Enter a distinct title for your application, this may be published. If your application is using industry collaboration framework, add 'ICF' before the title. If you are using an international agreement add 'FAPESP', 'FNR' or 'RCN'.

Application title (must be fewer than 150 characters, including spaces)

In plain English, provide a summary we can use to identify the most suitable experts to assess your application.
We usually make this summary publicly available on external-facing websites, therefore do not include any confidential or sensitive information. Make it suitable for a variety of readers, for example:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>opinion-formers</li>
<li>policymakers</li>
<li>the public</li>
<li>the wider research community</li>
</ul>
Guidance for writing a summary
Clearly describe your proposed work in terms of:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>context</li>
<li>the challenge the project addresses</li>
<li>aims and objectives</li>
<li>potential applications and benefits</li>
</ul>

This will be used to help select the most appropriate assessors for your application.

Summary

In the text box, copy the number corresponding to your selected area:
<h3 class="govuk-heading-s">Infections and immunity board</h3>
<ol class="govuk-list govuk-list--number">
<li>bacterial disease and host response to bacterial pathogens</li>
<li>fungal disease and host response to fungal pathogens</li>
<li>parasitic disease and host response to parasitic pathogens</li>
<li>viral disease and host response to viral pathogens</li>
<li>immune disease and immunology</li>
<li>vaccinology</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="govuk-heading-s">Cross-board areas</h3>
50. data science and integration 51. motor neurone disease 52. myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
<h3 class="govuk-heading-s">Additional guidance</h3>
This is for administrative purposes to help with the initial application processing. We will check your choice and make a final decision on which board will lead the assessment of your application.

Select the primary MRC research area your application most closely aligns to.

MRC research area

Explain how your proposed work is a programme and why it needs large-scale long-term funding
Within this section we also expect you to:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>confirm you have completed the mandatory pre-application stage for this funding opportunity</li>
<li>name the MRC programme manager who agreed that this application could be submitted&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Important note: If you are not applying for a programme grant do not continue this application, return to the UKRI funding finder and select 'start application' from the correct funding opportunity for the grant type you need. Applications submitted to the incorrect grant type will be rejected.

Why does your proposed work need programme type funding?

MRC grant type

Explain how your proposed work:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>is of excellent quality and importance within or beyond the field(s) or area(s)</li>
<li>has the potential to advance current understanding, or generate new knowledge, thinking or discovery within or beyond the field or area </li>
<li>is timely given current trends, context, and needs </li>
<li>impacts world-leading research, society, the economy, or the environment</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Within the Vision section we also expect you to:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>identify the potential direct or indirect benefits and who the beneficiaries might be</li>
<li>identify potential improvements in human or population health, whether through contributing to relieving disease or disability burden, improving quality of life or providing benefit to the health service or health-related industry</li>
<li>show how your programme fits within the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/who-we-are/mrc/who-we-are/our-strategy/">MRC strategy</a>&nbsp;and the difference it will make</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Within this section you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>use images sparingly and only to convey important information that cannot easily be put into words</li>
<li>insert each new image onto a new line</li>
<li>provide a descriptive legend for each image immediately underneath it (this counts towards your word limit and must not be included in the image)</li>
<li>files must be smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Your application may be rejected if images are provided without a descriptive legend in the text box, or are used to replace text that could be input into the text box.
References may be included within this section.

What are you hoping to achieve with your proposed work? 

Vision

Explain how you have designed your approach so that it:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>is effective and appropriate to achieve your objectives</li>
</ul>
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>is feasible, and comprehensively identifies any risks to delivery and how they will be managed </li>
<li>uses a clearly written and transparent methodology (if applicable)</li>
<li>summarises the previous work and describes how this will be built upon and progressed (if applicable) </li>
<li>will maximise translation of outputs into outcomes and impacts&nbsp;</li>
<li>describes how your, and if applicable your team&rsquo;s, research environment (in terms of the place and relevance to the project) will contribute to the success of the work</li>
</ul>
Within the Approach section we also expect you to:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>demonstrate access to the appropriate services, facilities, infrastructure, or equipment to deliver the project</li>
<li>provide a project plan including milestones and timelines, in the form of an embedded Gantt chart or similar</li>
<li>explain and justify how you will approach diversity and inclusion in the study population and follow the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/mrc-embedding-diversity-in-research-design-policy/">MRC embedding diversity in research design policy</a>&nbsp;(if applicable)</li>
<li>show how you will use both sexes in research involving animals and tissues and cells (if applicable). If you are not proposing to do this justify why.</li>
</ul>
You are encouraged to use 500 words to provide information about reproducibility and how you will ensure reliability and robustness of your work, such as further details of statistical analyses, methodology and experimental design. If this information is not applicable, then you should not use this space to expand on other areas of your approach and your response to this section should be below the word limit.
The reproducibility information should be clearly identified using the heading &lsquo;Reproducibility and statistical design&rsquo;. We expect you to seek professional statistical or other relevant advice in preparing your response, which may include:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>experimental approach to address objectives</li>
<li>sample and effect sizes</li>
<li>planned statistical analyses</li>
<li>models chosen (for example animal model, cell line)</li>
</ul>
Refer to the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/mrc-guidance-for-applicants/application-and-policy-guide-for-the-ukri-funding-service/#section-the-application">MRC guidance for applicants</a>&nbsp;for further information, examples and online tools.
If your proposed work involves animals, and you provide information on animal sample sizes and statistical analyses in the approach, you should not duplicate it in the Research involving the use of animals section. Use the Research involving the use of animals section to provide information on the rationale for using animals, choice of species, welfare and procedure severity.
Within this section you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>use images sparingly and only to convey important information that cannot easily be put into words</li>
<li>insert each new image onto a new line</li>
<li>provide a descriptive legend for each image immediately underneath it (this counts towards your word limit and must not be included in the image)</li>
<li>files must be smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Your application may be rejected if images are provided without a descriptive legend in the text box, or are used to replace text that could be input into the text box.
References may be included within this section.

How are you going to deliver your proposed work? 

Approach

Evidence of how you, and if relevant your team, have:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>the relevant experience (appropriate to career stage) to deliver the proposed work</li>
<li>the right balance of skills and expertise to cover the proposed work&nbsp;</li>
<li>the appropriate leadership and management skills to deliver the work and your approach to develop others</li>
<li>contributed to developing a positive research environment and wider community</li>
</ul>
Within this section you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>use images sparingly and only to convey important information that cannot easily be put into words</li>
<li>insert each new image onto a new line</li>
<li>provide a descriptive legend for each image immediately underneath it (this counts towards your word limit and must not be included in the image)</li>
<li>files must be smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Your application may be rejected if images are provided without a descriptive legend in the text box, or are used to replace text that could be input into the text box.
The word count for this section is 1,650 words: 1,150 words to be used for R4RI modules (including references) and, if necessary, a further 500 words for Additions.
Use the R&eacute;sum&eacute; for Research and Innovation (R4RI) format to showcase the range of relevant skills you and, if relevant, your team (project and project co-leads, researchers, technicians, specialists, partners and so on) have and how this will help deliver the proposed work. You can include individuals&rsquo; specific achievements but only choose past contributions that best evidence their ability to deliver this work.
Complete this section using the R4RI module headings listed. Use each heading once and include a response for the whole team, see the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/resume-for-research-and-innovation-r4ri-guidance/#:~:text=UKRI%20committed%20to%20adopting%20a,UKRI%20throughout%202022%20and%202023.">UKRI guidance on R4RI</a>. You should consider how to balance your answer, and emphasise where appropriate the key skills each team member brings:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>contributions to the generation of new ideas, tools, methodologies, or knowledge</li>
<li>the development of others and maintenance of effective working relationships</li>
<li>contributions to the wider research and innovation community</li>
<li>contributions to broader research or innovation users and audiences and towards wider societal benefit &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Additions
Provide any further details relevant to your application. This section is optional and can be up to 500 words. You should not use it to describe additional skills, experiences, or outputs, but you can use it to describe any factors that provide context for the rest of your R4RI (for example, details of <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/career-breaks-and-flexible-working-for-reviewers-and-applicants/">career breaks</a> if you wish to disclose them).
Complete this as a narrative. Do not format it like a CV.
References may be included within this section.
UKRI has introduced new role types for funding opportunities being run on the new UKRI Funding Service.
For full details, see <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/before-you-apply/check-if-you-are-eligible-for-research-and-innovation-funding/eligibility-as-an-individual/#contents-list">Eligibility as an individual</a>.
&nbsp;

Why are you the right individual or team to successfully deliver the proposed work?

Applicant and team capability to deliver

If you do not have any project partners, you should indicate N/A in the text box.
What supporting statements we are looking for
Important note: We are only looking for you to provide letters or emails of support from the following:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>a third party individual</li>
<li>a third party organisation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Third party means the individual and organisation must not be involved in the application core team. You must ensure that any project partners providing a supporting document, are also added to the &lsquo;project partners&rsquo; section within the UKRI Funding Service.
Ensure you have prior agreement from project partners so that, if you are offered funding, they will support your project as indicated in the project partners&rsquo; section.
For audit purposes, UKRI requires formal collaboration agreements to be put in place if an award is made.
What supporting statements we are not looking for
We are not looking for you to provide any letters or emails of support from individuals or organisations included in your application core team (this includes other departments within the same organisation). Any individual or organisation included in your application with a <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/roles-in-funding-applications/roles-in-funding-applications-eligibility-responsibilities-and-costings-guidance/#section-role-descriptions-and-responsibilities">core team role</a> cannot also be a project partner.
Do not include any other statements or any other type of information we have not requested, including letter or emails of support from colleagues simply expressing supportive opinions. We only expect letters or emails of support from your third party project partners to be uploaded to this section.
If you include any information not requested by us your application will be rejected.
Supporting document guidance for third party project partners
Each third party project partner supporting letter or email you provide, should:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>be no more than two A4 pages</li>
<li>confirm the partner&rsquo;s commitment to the project &nbsp;</li>
<li>clearly explain the value, relevance, and possible benefits of the work to them &nbsp;</li>
<li>describe any additional value that they bring to the project </li>
<li>include the name of the project partner organisation and contact information (this should match the partner contact and organisation name details you must add to the separate &lsquo;project partners&rsquo; application section)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Project partners letters and emails of support are not required to be on headed paper or include handwritten signatures (electronic signatures are acceptable from the nominated partner contact).
Project partner responsibility for the recruitment of people
If the project partner is responsible for the recruitment of people as research participants or providing human tissue their email or letter of support should include:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>agreement that the project partner will recruit the participants or provide tissue</li>
<li>confirmation that what is being supplied is suitable for the proposed work</li>
<li>confirmation that the quantity of tissue being supplied is suitable, but not excessive for achieving meaningful results (if applicable)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Multiple project partners
If you have multiple project partners, you should:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>ensure each separate letter or email of support, does not exceed two pages of A4</li>
<li>consolidate all the supporting documents provided by each project partner into a single PDF file before uploading</li>
<li>ensure the PDF does not exceed the maximum file size of 8MB</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
For the file name, use the unique UKRI Funding Service number the system gives you when you created your application, followed by the words &lsquo;Project partner&rsquo;.

Upload a single PDF containing the letters or emails of support from each partner you named in the ‘Project partners’ section. These should be uploaded in English or Welsh only.

Project partners: letters or emails of support  

If industry collaboration does not apply to any of your project partners, or you don&rsquo;t have any project partners, simply add &lsquo;N/A&rsquo; into the text box.
If your research project involves collaboration between an academic organisation and an industry or company, you are likely to need to follow the industry collaboration framework and answer this question, check using the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/mrc-industry-collaboration-framework-decision-tree/">ICF decision tree</a>.
Important note: You must also add any industry or company collaborator to both &lsquo;Project partners and &lsquo;Project partners letters (or emails) of support&rsquo; sections of your application, when they are included under ICF.
By &lsquo;industry or company&rsquo; we mean an enterprise that puts goods or services on a market and whose commercial activities are greater than 20% of their overall annual capacity.
The assessors are looking for information relating to the nature, goals and conditions of the collaboration and any restrictions or rights to the project results that could be claimed by the project partner.
Find out&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/mrc/guidance-for-applicants/types-of-funding-we-offer/mrc-industry-collaboration-framework-icf/">more about ICF</a>, including:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>collaboration agreements</li>
<li>definitions of basic or applied research</li>
<li>internationally based companies</li>
<li>subsidy control</li>
<li>Intellectual property (IP) arrangements</li>
<li>fully flexible and gated contributions</li>
<li>the ICF assessment criteria</li>
</ul>
In addition to the project partner information completed in the previous section, confirm your answers to the ICF questions in the text box, repeat this process for each ICF project partner:
<ol class="govuk-list govuk-list--number">
<li>Name the industry or company project partner considered under ICF.</li>
<li>Indicate whether your application is either basic research or applied research.</li>
<li>Explain why, in the absence of the requested UKRI funding, the collaboration and the planned research could not be undertaken.</li>
<li>State whether your application is under the category of either fully flexible contribution or gated contribution (based on the IP sharing arrangements with the ICF partner).</li>
<li>Outline the pre-existing IP (&lsquo;background IP&rsquo;) that each project partner, including the academic partner, will bring to the collaborative research project and the terms under which project partners may access these assets.</li>
<li>Outline the IP that is expected to be developed during the collaborative research project (&lsquo;foreground IP&rsquo;) and briefly outline how it will be managed, including:</li>
</ol>
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>which project partners will own this IP</li>
<li>what rights project partners will have to use academically-generated foreground IP during and after the research project, for internal research and development or for commercial purposes</li>
<li>any rights of the academic partner to commercialise the foreground IP (including foreground IP generated by project partners)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
7. Outline any restrictions to dissemination of the project results, including the rights of the project partner to:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li style="list-style-type:none">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>review, approve or delay publications (including the time period associated with such rights)</li>
<li>request or require the removal of any information</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
8. Declare any conflicts of interest held by the applicants in relation to the project partners and describe how they will be managed.
9. If applicable, justify collaborating with an overseas industry or company under ICF.
Failure to provide the information requested for industry partners under ICF could result in your application being rejected.
You are recommended to discuss the goals and conditions of any collaboration with an industry or company project partner with your university technology transfer or contracts office before applying.

Does your application include industry project partners?

Industry Collaboration Framework (ICF)

Demonstrate how your proposed international collaboration relates to Trusted Research and Innovation, including:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>list the countries your international project co-leads, project partners and visiting researchers, or other collaborators are based in</li>
<li>if international collaboration is involved, explain whether this project is relevant to one or more of the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fnational-security-and-investment-act-guidance-on-notifiable-acquisitions%2Fnational-security-and-investment-act-guidance-on-notifiable-acquisitions&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBenjamin.Sharman%40ukri.org%7Ce3080a5761be430d8dc208db6ce30d1f%7C8bb7e08edaa44a8e927efca38db04b7e%7C0%7C0%7C638223494647504807%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=hOLC8dyLW8qAkugj61zrb5jDPEz7hv7Z2tehvua%2BXCA%3D&amp;reserved=0">17 areas</a> of the UK National Security and Investment (NSI) Act</li>
<li>if one or more of the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fnational-security-and-investment-act-guidance-on-notifiable-acquisitions%2Fnational-security-and-investment-act-guidance-on-notifiable-acquisitions&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBenjamin.Sharman%40ukri.org%7Ce3080a5761be430d8dc208db6ce30d1f%7C8bb7e08edaa44a8e927efca38db04b7e%7C0%7C0%7C638223494647504807%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=hOLC8dyLW8qAkugj61zrb5jDPEz7hv7Z2tehvua%2BXCA%3D&amp;reserved=0">17 areas</a> of the UK National Security and Investment (NSI) Act are involved list the areas</li>
</ul>
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work.
We may ask you to provide additional information about how your proposed project will comply with our approach and expectation towards TR&amp;I, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls you will put in place to help manage these risks.

Does the proposed work involve international collaboration in a sensitive research or technology area? 

Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I)

If you will need to use a facility, follow your proposed facility&rsquo;s normal access request procedures. Ensure you have prior agreement so that if you are offered funding, they will support the use of their facility on your project.
For each requested facility you will need to provide the:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>name of facility, copied and pasted from the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://ukri-tfs-prod-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Facility+Information+for+TFS.docx">facility information list (DOCX, 35KB)</a></li>
<li>proposed usage or costs, or costs per unit where indicated on the facility information list&nbsp;</li>
<li>confirmation you have their agreement where required&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work.

Does your proposed research require the support and use of a facility?   

Facilities

Provide a data management plan which should clearly detail how you will comply with MRC&rsquo;s published&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/who-we-are/mrc/our-policies-and-standards/research/data-management-and-sharing/">data management and sharing policies</a>, which includes detailed guidance notes.
Provide your response in the text box following the&nbsp;headings in the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/data-management-plan-template/">MRC data management plan template</a>. You are not required to upload the document to your application.
The length of your plan will vary depending on the type of study being undertaken:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>population cohorts; longitudinal studies; genetic, omics and imaging data; biobanks, and other collections that are potentially a rich resource for the wider research community: maximum of 1,500 words</li>
<li>all other research, less complex, the plan may be as short as 500 words</li>
</ul>

How will you manage and share data collected or acquired through the proposed research?

Data management and sharing

Demonstrate that you have identified and evaluated:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>the relevant ethical or responsible research and innovation considerations</li>
<li>how you will manage these considerations&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Consider the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/mrc/guidance-for-applicants/5-ethics-and-approvals/">MRC guidance on ethics and approvals</a>.
Within this section you can also demonstrate elements of your responses in visual form if relevant.
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>use images sparingly and only to convey important information that cannot easily be put into words</li>
<li>insert each new image onto a new line</li>
<li>provide a descriptive legend for each image immediately underneath it (this counts towards your word limit and must not be included in the image)</li>
<li>files must be smaller than 5MB and in JPEG, JPG, JPE, JFI, JIF, JFIF, PNG, GIF, BMP or WEBP format</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Your application may be rejected if images are provided without a descriptive legend in the text box, or are used to replace text that could be input into the text box.

What are the ethical or RRI implications and issues relating to the proposed work?  If you do not think that the proposed work raises any ethical or RRI issues, explain why.

Ethics and responsible research and innovation (RRI)

In respect of animals, plants or microbes, are you proposing to:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>use genetic modification as an experimental tool, like studying gene function in a genetically modified organism</li>
<li>release genetically modified organisms</li>
<li>ultimately develop commercial and industrial genetically modified outcomes</li>
</ul>
If yes, provide the name of any required approving body and state if approval is already in place. If it is not, provide an indicative timeframe for obtaining the required approval.
Identify the organism or organisms as a plant, animal or microbe and specify the species and which of the three categories the research relates to.
Identify the genetic and biological risks resulting from the proposed research, their implications, and any mitigation you plan on taking. Assessors will want to know you have considered the risks and their implications to justify that any identified risks do not outweigh any benefits of the proposed research.
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work.

Does your proposed research involve any genetic or biological risk?

Genetic and biological risk

If you are proposing research that requires using animals, download and complete the <a class="govuk-link" href="https://ukri-tfs-prod-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/AnimalResearchQuestionTemplate-BBSRC.docx">Animals Scientific Procedures Act template (DOCX, 74KB)</a>, which contains all the questions relating to research using vertebrate animals or other Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulated organisms.
Save it as a PDF and upload to this section following the file upload guidance.
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work.

Does your proposed research involve the use of vertebrate animals or other organisms covered by the Animals Scientific Procedures Act?

Research involving the use of animals

If you are proposing to conduct overseas research, it must be conducted in accordance with welfare standards consistent with those in the UK, as in <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resources/responsibility-use-animals-bioscience-research">Responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research, page 14</a>. Ensure all named applicants in the UK and overseas are aware of this requirement.
If your application proposes animal research to be conducted overseas, you must provide a statement in the text box. Depending on the species involved, you may also need to upload a completed template for each species listed.
Statement
Provide a statement to confirm that:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>all named applicants are aware of the requirements and have agreed to abide by them&nbsp;</li>
<li>this overseas research will be conducted in accordance with welfare standards consistent with the principles of UK legislation&nbsp;</li>
<li>the expectation set out in Responsibility in the use of animals in bioscience research will be applied and maintained&nbsp;</li>
<li>appropriate national and institutional approvals are in place&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Templates
Overseas studies proposing to use non-human primates, cats, dogs, equines or pigs will be assessed during <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do#services">NC3Rs review</a> of research applications. Provide the required information by completing the template from the question &lsquo;Research involving the use of animals&rsquo;.
For studies involving other species, select, download, and complete the relevant Word checklist or checklists from this list:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20rodents%20overseas%20%286%29_0.docx">Additional questions on the use of rodents overseas (DOCX, 49.1KB)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20rabbits%20overseas.docx">Additional questions on the use of rabbits overseas (DOCX, 49.2KB)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20sheep%20overseas.docx">Additional questions on the use of sheep overseas (DOCX, 50.9KB)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20goats%20overseas.docx">Additional questions on the use of goats overseas (DOCX, 47.3KB)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20pigs%20overseas.docx">Additional questions on the use of pigs overseas (DOCX, 51.4KB)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-12/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20cattle%20overseas.docx">Additional questions on the use of cattle overseas (DOCX, 57.0KB)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a class="govuk-link" href="https://nc3rs.org.uk/sites/default/files/Additional%20questions%20on%20the%20use%20of%20Xenopus%20laevis%20%26%20%20Xenopus%20tropicalis%20overseas.docx">Additional questions on the use of&nbsp;Xenopus laevis&nbsp;and&nbsp;Xenopus tropicalis&nbsp;overseas (DOCX, 57.3KB)</a>
</li>
</ul>
Save your completed template as a PDF and upload to this section, following the guidance provided. If you use more than one checklist template, consolidate each checklist as a single PDF.
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work

Will any of the proposed animal research be conducted overseas?

Conducting research with animals overseas

If you are proposing research that requires the involvement of human subjects, provide the name of any required approving body and whether approval is already in place.
Justify the number and the diversity of the participants involved, as well as any procedures.
Provide details of any areas of substantial or moderate severity of impact.
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work.

Will the project involve the use of human subjects or their personal information?

Research involving human participation

If you are proposing work that involves human tissues or biological samples, provide the name of any required approving body and whether approval is already in place.
Justify the use of human tissue or biological samples specifying the nature and quantity of the material to be used and its source.
Enter N/A in the text box if not applicable to your proposed work.

Does your proposed research involve the use of human tissues, or biological samples?

Research involving human tissues or biological samples

If not, enter &lsquo;N/A&rsquo; into the text box.
Researchers applying for clinical research in the NHS, public health or social care need to complete a Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Tool (SoECAT) to be eligible for the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) portfolio. This is the route through which support and excess treatment costs are provided in England.
You must answer &lsquo;Yes&rsquo; and complete and upload a SoECAT if you are applying for clinical research funding, and:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>you will carry out your research in the UK</li>
<li>it is intended for the NIHR CRN portfolio; this may include studies in a social care or public health setting</li>
<li>the research requires approval by Health Research Authority (England) or its equivalents in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales</li>
<li>your research will use NHS resources</li>
</ul>
You must complete a SoECAT even if you don&rsquo;t think your clinical research will involve excess treatment costs (ETCs).
See MRC guidance on <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/mrc-guidance-for-applicants/application-and-policy-guide-for-the-ukri-funding-service/#section-the-application">who needs to complete a SoECAT.</a>
If you are applying for clinical research in the NHS, public health or social care and don&rsquo;t think you need to complete a SoECAT, answer &lsquo;Yes&rsquo; and explain why a SoECAT is not necessary.
We want to know that you have taken the appropriate steps for the full costs of your research to be attributed, calculated and paid.
We want to see the expected total resources required for your project, such as Excess Treatment Costs (ETCs), to consider if these are appropriate.
How to complete a SoECAT
SoECAT guidance can be found on the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/online-soecat-guidance/30396">NIHR website</a>.
These are the steps you need to take:
<ol class="govuk-list govuk-list--number">
<li>Contact an attributing the costs of health and social care Research &amp; Development (AcoRD) specialist as early as possible in the application process.</li>
<li>Complete an online SoECAT. Excel versions of the form have been discontinued. If you don&rsquo;t have an account for NIHR&rsquo;s Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) you will need to create and activate one. <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/getting-started-and-logging-in-to-cpms/11462" target="_self">See the user guide for instructions</a>.</li>
<li>Request authorisation of your SoECAT.</li>
<li>Once authorised extract the &lsquo;study information&rsquo; and the &lsquo;summary&rsquo; page from the &lsquo;Funder Export&rsquo;, combine them as a single PDF and upload it to your application.</li>
</ol>
Applications that require a SoECAT but have not attached the SoECAT funder export study information and summary may be rejected.
Contact <a class="govuk-link" href="mailto:IIB@mrc.ukri.org">iib@mrc.ukri.org</a> if you have questions about the UKRI aspects of this process or have concerns that your SoECAT may not be authorised in time for the application deadline.

Will your research involve participants from the NHS or Health and Social Care duty of care?

Clinical research using NHS resources

If not enter N/A in the text box
If yes, state your previous reference number and explain how this new application is related to the other application.
If the related application was submitted to another funder you should identify the name of the funder and when you applied.
If this is a resubmission describe how it differs from the previous application and how feedback on the previous application has been considered and acted on.
If you are applying to renew a programme grant we are looking for a report on progress of your research, including:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>the grant reference, title and value of the previous award</li>
<li>progress made against original aims and objectives since the programme was awarded, or since the last report</li>
<li>important outputs from the programme</li>
<li>a list of staff employed on the programme up to the current date</li>
</ul>
You should upload the progress report document as a six page PDF. The document must have single line spacing, margins of at least 2cm and be typed using Arial 11pt, or another &lsquo;sans serif&rsquo; font with an equivalent size to Arial 11pt.
Unpublished data important for the assessment of your application must be included in the approach section of your new application and should not be included in the progress report.

Is this application related to another application to MRC or other funding organisation?

Related applications

If you are not based in a MRC unit answer N/A
Explain the relationship between this grant application and your current unit funding and how this grant will help you transition to new funding arrangements, including:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>activities that will be delivered during the remaining unit-funded period and during this grant</li>
<li>important changes or new directions proposed from your unit-funded research (if applicable)</li>
<li>feedback from the last unit review that is important for the assessment of these plans (if applicable)</li>
<li>the transition approach to staff costs across the unit-funded and grant-funded parts of the proposed work</li>
</ul>

What is the relationship between this application and your MRC unit funding?

MRC unit transition applications

If not enter N/A in the text box
If your application is using a lead agency agreement (LAA), identify the agreement concerned by answering &lsquo;Yes&rsquo; followed by &lsquo;FAPESP&rsquo; or &lsquo;FNR&rsquo;:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>lead agency agreement with Luxembourg (FNR)</li>
<li>lead agency agreement with Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)</li>
</ul>
The assessors are looking for you to create and upload the required lead agency documents, to support your application. You must complete all the relevant documentation and attach it to this application as a single PDF.
FAPESP
FAPESP applicants must complete the FAPESP-specific forms.
Documents and guidance are available on the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://fapesp.br/en/10320/fapesp-ukri-open-deadlines-responsive-mode-submission">FAPESP website</a>, including a FAPESP:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>consolidated budget form</li>
<li>proposal form</li>
<li>letter of eligibility</li>
</ul>
FNR
FNR applicants should complete the FNR-specific forms.
Documents and guidance are available on the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.fnr.lu/international-cooperation/rcuk/">FNR website</a>, including:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>INTER budget sheet</li>
<li>INTER budget justification</li>
<li>INTER budget plan</li>
<li>FNR eligibility letter of support</li>
</ul>
You must also complete the project partners section, with information about the international research partner, including:
<ul class="govuk-list govuk-list--bullet">
<li>international lead applicant contact name and organisation details</li>
<li>contribution from the international funder (FAPESP or FNR)</li>
</ul>
Include the experience, skills and contributions of your international research partners in the response to Applicant and team capability to deliver.
You should ensure that you have read and understood the specific requirements for the LAA you are applying to, especially for costing the applications. Failure to comply with the specific LAA guidance may result in the rejection of your application.
On receipt of your application we will provide the international funder (FAPESP or FNR) with a copy to complete eligibility checks and provide names of expert reviewers.
For general FAPESP guidance please see the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://fapesp.br/10323/operation-of-the-ukri-fapesp-lead-agency-agreement">FAPESP website</a>.
For general FNR guidance please see the&nbsp;<a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.fnr.lu/international-cooperation/rcuk/">FNR website</a>.

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