Eating Disorders Research Changing Policy and Practice Award

The Medical Research Foundation is inviting applications from researchers in the field of eating disorders for this round of the Changing Policy and Practice Award. This scheme is designed to support the dissemination of research findings beyond the scientific peer reviewed press, maximising the impact of medical research by taking results directly to patients, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers

Eating disorders are highly impactful, with an increasing incidence and significant burden. They can have long-term effects and are associated with high mortality rates, particularly compared to other mental health conditions. This highlights the importance of delivering research insights directly to policymakers and healthcare practitioners.

The scheme is designed to support researchers in disseminating specific findings to targeted audiences, aiming to inform and influence healthcare policy or practice, or to change patient and public behaviour and opinion. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include plans for involving people with lived experience and other relevant stakeholders within their proposal.

Applications can focus on any specific target group.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may apply for up to £30,000 over a flexible time period, typically across one year.

Who can apply?

This competition is open to grant and fellowship holders based at eligible institutions (UK HEIs, Research Council research institutes, hospitals, and other independent research organisations).

The specific research finding forming the basis of the dissemination work must have been published in a peer reviewed journal prior to applying to the scheme and should have been funded by a UK-based funding agency, organisation or charity. The funding supporting the research should be acknowledged in the publication. The grant should have been reviewed in line with the processes set out by the Association of Medical Research Charities’ Principles of Expert Review. Applicants with queries about the eligibility of their research funding should contact the Medical Research Foundation Team before applying.

To be eligible for funding the applicant should be listed as either the PI or as a Co-investigator on the original grant. Funding supporting the research should be within one-year prior to the grant finishing or within two years after the grant has finished. This time restriction may be reconsidered in exceptional circumstances i.e. for large scale clinical trials which take longer to publish their findings. Applicants must hold a PhD, DPhil or MD.

To assess eligibility, applicants are required to complete an Expression of Interest form. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to submit a full application.

Timeline

• • Deadline for Expression of Interest: 12:00 Tuesday 10 December 2024
  • Deadline for Full Application submission: 12:00 Tuesday 11 February 2025
  • Funding decision: March 2025

How to Apply

Applicants should apply online using our online grants management system.

Please see here for Guidance for Applicants: Expression of Interest.

If invited to submit a full application, applicants will be required to submit a Résumé for Researchers CV.

Queries

Any queries on the competition, the application process or eligibility should be sent to research@medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk, or you can alternatively contact the Research Team by phone (020 7395 2420).

Terms and Conditions of Award

Awards funded through this competition will follow standard Medical Research Foundation terms and conditions. The terms and conditions spell out the responsibilities of the Principal Investigator and the Lead Research Organisation. The Principal Investigator and the Lead Research Organisation are required to indicate their formal acceptance of the proposal, their acceptance of the terms and conditions of an award, and the approval of the salaries and resources sought in the application.

The Medical Research Foundation may add additional conditions to a grant award to reflect the particular circumstances and requirements of the funding, or the nature of a particular award. Acceptance of an award constitutes acceptance of both the core conditions and any additional conditions. The Medical Research Foundation reserves the right to vary these terms and conditions.