Apply for an innovation grant
Driving medical breakthroughs to patient benefit
Sparks has created a fund which will be developed over the next five years to support pilot studies and innovative clinical research related to improving outcomes for conditions during pregnancy, birth and early childhood. The priority is to fund research which is likely to have a positive impact in the clinical environment within the shorter term.
Outline applications are currently invited in any of the following five categories:
- Translational research – any clinical research which will take an existing idea or project into a clinical setting – we are particularly keen to ensure that research is translated into genuine clinical application and not hampered by commercial viability/constraints
- Funding for the development of practical healthcare tools which will help diagnose, prevent or treat a clinical condition that affects pregnancy, birth or early childhood
- Pilot studies that will generate required proof of concept for either a full grant application or practical application
- Technology-based funding – funding for research that could lead to technology transfer or commercial applicability within the Charity’s areas of interest
- Novel paediatric medical research with the potential to have global impact – an example would be vaccine development where an existing vaccine may be modified to improve availability to disadvantaged populations
We will pay particular attention to the funding of projects likely to generate novel Intellectual Property including those which may not have widespread commercial interest but may provide a valuable contribution to improving health.
What is the maximum grant available?
It is intended that the majority of grants will be for up to 12 months duration. Sparks will only consider applications for more than 18 months duration in exceptional circumstances. It is expected that these costs will be in line with the annual costs of a traditional project grant.
What can the grant be used to fund?
We will support well justified applications to cover the costs of salaries, consumables or equipment either integral to the project or the design or testing of a prototype. We will not support any institutional overheads.
The Charity’s normal Terms and Conditions of grant award will apply.
Who can apply?
We will consider applications from all researchers, clinicians and allied health professionals – both early career and established posts. However this scheme will not support PhD studentships.
How will applications be judged?
Outline applications will be assessed by lay stakeholders for their contribution to Sparks overall mission and to ensure that they are within the overall spirit of the scheme. Full applications will be assessed by full independent scientific peer review, firstly by independent external referees and then by Sparks Medical Advisory Committee. Applications will also be considered by Sparks Parent Advisory Committee for impact on children.
Application process
Prior to submitting a full application, all applicants are required to complete an outline application form which can be downloaded using the link below.
2012 Grant Round
Sparks is no longer accepting outline applications for our 2012 Innovation and Patient Benefit grant scheme for award in October 2012.
Download Sparks Terms and Conditions of Award
Completed outlines and any queries should be sent to:
Dr Kirti Patel
Medical Research Manager
Email: Kirti@sparks.org.uk
Tel: 020 7091 7750
Fax: 020 7091 7751
Timeline
Outline applications will be accepted from 23 January 2012
The deadline for submission of outlines is 4pm Monday 2 April 2012
Successful outline applications will be sent a full application w/c 30 April 2012
The deadline for receipt of full applications will be 4pm Monday 11 June 2012
Grants will undergo scientific peer review June – October 2012
Grants will be awarded in October 2012
Peer review
All complete applications are assessed by full peer review, firstly by independent external referees and then by Sparks Medical Advisory Committee.
Sparks is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) – a membership organisation of the leading medical and health research charities in the UK. www.amrc.org.uk.
Sparks holds an AMRC Certificate of Best Practice in Medical Research and Health Research Peer Review.*
* This signifies that SPARKS is demonstrating best practice in Medical and Health Research peer review as audited by AMRC in 2011.
