Learn how to apply for a single stage full application to support research from aetiology to implementation science
The funding programme invites proposals that align with the organisation’s research strategy, covering the full spectrum from fundamental discovery to practical service improvements. Applicants are encouraged to propose work in areas such as underpinning research and aetiology, while also considering investigations that address health service research and implementation science.
This open round is designed to be inclusive in subject matter, so teams working on laboratory studies, population analyses, or pragmatic evaluations can all consider applying.
Alongside this broad call, there is a concurrent targeted invitation for projects focused on rare, hereditary and paediatric kidney disease.
Proposals that engage with the specific challenges outlined in the Collectively Common report are particularly welcome, and applicants should reference that document where relevant. The targeted route runs to the same deadlines as the main open round, so researchers can decide whether to submit to the general call, the targeted call, or both where permitted.
Scope and priorities
Applicants should match their work to the defined priorities and explain the anticipated contribution to patient outcomes, service delivery or scientific understanding. Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate clear links to the research strategy and show feasible plans for translation into practice. Projects may range from mechanistic studies exploring aetiology through to trials and evaluations of new models of care under the umbrella of health service research.
Targeted themes and expectations
For the targeted component, proposers should outline how their research responds to gaps identified for rare, hereditary and paediatric kidney disease, and describe engagement with affected communities or clinical networks. The funders will give weight to work that addresses challenges highlighted in the Collectively Common report, demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration, and includes patient-centred outcomes. Clear plans for data sharing, governance and ethical oversight should be included where appropriate.
Application format and submission
All entries to this round must be submitted as a single stage full application, meaning that applicants will provide a complete proposal at the initial submission rather than a preliminary outline followed by a full proposal at a later stage. Teams should therefore prepare detailed methods, timelines, budgets and risk management plans and articulate how their project aligns with strategic aims. The requirement for a single comprehensive submission expects applicants to be thorough and to include plans for dissemination and impact.
What to include in your proposal
Proposals should contain a robust description of the study design, scrutiny of feasibility and an explicit budget justification for the requested support. The funders have increased the maximum award to £300,000 for projects awarded over a three-year period, so budget narratives should reflect realistic resourcing across that timeframe. Applicants should also detail team roles, governance arrangements, and how progress will be monitored to ensure delivery of stated objectives.
Assessment and next steps
Applications will be evaluated against scientific quality, relevance to the research strategy, potential for impact, and value for money. Those preparing submissions are encouraged to consult available guidance, involve multidisciplinary expertise where necessary, and ensure that proposals addressing rare, hereditary and paediatric kidney disease make explicit connections to the Collectively Common report. Because the targeted call and main open round follow the same timetable, applicants should plan submission logistics carefully to meet the single-stage requirements.
