Summary of key points

Medical Research Scotland is one of the largest and most comprehensive medical research charities in Scotland, providing funds in support of research from the income received from its endowment funds.

WHY it supports research
Medical Research Scotland aims to improve health standards by funding research of the highest quality into the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all forms of illness and genetic disorders, and into the advancement of medical technology.

WHAT type of research it will support
Medical Research Scotland is committed to supporting only the highest-quality research, as judged by international peer review. It is comprehensive in its support of clinical and laboratory-based medical research and is not focused on research into any one disease or disorder.

WHO it will support and WHERE
Medical Research Scotland is committed to making a difference to people in the early stages of their research careers. Its support is not restricted to any one disease or condition, so applications are welcome from early career researchers in any of the clinical, biomedical, physical or engineering sciences related to medicine, including from those in the nursing, midwifery & allied health professions. (Applicants from the physical sciences should have a co-applicant with expertise in the biomedical sciences.) Funding, therefore, is normally directed to those who are under 35 years of age and whose research proposals are judged by international peer review to be of the highest quality. It will only support research carried out in Scotland in universities, recognised research institutions or NHS teaching hospitals. Applicants may, at the time of their application, be based anywhere in the world, but they will only be supported if their research will be carried out largely in Scotland and hosted by a recognised research organisation in Scotland.

HOW it funds research, WHEN it makes funding available and for HOW LONG
Medical Research Scotland principally offers Research Project Grants and the number awards made in any one year is at the discretion of the Members. They may be of up to three years' duration and currently to a maximum value of £150,000 and are for defined research projects proposed by eligible individuals. They are awarded twice-yearly and involve a two-stage, online application process. The number of grants awarded is variable.

The future of research support from Medical Research Scotland
The Members of Medical Research Scotland intend to:

• continue to provide support for research into the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all forms of illness and genetic disorders, and into the advancement of medical technology;
• maintain their commitment to only supporting the highest-quality research as judged by rigorous international peer review;
• maintain their commitment to making a difference to younger researchers by providing support at a level which enables them to take the first steps towards independent research careers;
• keep under review the appropriateness and adequacy of the awards offered to ensure the most effective use of the funds available to them and in light of the continually changing medical, educational and research scene in Scotland, seeking advice from expert individuals and bodies outwith the Membership where appropriate;
• augment the funds available to enable the continued support and maintenance of the outstanding contribution of Scottish medical research to healthcare throughout the world;
• promote the contribution that Medical Research Scotland makes to better health care, both as a means to increase donations and also to further encourage research-minded young scientists working in Scotland.