Research Grants - frequently asked questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about applying for research grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

How much does the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign spend on research per year?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign spends approximately £1.3million on new and existing grants per year.

What is the remit of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign?

The remit of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign grants programme is "To increase understanding of muscular dystrophy and allied disorders and to support research and evaluation of potential management and treatment strategies".

The following points should be considered when submitting both an outline proposal and full application:

• It is important for applicants to view their research strategically and provide a formal paragraph on how this proposed research fits with the charity’s mission statement.
• Applicants proposing basic research projects should make clear their clinical links and explain how they envisage that their work will be exploited and translated.
• Collaborations are favourably viewed, especially between researchers and clinicians, but also with companies.
• The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign supports research into over 60 different forms of muscular dystrophy and allied disorders. A full listing of these conditions appears here: Neuromuscular conditions covered by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and applications in any of these areas are welcomed.
• In the development of diagnostic tools, there must be clear evidence of the exploitation route. It would also be helpful to discuss the possibility of further development with the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) whose aim is to help patients by improving access to uncommon services.
• Research to develop animal models must demonstrate a clear route to a therapeutic application.
• The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will favourably view research that realistically brings us closer to identification of treatments.

How many grants are awarded each year?

There is only one application round per year. The number of grants funded each year varies, depending on the amount of free monies available for the year and on the cost of the grants being considered. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign endeavours to fund as many projects as possible in order to maximise the potential of the grant portfolio.

How are grants selected for funding?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign employs a strict international peer review system to ensure that the research it funds is of the highest quality. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign also utilises an expert committee (the Medical Research Committee) that sits annually each Spring. At the meeting, each member grades applications and the average score for each application is calculated. The highest ranking applications are funded within the limits of the available budget.

What types of grants are available?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign funds both laboratory and clinical research. These grants are awarded for projects up to 3 years, although in exceptional circumstances this may be extended.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will be awarding a PhD studentship in 2008 to start in 2009. This will cover the fees, stipend (at MRC rates) and consumables for a student for up to 4 years. The Studentships should be applied for by Principal Investigators.

Who can apply for an Muscular Dystrophy Campaign grant?

Funding is available for those undertaking research in all disciplines relating to conditions which fall within the remit of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (See Neuromuscular conditions covered by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign).

Applicants must hold a contract which extends beyond the duration of the proposed grant period at an Institution approved by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

What is the application procedure?

The application process begins with the submission of a one/two page outline in October. These are then triaged by the Medical Research Committee, and those applicants who are successful are invited to complete a full application form. The deadline for these is usually the middle to end of January. The applications are then sent to experts world-wide for peer-review and finally considered by the committee in the Spring.

Does the initial outline have a standard format?

The outline should be 2 sides of A4 and must include the following information:

• Name and contact details of Principal Investigator
• Title of proposed project
• A brief introduction to the proposed research including some background
• A paragraph explaining how this proposed research fits with the charity’s research strategy
• A rough estimate of the proposed project costs

Does the applicant receive feedback about the peer-review?

Once the applications have been sent out for peer-review, the referee reports are sent to the applicant for comment. The applicant has two weeks to respond, and the response is considered at the committee meeting along with the reviewer comments and the full application.

When is it known whether an application has been successful?

The results are made available in June/July for funding to commence the following October.

Why is funding awarded on an annual basis?

If the total project is approved in principle, the initial sum awarded will relate to the first year only. Approval of funding for the second and third years of the project will be subject to provision of a satisfactory annual report from the grant holder submitted to the Spring meeting of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Research Committee and the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s financial resources.

What expenses does a Muscular Dystrophy Campaign grant cover?

Funding does not cover the salary of the principal applicant, but grants support the salary of staff working under the principal investigator, equipment and consumables.

Does the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign pay for travel to conferences?

Due to limited funding, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign does not provide funding for travel to and attendance at conferences.

Does the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign pay for maternity cover and sick leave?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign does not pay for maternity leave or sick pay. This is the responsibility of the employing institution.

What happens if the grant does not start on the correct date?

It is important that the Head of Research at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is consulted with regards to changes in the start date of the grant. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case by basis.

Is it possible to get a grant extension?

Requests for extensions to a grant must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research. On occasion these are granted, but only if the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign will not incur any additional expense, other than those outlined in the original grant award letters.

Can unused funds be carried over into another year?

Generally funds which are not used in one financial year cannot be carried over. Likewise, monies which have been awarded for a purpose cannot be transferred and used for something else e.g. money available for salary cannot be used for consumables.

How is the grant progress monitored?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign requires that an annual report be submitted by each grantee.

What happens when the grant ends?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign requires that an End of Project report be submitted within three months of termination of the grant. This is specified within the Terms and Conditions of the grant and thus non-compliance may result in payment being withheld. This may also affect the Principal Investigators chances of obtaining another grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Is it possible for one individual to hold more that one Muscular Dystrophy Campaign grant?

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign does not limit the number of grants held by any individual.

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