Applying 2013

Proposals falling within our research strategy, dealing with prevention of all forms of meningitis and associated infections, improving treatment and outlook for patients, and improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis will be considered.

However, this year, two priority topics have been highlighted. Our Scientific Advisory Panel and Trustees are particularly interested in well-constructed proposals in the following areas:

• Research pertinent to MenB prevention, in particular, research to evaluate implementation of a MenB vaccine
• The burden of GBS/neonatal meningitis including research that could contribute to the design of control policies

Timetable

The deadline for preliminary proposals is Monday 25th March 2013. Proposals will then be considered by our Scientific Advisory Panel and applicants will be notified of whether they are invited to submit a full application within the first week of April. Full applications will then be due by Monday 13th May. We will inform applicants of the outcome of full applications in July 2013.

Application Procedure

1. Preliminary Proposal

Using the preliminary proposal form summarising the work you plan to do, the approximate amount of funding required and the duration of the project. This must include approximately ten lines explaining:

• how the work described falls within the Foundation’s research strategy and its particular relevance to the priority topics chosen for this research grant round
• potential for clinical / public health benefit arising from this study
• why you have chosen to apply to the Foundation for funding for this particular project.

The Foundation will decide whether to request a full application based on this submission according to whether it conforms to the charity’s objectives and research strategy with particular relevance to this year’s priority topics, its feasibility and whether there is overlap with work already in progress.

2. Full Application

If your preliminary proposal is acceptable, we will send (by e-mail):

• Application Form
• Guidance for Applicants 
• Terms and Conditions of Grant Aid (for information only)
• Policy on the Use of Animals in Research
• Code of Conduct

The application form should be completed with reference to the other documents. The Foundation’s willingness to consider an application does not imply that support will be forthcoming.

Feedback

When we write to applicants to let them know the outcome of their applications, we provide anonymous versions of referees’ comments, and may also summarise the conclusion reached by the Panel. The identity of referees is never revealed to applicants.

Please note that applicants should not, under any circumstances, directly approach members of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Panel in connection with their (or another’s) research application.

The Foundation’s decisions are final and no subsequent correspondence will be entered into. Applications that are rejected will not be reconsidered unless resubmission is specifically permitted.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please email to gillianc@meningitis.org or lindag@meningitis.org.