Research grants
Research Strategy
Meningitis UK's current research strategy focuses on funding excellent-quality, innovative, high-risk research with the ultimate aim of eradicating all forms of meningitis (including meningococcal, pneumococcal and streptococcal group B infections) and associated diseases. Applications are open to established research groups based exclusively in the UK with a track record in vaccine related studies and other preventative strategies.
Download our Current Research Strategy (116K)
Research Grant Awards 2012
Applications are now being accepted for the Research Grant Awards 2012. Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 17th August 2012, along with a signed Code of Conduct.
Research Grant Application Form (236K)
Code of Conduct (114K)
Term & Conditions (170K)
Policy on the Use of Animals in Research (100K)
Applications will be screened for compatibility with Meningitis UK’s Research Strategy. Full guidance is detailed in the application form but, in general terms, applications should be:
- Focused on the prevention (vaccine-realted and other preventative strategies) of meningitis and associated diseases (including meningococcal, pneumococcal and group B streptococcal infections) and;
- Based in, and of benefit to, the UK
If compatible, the application will then be externally reviewed. The principal applicant will be given opportunity to respond to the external reviews prior to the Scientific Medical Advisory Panel meeting in December 2012, in which recommendations for funding will be made to the charity’s Board of Trustees. Award decisions will be announced late December 2012.
NIHR Partnership Status
Meningitis UK has been awarded the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Partnership Status. As a funder that has been awarded NIHR partnership status, research teams we fund will be eligible for NHS support costs.
Association of Medical Research Charities' (AMRC)
Certificate of Best Practice
In 2006, Meningitis UK was awarded a ‘Certificate of Best Practice' by the AMRC's Medical and Health Research Peer Review reflecting our achievements in establishing a stringent and transparent review process. Meningitis UK's Scientific Medical Advisory Panel (SMAP) and independent referees evaluate all grant award applications and make the appropriate recommendations for funding to the board of Trustees based on scientific merit.
Peer Review Audit
Peer review is at the heart of excellent medical research. Every five years, the AMRC audit member's peer review processes to ensure that the principles of accountability, balance, independance, rotation and impartiality are upheld. In 2011, Meningitis UK's Peer Review process was successfully audited, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of accountability and probity in the allocation of grants and awards for research to donors, funders, the government and researchers.
Policy on the Use of Animals in Research
Meningitis UK will only fund research involving live animal experiments when the research is essential to the outcome of the study, there is no alternative method of obtaining the data, and when the pain and distress to animals is minimised. Click here to read our full Policy on the Use of Animals in Research (110K).
For further information about Meningitis UK's Scientific Medical Advisory Panel (SMAP), Research Programme and Peer Review Process, please visit Meningitis UK's research overview page, or contact Meningitis UK's Research & Information Officer, Catherine Fougere-Masters on 0117 303 33 48 or email catherine@meningitisuk.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774