Novel and emerging technologies

This unique grant gives researchers the opportunity to apply for funding to develop a novel and emerging technology. Proposals can involve an innovative novel and emerging technology or a new application of an existing technology.

A maximum of £200,000 is available each year. The grant selection process is rigorous and the scheme is competitive with a typical success rate in previous years of 1 in 8. 

What kind of projects are eligible?

Research projects with an emphasis on (1) novel and emerging technologies and (2) their application to cardiovascular disease prevention and/or treatment, which can be expected to benefit patients within a foreseeable timeframe, will be considered. Appropriate approaches include tissue and bioengineering, the development and evaluation of new diagnostic and therapeutic devices, bioimaging, nanotechnology, biomaterials, genomic and proteomic approaches, computational biology and bioinformatics. NET Grants are not appropriate for funding clinical trials.

Although the funding available is not conducive to the support of clinical programmes, the grant will support emerging strategies/technologies in the management of risk factors, the evaluation of invasive cardiology procedures (e.g. angioplasty and stent placement), an evaluation of new surgical approaches to cardiovascular disease, strategies aimed at improving the efficacy of ventricular assist and other devices, and the outcomes of resuscitation after cardiac arrest.

A multi-disciplinary approach is encouraged. Proposals should be based on excellent science and also clearly describe the future clinical implications and the translational strategy.

Grant applications are assessed by carefully selected external peer-reviewers, in addition to the HRUK NET Medical Review Panel which includes the following members:

     Prof Jon Gibbins, University of Reading           
     Prof Eileen Ingham, University of Leeds
     Prof Keith Oldroyd, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank
     Mr Andrew Owens, Newcastle University                   
     Prof Alexander Seifalian, University College London
     Prof Richard Underwood, Imperial College London
     Prof Philip Warner, Cranfield University

How to apply

All applicants for a NET grant must complete a one-page outline application form which summarises the research proposal and justifies its eligibility for the NET scheme, and also provides an estimate of costs. The purpose of the outline application is to establish that your proposed work clearly falls within the remit of the NET grant scheme and scientific assessment of your work will not occur at this stage. Applicants on those proposals that are acceptable will be invited to submit a full application.

Completed outline forms will be accepted from 1 March until 1 April each year and should be sent by email to grants@heartresearch.org.uk 

A blank outline application form is available to download at the end of these guidelines. Please ensure that you have read the Terms and Conditions, and Grant Policy and Information documents before submitting your outline application form.

Full applications will be short-listed and these applicants invited to give a presentation at the Medical Review Panel meeting in October/November 2012 (date to be confirmed).

Maximum award:                             £200,000
Outline applications accepted:     1 March until 1 April each year
Deadline full applications:             1pm, 1 July each year

As 1 July is on a Sunday this year, NET grant applications will be accepted until 1pm, Monday 2 July 2012. Please note that the HRUK office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and therefore deliveries cannot be accepted at the weekend.

Please download application materials using the links below:

NET Outline Application Form

NET Full Application Form

NET Appendix 1

NET Grant Policy and Info

NET Terms & Conditions

For more information about the Novel and Emerging Technologies Grant Scheme contact Helen Wilson on 0113 234 7474 or email grants@heartresearch.org.uk