Thursday, March 31, 2011

Academy of Medical Sciences Budget 2011 Announcement

Academy statement in response to the announcement in the 2011 Budget ‘Plan for Growth’ that the Government will set up a new health research regulatory agency.


The statement includes comment from Academy President Professor Sir John Bell PMedSci and Professor Sir Michael Rawlins FMedSci, Chair of an Academy of Medical Sciences working group that prepared the report, ‘A new pathway for the regulation and governance of health research’.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Budget

Yesterday's budget contains good news for researchers.  George Osborne announced an investment of £100 million into science infrastructure.  £70 million of this is going towards innovation centres in Norwich and Babraham.  For details and reactions see the BBSRC site.

The Technology Strategy Board is also investing in innovation.  They have just announced that they will fund feasibility studies, allowing small companies to take more risks with innovative research.  One of the key areas they will fund is Biosciences.  For more details see the TSB site.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

LinkedIn

Join the RDFunding Network on LinkedIn to talk to researchers and keep up to date with the latest news:

LinkedIn

Monday, March 21, 2011

INVOLVE Draft Strategic Plan Consultation

INVOLVE Draft Strategic Plan Consultation We would like your views on our Strategic Plan for 2012 - 2015


INVOLVE are developing their new Strategic Plan for 2012-2015. The plan, when finalised, will provide the overall direction for thier work over the next three years. They would like to hear from the many groups and individuals who share interest in public involvement in research. Your responses will help them in shaping the Strategic Plan and identifying areas of work to prioritise.

Consultation: Green Paper on a Common Strategic Framework for future EU Research and Innovation Funding

The Commission is seeking the views of all interested individuals and organisations on these proposed changes and on the specific questions set out in the Green Paper. The deadline for contributions is Friday 20 May 2011. In parallel, a competition for the name of the Common Strategic Framework is being organised.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Wanted!

European Working Group on Psychosocial Aspects of Children with Chronic Renal Failure are looking for someone who would like to run a workshop on EU funding for Collaborative research at a conference in Eastwood hall Conference centre Nottingham 5th-7th May 2011. The conference is the 42nd meeting of the European Working Group on Psychosocial Aspects of Children with Chronic Renal Failure (EWOPA). The group is multidisciplinary and the conference is small and friendly.  Any help would be gratefully received please contact Dr Dot Mackinlay on dot.mackinlay@nuh.nhs.uk  

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Getting into Medical Research

There's an interesting article on the Guardian website about getting into medical research and developing your career:

Guardian

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Research Councils and Government Sign an Agreement

It was announced today that a concordat has been signed by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).  More information on this agreement to share knowledge and support future research can be read on the RCUK website:

RCUK

Monday, March 07, 2011

Weekly Funding News

A round up of the week's funding news

£775m is to be made available for translational research over five years the Health Secretary has announced:
Department of Health

The NIHR has issued a call for research on dementia. Applications must be submitted by 20 May 2011:
NIHR

The BBSRC has announced changes to its postgraduate training and fellowships:
BBSRC

A call has opened for HRB/SFI Centres of Excellence in Neuroscience:
Science Foundation Ireland

For up to date funding news you can follow us on twitter @RDInfoteam

Friday, March 04, 2011

NIHR HSR Update

The Health Service Research (HSR) programme funds research which improves the quality, effectiveness and accessibility of the NHS. The programme is now accepting applications for its research-led workstream. The closing date for applications is 5th May 2011. For more information please see website http://www.hsr.nihr.ac.uk/funding/researcher_led.asp.

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

NIHR School for Public Health Research Launched

A new NIHR school for public health research was launched today by Public Health Minister Anne Milton with the overall objective of building closer relations between researchers and practitioners. Emphasis will be placed on what works practically and can be applied countrywide in England.

The school will comprise of leading academic centres of applied public health research. The competition for funding will be open to academic institutions who have a proven record in applied research and evaluative practice in public health. Members of the school will receive up to £500,000 annually.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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

Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Friday, February 18, 2011

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

ESMO Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Hamilton Fairley Award Deadline to submit nominations: 15th May 2011

EDCTP New calls for proposals launched: Senior Fellowship, Senior Fellowship NoE and Ethics Review Boards

RCPSYC The deadline for entries to the RCPsych Awards 2011 has been extended to 9 March. Get your nominations in now

Just launched: RCS - Fulbright Research Award. Apply online by 31 May 2011. Further details on

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

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

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.

Monday, February 07, 2011

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.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

UK's biomedical research institute gets green light

The UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, due to open in 2015 in London, will be the most advanced such facility in the country, perhaps in the world. It is a highly ambitious joint project driven by four of the UK's most influential medical research organisations: Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, University College London, and the Wellcome Trust.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

AMS review of the regulation and governance of health research

The Academy of Medical Sciences has launched its new report 'A new pathway for the regulation and governance of health research'.

The report proposes five key principles that should underpin the regulation and governance framework around health research in the UK, and makes recommendations to:

1. Create a new Health Research Agency (HRA) to rationalise the regulation and governance of all health research.
2. Include within the HRA a new National Research Governance Service to facilitate timely approval of research studies by NHS Trusts.
3. Improve the UK environment for clinical trials
4. Provide access to patient data that protects individual interests and allows approved research to proceed effectively.
5. Embed a culture that values research within the NHS.

Feasibility studies for responsible development of nanoscale technologies

The Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have jointly allocated up to £400,000 to stimulate business led innovation with technologies that can address the potential environmental, health and safety (EHS) aspects of development of nanoscale technologies.

Revised process for handling amendments to NIHR CSP studies

The process for handling amendments for studies that have gained approval through the National Institute for Health Research Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (NIHR CSP) has been revised

European Union Innovation Strategy

The European Union has published its innovation strategy "innovation Union"

Musculoskeletal Ageing Centre

Arthritis Research UK and the MRC propose to establish a Collaborative Centre in Musculoskeletal Ageing which will become an international centre of excellence in research into the causes and mechanisms of musculoskeletal ageing, aiming at development of interventions which enhance musculoskeletal health.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

RDFunding Network

RDFunding now has its own network available on Linkedin. Why not join to keep up to date with news, funding as well as discussing topics.

Department of Health - Spending Review 2010

In line with the Government’s commitment to protect health spending, overall NHS spending will increase by 0.4% in real terms over the course of the Spending Review period. This includes a 1.3% increase in the resource budget, and a 17% decrease in capital spending. The administration budget will be reduced by 33%, and reinvested to support the delivery of NHS services.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Comprehensive Spending Review

The Government announced the outcome of the Spending Review on 20 October 2010 http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_completereport.pdf

The Department of Health, through the NIHR and the DH Policy Research Programme, will increase spending on health research in real-terms over the spending review period.

From this, additional funding will be made available so NIHR can lead the way in pulling basic scientific advances through into benefits for patients and the economy.

The Government also announced that, to complement this increase in health research funding through NIHR, the budget for the Medical Research Council will be maintained in real terms.

Finally, it was announced that the Department of Health, through NIHR, will provide £220 million of capital funding for the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI).

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Director General for R&D at the Department of Health said:“This is a great settlement. The Government has again confirmed its support for health research in the strongest way possible - by increasing the budget for NIHR above and beyond the rate of inflation for the next four years. This is an explicit recognition of the key role played by health research in driving improvements in the health of the population and in the economic growth of our country. It is also a ringing endorsement of the place that NIHR now occupies in the landscape of the UK - thanks to the hard work of all of you. Now we look forward to the challenge of pulling through basic science into benefits for patients.”

Monday, October 04, 2010

MRC Board and Panel Vacancies

The MRC are seeking to fill 44 vacancies on thier Boards and panels.

Foundation of Nursing Studies

Foundation of Nursing Studies has launched its brand-new virtual Centre for Nursing Innovation.

Thursday, September 02, 2010

News 2/9/10

* The NIHR Annual Report is available from www.nihr.ac.uk


* The NIHR Portfolio is publicly available from the CRN CC website

* NRES Consultation on revisions of SOPs and Extranet Update: http://bit.ly/bUKgsd

* European Commission Consultation on Pharmacovigilance Requirements: http://bit.ly/cLghRp

* Academy of Medical Sciences review second call for evidence: http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/p47prid80.html

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

News 18/05/2010 (2)

**National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Central Commissioning Facility (CCF)**

Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme

Please note that Registration of Intention to Submit is no longer required for applications from Competition 13 onwards.

Next Submission Deadline is 24th September 2010.

News 18/05/2010

New guide to help health professionals involve patients in the research process

The Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College London has launched a new guide to help researchers involve users in the research process. The guide explains how users can help at each stage of the research process, what issues to consider, and how researchers can involve users.

http://bit.ly/aBktLR

Monday, May 10, 2010

GMC guidance for doctors on research

GMC guidance for doctors on research

The GMC has issued two documents Good Practice in research and Consent to research describing the good practice principles that doctors are expected to understand and follow if they are involved in research. They replace the current guidance booklet, Research: the roles and responsibilities of doctors (2002). The guidance came into effect on 4 May 2010.

http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/news_consultation/6686.asp

Questionnaire on e-health records research

Questionnaire on e-health records research

To exploit the UK's position as a world leader in health informatics, the UK Health Departments are developing infrastructures to link electronic health data for research purposes e.g. the Health Research Support Service (HRSS) being developed by the NIHR Research Capability Programme (RCP), the Welsh Secure Annonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) system and the Scottish Health Information System (SHIP).

The major UK research funders wish to realise the research opportunities offered by these infrastructure developments and are carrying out a mapping exercise that will review the current capacity in the UK e-health records research. If you're working in e-health records related research or wish to work in e-health related research, you can participate in a questionnaire that can be accessed via the link www.mrc.ac.uk/ehealthquestionnaire .

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

News 5/5/10

Industry Costing Programme launches new templates

Two new templates have been launched this month, alongside the Industry Costing Template, following a year of successful consultation and collaboration between Industry, the NHS and the NIHR Clinical Research Networks to deliver a costing framework for these important sectors of the health research system. The new templates are:

* Medical Technology Costing Template
* Primary Care Costing Template

http://www.ukcrn.org.uk/index/news/newsItems/news00164.html

News 5/5/10

Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

Clinical Senior Lectureship Awards

The objective of the awards is to develop high-quality capacity and secure long-term sustainability and enhanced outcomes in research and teaching at senior lecturer level.

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListGrantDetails.asp?GrantID=8866


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

CAT Clinical Lectureship Awards

The posts are intended to support postdoctoral level research training combined with the continuing development of clinical expertise. The balance of clinical and academic commitments will normally be 50:50.

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListGrantDetails.asp?GrantID=14187

Monday, April 19, 2010

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

National Institute for Health Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC)

Research into Promising Innovations in Healthcare Delivery in the NHS. The Call opens on Thursday, 15th April 2010. Applicants should submit outline proposals via the SDO website by 1pm on Thursday 10th June 2010.

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListGrantDetails.asp?GrantID=15470

Trauma research in a military or civilian context. The cut-off date is 1pm on 1 July 2010.

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListGrantDetails.asp?GrantID=15453

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**New RDFunding Facilities**

We now have a tailored newsletters for funding opportunities available from the National Institute for Health Research and Professional Bodies, just follow the links below and click on "Newsletter Format":

The NIHR funding opportunities

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListCharities.asp?category=9

Professional Bodies

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListCharities.asp?category=1

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

News 23/03/2010

** National Institute for Health Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC)**

Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme

The submission deadline for consideration in the next round is Monday 12th July 2010 (before 1pm).

http://www.rdfunding.org.uk/Queries/ListGrantDetails.asp?GrantID=12453

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

NIHR RDInfo Exhibits

NIHR RDInfo will be exhibiting at the following events :

Optometry Tomorrow 2010 - York Racecourse - 18th-19th April 2010
NHS R&D Forum Annual Conference - Salford - 24th-25th May 2010

Why not come along and meet some of our team!

NIHR Research Capability Programme

** The NIHR Research Capability Programme has produced it's first Health Research Support Service newsletter, find out the latest news about this exciting new service**

http://www.nihr.ac.uk/systems/Pages/systems_research_capability_programme.aspx