Pre-Application Support Fund

Open for applications – apply by Monday 27 January 2025

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) has been awarded additional Pre-Application Support block funding from NIHR. This funding is now available to support healthcare professionals at all career stages who need additional assistance in preparing competitive and successful applications for future NIHR career development fellowships or research grants. Please note that the availability of this funding is subject to confirmation of availability of NIHR funds.

The aim of this funding is to provide enhanced opportunities to those who may not otherwise have sufficient support to apply for NIHR career development funding. We encourage applications from healthcare professionals from all backgrounds and communities to promote diversity and inclusivity in the research field. The availability of this funding is contingent on receipt of this money from NIHR and may be subject to change.

Priority will be given to:

• Applicants seeking to apply for NIHR fellowships or research grants, including:
  • Pre-doctoral Fellowships
  • Development and Skills Enhancement (DSE) Award
  • Pre-doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (PCAF)
  • In-practice Fellowship
  • Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award
  • Pre-doctoral Local Authority Fellowship Scheme (PLAF)
• Individuals who can clearly demonstrate the need for additional support and how this funding will strengthen their planned application to an NIHR career development scheme.

What the funding can be used for:

•  Salary contribution up to £10,000: To allow time for the preparation of an application.
• Training and development: Relevant training, mentorship or supervisory costs directly related to developing your application.
• Additional support: For instance, costs associated with Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE).

Please note if successful, you will be required to submit your competitive application to NIHR for the career development fellowship or research grant supported by this funding by December 2027.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the Pre-Application Support Fund Application Form and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Form linked below, outlining your clinical-academic experience and detailing how you intend to use the funding to support your career ambitions. Applicants must also outline their supervision plans and include approval from their line manager.

• Application Form
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Form

If you are currently applying to another NIHR career development scheme, please state this within your application.

Please note, the awards are competitive and will be reviewed by a panel.

Key dates:

• Submission deadline: Monday 27 January.
• Outcome announcement: Thursday 6 February.
• Awards start by March 2025.

For an informal discussion or to submit your application, please contact Lisa Murray, BRC Education and Training Manager at lisa.murray@mft.nhs.uk

*Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust