Text version of grant application process flow chart

Step 1: Summary application dates posted. See Note 1

Step 2: Application information sent on request. See Note 2

Step 3: Initial peer review. See Note 3

Step 4: Majority vote YES Formal application invited, next step described in Step 6.

Step 5: Majority vote NO Summary rejected & feedback provided. No further action is taken.

Step 6: Full proposals sent to external referees

Step 7: Proposals and the referees reports are considered by the full panel

Step 8: The Board of Trustees ratify the panels recommendations

Step 9: Successful applicants Grant offered and feedback. See Note 4

Step 10: Unsuccessful applicants Application rejected and feedback provided

Note 1: Summary application dates posted

The dates for Research Project Grant, PhD Studentship and Clinical Research Fellowship awards are available on this website. If you need dates further ahead please contact Marion Reichle at the MND Association for more information.

Note 2: Application information sent on request

Please contact Marion Reichle for copies of our grant guidelines and terms and conditions for all three types of award. Summary applications are requested in the first instance. Application forms, guidelines and grant conditions are not available online. (This helps monitor which applications can be expected for each panel meeting and avoids superfluous administration for all concerned).

Note 3: Intial peer review

The Association has a biomedical research advisory panel (BRAP) whose role is to advise the Board of Trustees and the Director or Research Development on all matters relating to research. Summaries are reviewed by three members of the BRAP according to the criteria for Association funding mentioned on Research we fund website. Research information sheet G (85kb) provides an explanation on the role of BRAP in the research funding process. The MND Association is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and has been awarded a Certificate of Best Practice  in peer review by the AMRC.

Note 4: Final decision on applications

All applicants will be notified in writing on the outcome of their application. This will include copies of the referees reports and comments from the BRAP where appropriate. A grant will not commence until a grant acceptance form, with implicit agreement to comply with the grant terms and conditions, signed by the grantee and the respective finance department has been returned to the MND Association.

In particular the grant terms and conditions state that the grant should not commence prior to any necessary home office or ethics committee approvals or licences are in place.