Early-career researchers in Scotland
We principally fund applications for high-quality, innovative research projects from early-career researchers who are seeking to establish themselves in Scotland as independent research team leaders.
Scotland-wide support
We have always funded research in Scotland's universities, recognised research institutions and NHS teaching hospitals. The graph shows the Scotland-wide distribution of our research awards over the past 50 years.
Rigorous selection processes
Decisions on all funding applications are made following international peer review, subsequent review by all the scientific & medical Members (acting separately) and then following consideration and discussion in committee by all the Members of Medical Research Scotland. The number of awards made at any time is at the discretion of the Members, subject to the available funds and in light of the outcome of the external peer review processes.
The numbers of applications received and grants which were awarded during the past five years are shown in the table below.
| Financial Year | Applications | Grants | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-10 | 39 | 8 | 20% |
| 2008-09 | 49 | 7 | 14% |
| 2007-08 | 50 | 7 | 14% |
| 2006-07 | 53 | 8 | 15% |
| 2005-06 | 35 | 6 | 17% |
Closing Dates
As a general rule, there are two funding rounds each year (spring and autumn) for Research Project Grants, one for Vacation Scholarships (spring) and, following invitation only, one (spring) for the Scottish Senior Clinical Research Fellowship Support Grants.
- Research Project Grants: September 17, 2010
- Vacation Scholarships: January 28, 2011
- SSCRF Support Grants (following invitation only): February 11, 2011
