
clear desire from those consulted to see the position improved.