R&D for Affordable Healthcare in India - frequently asked questions

Can I make multiple applications to the Affordable Healthcare initiative?
Yes. All applications will be considered on their own merits. Principal investigators seeking support will, however, be expected to demonstrate that they can commit the time and attention needed to bring each project to a satisfactory conclusion.

Are resubmissions of unsuccessful applications permitted?
Generally no.Applicants wishing to re-apply are required to describe how the proposal varies from the previous application. We reserve the right not to process an application if it is too similar to one that has been declined previously.

Are applications from multiple organisations permitted?
Yes. The precise role of each principal investigator and organisation should be made clear in the application, together with details about how the work will be shared and intellectual property owned, managed and exploited.

Will the Wellcome Trust fund an Affordable Healthcare project alongside other funders?
We would be willing to co-fund alongside others. We will not usually provide support for projects that have already attracted significant levels of professional investment. Please contact Shirshendu Mukkherjee - s.mukherjee@wellcome.ac.uk - if you have a specific query.

Are applications relating to cancer permitted under the Affordable Healthcare initiative?
Yes. Proposals in the field of cancer aimed at bridging the gap between fundamental research and commercial product development will be considered.

Can researchers from disciplines outside biomedicine apply?
Yes, providing the application of the research is designed to facilitate or meet a need in healthcare. For example, the application of physics, chemistry, computing, engineering and materials science to the development of medical products is entirely appropriate.

What should I do if the technology I wish to develop addresses a healthcare need in an area that is not commercially attractive?
We are committed to the translation of research into practical health benefits across the spectrum of disease. Disease areas neglected by industry because of the lack of a return on investment pose a particular problem, but imaginative ways forward can sometimes be developed such as partnering with NGOs or public-private partnerships (e.g. the Medicines for Malaria Venture).

Must I hold a tenured university post to be an applicant?
Our normal rules allow for tenured staff and staff on fixed-term contracts with no less than 12 months' service remaining to be co-applicants. Normally only tenured staff may be principal applicants. If you are employed by a body other than a university, you may be eligible to apply but we must confirm this. Please seek clarification from Shirshendu Mukkherjee - s.mukherjee@wellcome.ac.uk - before applying.

Are applications from companies allowed?
Yes, applications from spin-outs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can be considered, together with projects from large enterprises. However, we will need to understand why commercial support for the project is not available.

Can I apply for my personal salary on an Affordable Healthcare Award?
If you hold a tenured university post, you may not re-charge your salary (in full or part) to an Affordable Healthcare Award.

What capital expenditure may be requested?
Providing it is adequately justified, modest equipment purchase and maintenance costs may be included in an application to the Affordable Healthcare initiative. Building or refurbishment expenditure will not normally be considered.

Can I apply for overheads?
Affordable Healthcare Award applications may not include requests for institutional overheads.

What is the Wellcome Trust's policy on publication of the results arising from Affordable Healthcare projects?
We wish to encourage the dissemination of findings arising from the research we support in order to achieve maximum public benefit. At the same time, it is essential that any intellectual property (IP) is protected to ensure that downstream investment is not deterred. It is therefore appropriate that publication or release of research findings is delayed until patent protection of the IP has been put in place. For further information, read our policy on intellectual property and patenting.

Does the Wellcome Trust expect a share of any cash revenues or equity that may arise from commercialisation of a technology developed under one of its awards?
Yes. The primary purpose of Translation Awards is to secure a healthcare benefit from the development of new technologies/products. Many of these technologies will ultimately fail to reach the market so awards are made with no expectation of a financial return. However, in the event that the technology is the subject of ongoing funding or a licence arrangement, we have a responsibility as a charity to share in the financial benefits in order to channel that back into the pursuit of its mission.

Does the Wellcome Trust provide financial support for biotechnology development as a venture capital investor?
Yes. This is administered by the Trust's Investment Division.

What happens if my project doesn’t meet its milestones?
See our termination policy [Word 48KB].