The University has a fund which provides support for large bids. You can find further information on the Large Bid Fund and guidance how to apply here:
https://www.research-strategy.admin.cam.ac.uk/research-funding/support-large-bid-preparation
The team in the Research Strategy Ofiice can assist you, as we are aware the application process can be time consuming. The RSO can offer support with facilitation, coordination and input into large complex bids, particularly to promote cross-disciplinary grant applications.
Please get in touch if you are interested and we can help.
Restricted call: NIHR Challenge – Maternity Inequalities (internal deadline 22nd April 2024)
The National Institute for Health and Care Research has announced the NIHR Challenge on Maternity Inequalities.
The first ever NIHR Challenge funding call focusses on finding new ways to tackle maternity disparities, with funding of up to £50m available to support the consortium over five years (this will be split across research and capacity building, however the specific split will be agreed as part of the stage 2 process). The aim is to increase the evidence base to address maternity inequalities, facilitating a multidisciplinary whole systems approach to address uncertainties across research, innovation and implementation. Research is needed to identify, assess and evaluate how all interventions across all parts of the health and care system (including initiatives in community and voluntary services, social care, public health, primary and secondary care, discovery science and AI) can work effectively to reduce the impact of maternity inequalities and lead to better outcomes.
The stage 1 process will invite organisations to apply to join the consortium. Successful organisations will come together at stage 2 to develop the work programme including large scale ambitious projects which lead to a step change and measurable improvement in maternity inequalities.
Applications must be led by a university, and while organisations are eligible to apply as a single organisation they are strongly encouraged to apply as a small collaboration with other organisations (approximately 2-4 members in total) which could include a mixture of: less established organisations, industry, practice, community, local authority, charity, and third sector, especially involving organisations where the need is greatest and where populations have been historically under-served. For more information, please see the eligibility section on the applicant guidance page.
University Internal selection:
Institutions can only submit one application. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure.
To take part in the internal selection, please complete our online form by 22nd April 2024. Please note, NB: if asked to log-in, please use your crsid/Raven details. The Form cannot be saved and returned to.
You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:
- PI name, Department and email.
- Letter of support from the Head of Department/Faculty/Institute confirming their support for the project and that the respective Department is happy to host it.
- Proposal summary (max 800 words):
- Provide brief overview of existing research activity relevant to tackling maternity inequalities and evidence of impact had on policy and practice relevant to maternity inequalities.
- Include details on the research team and evidence that they are at the forefront of their field and how they will include and develop emerging research leaders. Outline the proposed approach to capacity building and support for attracting, developing and supporting individuals in their research and career development.
- Provide evidence of how collaborations and strategic partnerships have been developed and outline approach to patient, public and community involvement and engagement, and research inclusion.
Internal Assessment Criteria:
Please note that the assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:
- Range and quality of research and its existing and potential impact.
- Team track record and capability to deliver.
- Approach to external partnerships and engagement, including patient, public and community involvement.
Funder deadline: 1pm on 22nd May 2024.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.