Medical Research Scotland
As an independent Scottish medical research charity, we have an impressive track record in and remain committed to encouraging and supporting promising young people wishing to pursue a career in biomedical research. We know we make a difference to them and also to the health of the nation.
We are not restricted to funding research into any one disease or condition, so our grants support research which aims to improve: the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of all diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and arthritis; understanding of basic disease processes; medical technology.
Daphne Jackson Fellowships
Applications are now open (closing date 14th June) for up to three Daphne Jackson Fellowships in biomedical sciences, supported by the Trust and to be hosted by Scottish Universities.
PhD 2014 Applications now open
Applications are now open for up to 10 PhD Studentships tenable for four years from autumn 2014. All the documentation needed to make an application (closing date 9th July) is available from the Funding section of the website.
PhD Commercial Training Event
The first event in the commercial training programme for our PhD students took place on Thursday, 21st March 2013 in Edinburgh.
Nairn Charitable Trust Donation
The Trust recently received a donation of £750 from the Nairn Charitable Trust. This sum will be applied to support of general medical research.
Legacy from Dr Bryan Ashworth
The Trustees were delighted to learn that Medical Research Scotland is among the beneficiaries of the late Dr Bryan Ashworth's estate. Commenting on the legacy, Professor David Harrison, Trust Chairman, said:
"A consultant neurologist, who had taken part in a pioneering clinical trial in his youth, Dr Ashworth knew both the challenges of treating MS patients and also the value of research into such diseases. We are very grateful for his generosity and will use his gift wisely."
Trustee meeting 18th March 2013
Among topics discussed at the most recent meeting of the Trustees were the following;
Membership of the Trust: The appointment of four new Trustees (Dr Brown, Professor Conway, Professor Nimmo and Mr Paterson) was formally approved and the Chairman welcomed those who had been able to attend the meeting.
Research Funding: The Trustees had received a note of discussions at and recommendations from the meeting of the Scientific Committee held in January.
- In view of the quality of the applications received for the Undergraduate Vacation Research Scolarships and given the generous donation in support of these awards made by the W.M. Mann Foundation in 2012, the Trustees agreed to offer a total of 49 Scholarships for the summer 2013.
- In focused discussion about the Trust's priorities with regard to its funding streams, it was decided that, in addition to continuing the highly successful Vacation Scholarships scheme, it would also contine to award PhD Studentships. The companies eligible to be involved would in future be widened to include those not currently operating in Scotland; all other things being equal, Scottish companies would be preferred.
- The Chairman's proposal that the Trust offer to support a small number of Daphne Jackson Fellowships - providing a two-year 're-training fellowship' for highly-motivated individuals wishing to return to research following a period away - was accepted after discussion. These awards were seen as being the next stage in the progression of the Trust's focus on supporting young people developing research careers.
- The scientific/medical Trustees had previously scored several reports from current and recent Project Grantholders independently. It was noted that the Progress Reports were scored as 'Satisfactory' and agreed that one the Final Reports should be scored as 'Good'. After a detailed discussion of another Final Report, it was agreed that this was Unsatisfactory and so the host university would be informed that the final payment on the grant would be withheld - in line with the Trust's Standard Conditions of the award.
Investments: Representatives of the Investment Managers attended part of the meeting to provide an overview of the Trust's position in light of general market conditions, focusing largely on the global funds and investments, given the decision taken 6 months previously, to adjust the balance of the UK and Global portfolio holdings. It was noted that, on the whole, the Trust's investments were doing well, with most out-performing benchmarks.
Other Matters: The Trustees noted that HRH The Princess Royal had spent over an hour talking to pupils and researchers taking part in the 'Meet the Researcher Showcase' at Abertay University Dundee on Wednesday, 20th February. Senior school pupils and teachers from schools in Dundee and surrounding areas had attended this, the third such event, and it was agreed that another should take place in Aberdeen or Edinburgh in 2014.
Our funding makes a difference
Grantholder, Pharmacology, Edinburgh:
"...since been awarded an NHS Research Scotland Career Research Fellowship and a Senior Clinical Lectureship, largely due to the publications arising from the research"
3rd-year biomedical sciences undergraduate Vacation Scholar:
"...improved my skills, gained confidence in working in the lab and confirmed my intention to become a researcher"
2nd-year microbiology undergraduate Vacation Scholar:
"...being hands-on every day has been a huge benefit to my development and I would certainly enjoy a career in research"
Senior School Pupil at the Researcher Showcase:
"...it really helped me to open my mind to other career choices."
Grantholder at the Researcher Showcase:
"...opportunity to explain why research is important and its practical applications"
