Secure Translational Funding
The Translational Research Office (TRO) manage a number of devolved funding streams targeting early stage proof-of-concept projects and have extensive knowledge of the UK translational funding landscape. We can help source the most appropriate funding scheme for projects and ensure that the most compelling cases for support are generated. Securing funding enables projects to progress along the translational path, de-risking future investment.
Key Activities
The TRO administrate translational proof-of-concept funding through the Medical and Life Sciences Translation Fund (MLSTF). The fund is open to all University of Oxford researchers and provides consolidated internal proof of concept funding for translational medical and life sciences projects. The next call will open in Spring 2023.
The TRO also identify the most appropriate external grant funding source for a project. A few of the translational research funding schemes available to researchers are:
- BBSRC ICURe Explore Programme: Up to £25k to ‘get out of the lab’ and validate commercially promising ideas in the marketplace, over 12–14 week period. Deadline: 9 January 2023
- Rosetrees Trust Project Grant: Intermediate project funds of up to £90k over three years. Major project funds of £200k over three years. Unmet clinical needs in the areas of mental health, arthritis, pain, sleep and infertility are of particular interest. Deadline: 31 January 2023 (17.00).
- ICURe Explore Programme: Up to £35k to ‘get out of the lab’ and validate commercially promising ideas in the marketplace, over 12–14 week period. Deadline: 1 February 2023.
- MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme: Applications for this round closed – shortlisting date 21 December 2022. Next outline applications open: 6 February 2023, closing date: 22 March 2023 (16.00). If you plan to collaborate with an industrial partner, please check the following guidance: MRC Industry Collaboration Framework (ICF) – UKRI
- NIHR i4i FAST (Funding at the Speed of Translation) Awards Pilot Scheme: One-stage application process. Deadline: 15 February 2023.
- NIHR Invention for Innovation: Product Development Award: Applications for this round now closed – Stage 2 submission deadline: 12 April 2023 (13.00).
- BHF Translational Award: Applications for this round now closed, to be assessed in March 2023. Next deadline for preliminary applications: 21 June 2023.
- BBSCR Follow-on-Fund opportunity: Applications for this round closed – panel meeting 1 March 2023.
- LifeArc Gene Therapy Innovation Fund: Open to applications throughout the year, with deadline for invited full applications in March and August.
- Therapeutic Catalyst - Cancer Research UK: Applications reviewed every two months.
The TRO supports developing robust project plans and compelling applications for funding. Our Translational Research Managers can support grant writing activities, provide project management support and advise on long-term translational research strategies.
The TRO works closely with Oxford University Innovation (OUI), the Medical Sciences Business Partnerships Office (BPO) and University of Oxford's Research Services (RS) to ensure appropriate expertise and advice is sought at key stages in project development.