Global health trials scheme
Purpose
The Wellcome Trust, the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and the UK Department for International Development are committed to strengthening the evidence base for improving health in low- and middle-income countries. Together they are investing a total of £36 million to this initiative to fund late-stage trials of interventions that will help improve health in these countries, by addressing the major causes of mortality and morbidity.
This fund will be awarded through three annual calls for proposals, each committing £12 million. The costs will be shared equally between the three funders.
The scope of the scheme includes, but is not limited to, behavioural interventions, complex interventions, disease management, drugs, vaccines and hygiene and diagnostic strategies. The scheme is focused on late-stage (phase III/ IV) efficacy and effectiveness trials. However, Phase IIb trials of major relevance to the objectives of the call may be considered. If you are considering submitting a Phase IIb stage trial please consult one of the partner agencies involved for further guidance.
The results of the first call launched under this scheme will be available shortly. We are now pleased to jointly announce the launch of the second call for proposals under this initiative.
What's included
A total of £12 million pounds is available. This amount is expected to fund several awards.
Support may be requested for:
- All research costs that are attributable to the trial
- Cost of hosting trial steering and data monitoring committees
- Training and support for a trial manager.
Costs will be shared equally between the three funders.
Please refer to the MRC website for further costs information.
Eligibility
Trials should be based in low- or middle-income countries. Academic groups based either in the countries where the studies will take place or based in the UK are eligible to apply.
Please refer to the MRC website for more information on the eligibility criteria.
Application process
Applications should be submitted to and will be processed by the MRC on behalf of the three partner agencies.
Outline phase
Applicants are asked to submit an outline proposal in the first instance using the UK Research Council’s Joint electronic Submission (Je-S) System. Please refer to the MRC’s website for further details on how to apply.
The Je-S system will be available for applicants to complete the outline proposal form from 4 July 2011.
The MRC must receive your outline proposal by 4pm 12 September 2011.
Full proposal phase
If invited, applicants will then be required to complete and submit a full application. We expect that the time between invitation to full application and deadline for submission of full applications will be approximately two and a half months.
Applicants who wish to discuss their proposal informally can do so by contacting Dr Marta Tufet at the Wellcome Trust: m.tufet@wellcome.ac.uk.
For more information on the key issues your proposal should address, details of the funding on offer and application and eligibility criteria, visit the Medical Research Council online or email jointglobalhealthtrials@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk.
Deadlines
Dates for the second call for applications are as follows:
Deadline for submission of outline applications: 4pm 12 September 2011
Applicants invited to submit full application: November 2011
Deadline for submission of full applications: February 2012 (date TBC)
Final funding decision: June 2012
Contacts
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Marta Tufet at the Wellcome Trust: m.tufet@wellcome.ac.uk.
For more information on the key issues your proposal should address, details of the funding on offer and application and eligibility criteria, visit the Medical Research Council online or email jointglobalhealthtrials@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk.