Funding awards to pump-prime high-quality studies and provide pilot, proof of concept or de-risking for external funding applications
The third round of small project funding with the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre is now live.
The aim of this call is to provide support for proof-of-concept studies to strengthen external grant applications or to help leverage a successful outcome of ongoing research.
The proposal should be aligned with the strategic objectives of the theme within you are applying.
The proposal should have a strong translational potential.
If the work proposed is depending on regulatory and/or ethics approval, this needs to be in place at the time of submitting the application.
A maximum of up to £25,000 can be applied for.
The duration of the project cannot extend beyond 12 months and will have a start date of 1 April 2026.
We encourage applications from any members of the BRC not being PhD students or postdocs.
The lead applicant must be employed by the University of Exeter and/or one of our NHS Partner Trusts, hold a contract of employment for the full duration of the award and be a member of the NIHR Exeter BRC.
**We define NIHR Exeter BRC members as individuals whose research aligns with our aims and objectives.**
Postgraduate students may be named as co-applicants; however, they are not eligible to act as the lead. Individuals from other institutions, companies or equivalent can be named as co-applicants. You can list up to two co-applicants.
Applications opened on 19 September 2025 and will close at midnight on 9 November 2025.
Theme leads will review applications and make recommendations to a final selection panel between 10 November and 5 December 2025.
Outcomes will be disseminated between 8 and 12 December 2025.
Awards will be organised and set up to start on 1 April 2026 for a duration of up to 12 months.
Please read the guidance document below for further information and the process for applying:
NIHR Exeter BRC Translational and Strategic Projects Guidance Autumn 2025.
We will be accepting applications up until midnight, Sunday 9 November 2025.
Download the application form here:
NIHR Exeter BRC Small Project Grant Application Form
Applications should be submitted via email to NIHRExeterBRC@exeter.ac.uk by the deadline.
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