Transfer of research


Interim guidance for applicants

As we work towards the new funding arrangements, investigators and applicants need to follow the guidance below for applications during the transition period. If you have already submitted a proposal to the MRC, a joined up process will carry you through the transition to the NIHR.

Proposals already submitted to the MRC under the existing arrangements


Outline proposals already submitted under existing arrangements

For applicants who have already submitted an outline application to the MRC, these will be considered by a joint board comprising members nominated by both the NIHR and the MRC.

Shortlisted outlines will be invited to submit full proposals which will be considered by the relevant commissioning board in mid-late 2008, with decisions communicated to applicants within approximately three weeks of the meeting.

Submitting an invited full proposal under existing arrangements

The last deadline for the submission of invited full proposals under the existing arrangements is 6 February 2008, with assessment in July 2008. Visit the MRC website for guidance about how to submit an invited full proposal up to this date.

After 12 December all new applications for clinical trials should be submitted to the appropriate NIHR programme.

HTA programme

Arrangements for submission to the HTA programme are unchanged.

Proposals submitted to the HTA programme go through the following assessment process:

  • Proposals are assessed by the programme’s expert advisory panels and Prioritisation Strategy Group (PSG). They consider whether the question being asked is important and answers the needs of patients and the NHS.
  • Those outline proposals that are shortlisted by PSG are then assessed by the HTA Clinical Trials Board. This considers the methodological/scientific merits of the proposals and value for money.
  • Applicants with outline proposals which are shortlisted by the Board will then be invited to submit full proposals for a later meeting of the Board.

Lead times are approximate:

  • The HTA Clinical Trials Board currently meets twice a year and the frequency may increase.
  • Although submissions are welcomed at any time, two deadlines are set annually so that proposals submitted can be taken through the HTA programme’s process in order, in time for one of the HTA Clinical Trials Board dates.
  • On average the current time between submission deadline and consideration of an outline proposal by a Board is five months.
  • Currently, if a proposal is shortlisted, a full proposal is submitted to the next Board.
  • In each instance, Board decisions are communicated to applicants approximately three weeks after the Board meeting.

EME programme

The EME programme will mainly work in responsive mode, taking applications from the research community and assessing them at regular intervals, although it may also fund proactively in particular areas of importance. The finer operational details of the EME programme are under discussion and full details of how to apply for funding will be available from January 2008 via the NIHR website.

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