Where can I find guidance on completing grant applications?
Our grant funding processes are described on the Applying for a Research Grant page. The types of grant and available calls can be found on the Funding Opportunities page.
In the 2024 grant call there is specific guidance for each type of application as follows
- Guidance for project grants and proof of principle grants can be found here
- Guidance for PhD studentships can be found here
If you would like to be notified of upcoming calls you can contact the Research Team to be added to our circulation list (researchgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org). Applications are made online through our secure online application system.
How do I find information on the grant funding process?
The processes that we use to make decisions on grant funding are described on the Applying for a Research Grant page.
Who do I contact if I can’t find the information I need or if I need further guidance?
If you have a question about grant applications please contact the Research Team at researchgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org.
What is the remit of Muscular Dystrophy UK?
The remit is to increase ‘understanding of the underlying causes of disease, develop potential treatments and improve the quality of life of people living with neuromuscular conditions’. Please refer to our Research Strategy for more information.
Does MDUK fund applications outside the UK?
We are only able to fund research within the UK at the present time, although international collaborations are encouraged. Any exceptions to this will be made known when the grant call(s) are announced – please check the funding opportunities page for more information.
What is the success rate for applications?
From 2021 to 2023 the average success rate of grant applications was approximately one in three.
Who can apply for a Muscular Dystrophy UK grant?
- A description of who can apply can be found within the guidance related to the grant call you are applying to.
- Funding is available for those undertaking research in all disciplines relating to conditions which fall within the remit of Muscular Dystrophy UK. See our website for a list of conditions within MDUK’s remit. Principal applicants must hold a contract which extends beyond the duration of the proposed grant period, at an Institution approved by MDUK.
- We welcome project and proof-of-principle applications from established researchers or early-career researchers. Researchers should have a research degree e.g. PhD or MD OR, if an allied health professional, should have a postgraduate degree (PhD, MPhil or Masters degree) and/or demonstrate significant experience with trial procedures, conducting research and monitoring its progress.
- We also welcome applications for PhD studentships. Students cannot be applicants but can be a co-applicant.
What types of grants are available?
The types of award being offered may change each year depending upon the priorities of the charity. More information can be found on the funding opportunities page.
How many grants are awarded each year?
There is only one main application round per year. The number of grants funded each year varies, depending on the amount of available funds for the year and on the cost of the grants being considered. MDUK endeavours to fund as many projects as possible in order to maximise the potential of the grant portfolio.
Is it possible for an individual to hold more than one Muscular Dystrophy UK grant?
Yes. Muscular Dystrophy UK does not limit the number of grants held by any individual. However, each applicant can only submit up to one application per grant type in each grant round. Multiple applications for the same grant type will not be accepted.
Are resubmissions accepted to the Grant Round?
One resubmission of a previous Muscular Dystrophy UK grant application is allowed to the grant round. This should be indicated, along with the amendments to the original application, in the relevant field on the application form.
Does Muscular Dystrophy UK cover recruitment costs within the grant award?
We do not cover recruitment costs. These should be covered by the employing institution/university.
Does Muscular Dystrophy UK pay for maternity cover and sick leave?
Muscular Dystrophy UK does not pay for maternity leave or sick pay. This is the responsibility of the employing institution.
Does Muscular Dystrophy UK pay for travel to conferences?
Due to limited funding, Muscular Dystrophy UK does not provide funding for travel to and attendance at conferences.
Does my application need Health Regulatory Authority (HRA) approval?
Please see our Applying for a Research Grant page for details.
What happens if the grant does not start by the expected start date?
- Project and proof-of-principle grants should start within six months of the award date.
- Awards are usually made in Late July/August. Studentships should start no later than October of the following year.
- The expected start date is merely a guide. It will appear on your award letter should you be successful in gaining an MDUK grant, but it is not binding. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions which sets out the expectations with regards project start dates after the award is made.
- It is important that the MDUK research team is consulted with regards to changes in the start date of the grant. As soon as you know that the start date is changing, please contact us at researchgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org
What happens when the grant ends?
Muscular Dystrophy UK requires that an ‘End of Project’ report be submitted within two months of termination of the grant. This is specified within the Terms and Conditions of the grant and thus non-compliance may result in payment being withheld. This may also affect the Principal Investigators chances of obtaining another grant from Muscular Dystrophy UK.