Call for applications
We do not currently have a research grant round open.
How decisions are made
We are a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and adhere to their principles of best practice, including accountability, balance, independence, rotation of scientific advisors and impartiality. We run a rigorous peer review process to ensure that only the most worthy research is funded.
Every five years the AMRC audits members' peer review processes. In 2020, our Peer Review process was successfully audited, and we were awarded a certificate of ‘Best Practice in Medical and Health Research Peer Review’. This demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of accountability, balance, independent decision making, rotation and impartiality in the allocation of research grants.
For more information on our peer review standards visit the AMRC here.
All individuals involved in the grant application process must agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which incorporates our Research Conflict of Interest policy, and our Terms and Conditions.
Application process
- Call for preliminary, short proposals;
- Screening by small number of Scientific and Medical Advisory Panel (SMAP) members and Meningitis Now staff;
- Invitation to submit full proposal and unsuccessful applicants notified;
- External, independent (peer) review of proposals;
- Opportunity for applicants to respond to reviewer’s comments;
- Assessment by SMAP and recommendation of proposals suitable for funding;
- Recommendation to trustees;
- Successful applicants informed and grants awarded;
- Feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
NIHR partnership status
Meningitis Now is a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) non-commercial Partner. This means the studies that we fund may be eligible to access the NIHR Study Support Service which is provided by the NIHR Clinical Research Network. The NIHR Clinical Research Network can now support health and social care research taking place in schools and other community settings. Read the full policy: Eligibility Criteria for NIHR Clinical Research Network Support.
Policy on the use of animals in research
We are a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and support the principle of using animals in research when it is necessary to advance understanding of health and disease and to develop new treatments.
This research only takes place where there is no alternative available. All AMRC member charities support this principle, as outlined here.
We are committed to the principals of replacement, refinement and reduction (3Rs) of animal research and all applications are assessed against these criteria.
Research in universities
Meningitis Now endorses the AMRC's position statement on supporting research in universities.
Contact us
For more information about applying for a research grant, our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel (SMAP), Research Programme and Peer Review Process, please contact us on 01453 768 000 or email research@meningitisnow.org.