Launchpad Grants in Eating Disorders

The Medical Research Foundation invites early- and mid-career researchers in the field of eating disorders to apply for grants of up to £100,000 to support their research.

Funded research should strengthen our understanding of how eating disorders develop, and identify prevention, early detection and diagnosis pathways, as well as effective treatment options. Applicants for the Launchpad Grants in Eating Disorders can use the funding to conduct pilot studies, generate data and collaborations, and develop competitive research proposals for larger funding opportunities.

Proposals are particularly encouraged from researchers seeking to develop multidisciplinary partnerships with experts in other fields, expanding their research networks and building their profiles.

The research we fund is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. This competition is supported by a donation from the estate of the late Mrs Catherine Mary Evans and many other contributors.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may apply for up to £100,000 to support their research, over a maximum of a 2-year period (pro-rata for part-time positions).

There will be up to £500,000 available in this competition.

Who can apply?

This competition is open to all UK-based researchers and clinical academics at eligible institutions (UK HEIs, Research Council research institutes, hospitals, and other independent research organisations).

Applicants must hold a PhD, DPhil, MD or doctorate in a relevant area and be conducting their research at an eligible institution. Partnerships outside of academia are allowed, providing the collaboration will advance the research project in line with the aims of the funding call. Clinical academics and applicants with clinical duties are encouraged to apply.

This competition is for early- and mid-career researchers. Early-career researchers are those immediately post-doctorate, or with some postdoctoral experience, but have not begun to transition to research independence or lead their own team. Mid-career researchers are those with extensive postdoctoral experience and in the process of, ready for, or have recently transitioned to research independence.

What support does the Foundation offer?

As well as funding innovative research projects, the Foundation is committed to supporting its researchers' career progression by providing access to further funding opportunities only open to MRC and Foundation funded researchers.

Timeline

• Deadline for submission: 12:00 5 December 2024
• Rebuttal invite: February 2025
• Funding decision: March 2025
• Feedback on funding decision: March/April 2025

How to apply

Applicants should apply using our online grants management system.

Please see here for Guidance for Applicants.

Applicants must use our Resume for Researchers template in their application.

Queries

The Medical Research Foundation is committed to making this application accessible to all by offering assistance where needed.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Research Team if you have any questions or concerns:

Email: research@medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk

Tel: 0204 581 2435

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.

Expert Review Panel

The applications will be reviewed by a Panel with experience in research areas relevant to eating disorders.