Before you apply

Processes, policies and tips for grant applicants.

ORCID researcher identifier

All lead applicants must provide an ORCID iD (Open Researcher and Contributor identifier) when completing an application form. ORCID is an open, non-profit registry of unique researcher identifiers, and is a transparent method of linking research activities and outputs to these identifiers. It is free for researchers. Find out more on the ORCID website.

Data management and data sharing

You may need to provide a data management and sharing plan in your application form, depending on the grant scheme. This helps to maintain research integrity: institutions and researchers must ensure research data is preserved so that results can be verified and the data can be reused in future.   

How to apply

• To apply for one of our grants, you will need to use our online application system Flexi-Grant. 

Grant selection process

Once your host institution/visit institution has approved and signed off your application, you need to submit it via our online grant management system, Flexi-Grant. We then check that you are eligible and that you have provided all the necessary information. Your application is peer reviewed or reviewed by a panel of experts in your area, depending on the grant scheme.

A selection panel then considers your application, if required by the funding scheme. All panels follow our Conflict of interest policy for grants selection panels. You can find details of the selection panel on the scheme’s webpage. We inform all applicants of the decision and provide feedback wherever possible.

If you are successful, you will receive an award letter, award terms and conditions, and an award acceptance form. You can also read the terms and conditions on each scheme’s webpage. You and your host institution/visit institution must accept the award by signing and returning the completed award acceptance form within a month of its issue date. We normally make the grant payment in full when you accept the award. 

Research policies

All grant holders must comply with the specific terms and conditions of their grant. In addition, everyone who receives a grant from the Academy must comply with the following policies, requirements and principles:

• Awards terms and conditions
• Open access policy
• AI policy for applicants, reviewers and panel members
• Grants privacy policy
• Research misconduct policy
• Use of animals in research
• Use of human tissues or subjects in research

Please note: we will ask for confirmation that applicant(s) are not under investigation and have not had a complaint upheld for research misconduct or bullying and harassment.

Email [email protected] for information on our other policies.

Research principles

We have signed the declarations and concordats below. This means everyone who receives a grant from us and their host institutions must adhere to the principles and obligations set out in them, where applicable.

Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)

The Declaration on Research Assessment recognises the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scientific research are evaluated. It sets out 18 recommendations for change in scientific culture, particularly in relation to the use of journal impact factors to assess scientists for decisions on funding, appointment and promotion. 

Our processes align with this declaration. For example, some of our grant application forms include a question that gives applicants the opportunity to explain how three of their publications have impacted their field of research. This is to ensure the impact of applicants' research is considered, rather than the impact factor of the journal in which the research is published.

Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)

Concordat to support the career development of researchers

This concordat sets out seven key principles on the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy. 

We provide career development support to clinical and non-clinical biomedical researchers through events, workshops, mentoring and other schemes.

Concordat to support the career development of researchers

UK clinical academic training in medicine and dentistry

The UK clinical academic training in medicine and dentistry principles and obligations sets out principles and obligations of all UK institutions and clinical trainees in receipt of nationally competitive funding for clinical academic research training. 

UK clinical academic training in medicine and dentistry principles and obligations (PDF, 477KB)

Openness on animal research

The use of animals is essential for a significant amount of scientific, medical and veterinary research, and has contributed to many advances in human and animal health. 

We are committed to the appropriate use of animals in research, and to being open about when, how and why animals are used in the projects we fund. We also require the researchers we support to make every effort to replace, refine and reduce animals in research. 

We have signed the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK, along with more than 100 other life sciences organisations. This means researchers we fund through our grants must:

1. be clear about when, how and why animals are used in research
2. enhance communications with the media and the public about research using animals
3. be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research using animals
4. report on progress annually and share experiences.

• Animals in research: 2025 grants

Read our submission to the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology consultation on technology alternatives to animals in life sciences research.

We support the declarations and concordats below. This means everyone who receives a grant from us and their host institutions should endorse the principles set out by them, where possible.

Concordat to support research integrity

This concordat provides assurances to government, the wider public and the international community that research in the UK continues to be underpinned by the highest standards of rigour and integrity. 

Its commitments include: 

• maintaining the highest standards of research integrity
• embedding a culture of research integrity
• accountability and continuous improvement in research integrity.

We work with our Fellowship to ensure we support research of the highest quality.

Concordat to Support Research Integrity – UKCORI

Concordat for engaging the public with research

This concordat aims to create a greater focus on and help embed public engagement with research across all disciplines in the higher education and research sectors. 

The four key principles are: 

• UK research organisations have a strategic commitment to public engagement
• researchers are recognised and valued for their involvement with public engagement activities
• researchers are enabled to participate in public engagement activities through appropriate training, support and opportunities
• signatories and supporters will undertake regular reviews of their and the wider research sector’s progress in fostering public engagement across the UK.

The Academy runs a programme of public events which provide opportunities for our Fellows and grant holders to share their research with public audiences. Please contact our Engagement team for information on how to participate in this programme.

Concordat for engaging the public with research – UKRI

Concordat for the environmental sustainability of research and innovation practice

This concordat aims to ensure research and innovation continues to play a critical part in understanding how our planet is changing, while helping the sector to act responsibly to protect and promote our environment. 

Its priority areas for delivery are: 

• leadership and system change
• sustainable infrastructure
• sustainable procurement
• emissions from business and academic travel
• collaborations and partnerships
• environmental impact and reporting data.

Concordat for the environmental sustainability of research and innovation practice

NICE Implementation Collaborative concordat

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Implementation Collaborative was set up to harness the skills, experience and dedication of organisations and individuals from across the healthcare system to support faster and more consistent access to NICE recommended medicines, treatments and technologies. 

This independent partnership between the NHS, the life sciences industry, healthcare professional bodies, patient advocates and key health organisations heralds a collaborative approach that will improve patient outcomes for the whole population. 

This Concordat sets out the ambition and values by which all partners will work together. It is supported by all partners and strengthens our resolve to support patient access to NICE recommended medicines, technologies, devices, diagnostics and treatments.

NICE Implementation Collaborative – Concordat (PDF, 304KB)