Young people in biomedical research
Revised PhD documentation
Those applicants who have been informed of their success and who now require to submit an updated IP Plan, should download and save a (revised) blank template form and also the revised PhD Standard Conditions (see also right-hand panel)
An innovative change in funding strategy
Following a strategic review of Medical Research Scotland's activities, including a detailed consideration of how our funds are best used to support young people in biomedical research in Scotland, the Members have decided to introduce an innovative new funding stream which will replace the traditional Project Grants. The Trust will be continuing to support the careers of such young people, just by a different route. It will be focusing on the earlier stages, with the intention of making a positive difference to the research careers of those whom it supports, while also helping to strengthen Scotland's biomedical research base.
The Trust is offering up to ten (10), four-year PhD studentships (in addition to up to 20 undergraduate Vacation Scholarships) each year. These new PhD awards will involve close working between universities and companies working in medically-relevant life sciences research in Scotland. They will also incorporate additional training on how to develop science careers in an increasingly difficult and competitive market.
We believe this will enhance the support that Medical Research Scotland gives to training and preparation for a career in science and we aim to have the first PhD studentships starting in the autumn of 2012.
Project proposals submitted by Scottish Universities/recognised Research Institutions, working with companies working in medically-relevant fields in Scotland, are now being reviewed by a panel of academic and industrial experts chaired by Professor Walter Nimmo, a successful and still very active academic entrepreneur who founded and led Inveresk Research.
In due course, successful applicants will advertise for suitable students, who will be chosen following interview by a group comprising the academic institution, the company and Medical Research Scotland.
Novel elements in Medical Research Scotland's approach to supporting PhD students include:
- the company taking the lead in finding academic collaborators - it will be market-driven
- Medical Research Scotland will pay student stipend, fees (UK/EU level only) and consumables
- PhD students will take part in a Commercial Training Programme, organised by Medical Research Scotland and running alongside universities' own Doctoral Training Schemes.
Scotland-wide support
We have always funded research in universities, recognised research institutions and NHS teaching hospitals throughout the country. The graph shows the Scotland-wide distribution of our research awards over the past 50 years.
Rigorous selection processes
Decisions on all funding applications are made following international peer review, subsequent independent review by the scientific & medical Members and then following consideration and discussion in committee by all the Trust Members. The number of awards made at any time is at the discretion of the Members, in light of the outcome of the peer review and mindful of the available funds. [More information is available.]
The numbers of Research Project Grant applications received and awards made during the past six years are shown in the table below.
| Financial Year | Applications | Grants | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 (part only) | 19 | 3 | 15% |
| 2010-11 | 41 | 8 | 20% |
| 2009-10 | 39 | 8 | 20% |
| 2008-09 | 49 | 7 | 14% |
| 2007-08 | 50 | 7 | 14% |
| 2006-07 | 53 | 8 | 15% |
