Research and innovation fund seeks applications for new award

Staff working in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes integrated care system are invited to apply for an award of up to £15,000, following the launch of a new research and innovation fund.

Clinical and non-clinical staff working in health, social care or voluntary organisations in the area are eligible to apply for funding from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences at the University of Bedfordshire, which has been awarded £3 million by NHS England to develop and host the new Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Research and Innovation Hub.

Up to three projects will be supported by this award which aims to provide short-term “pump-priming” funding to novel research or innovation proposals.

All applications must include at least one University of Bedfordshire researcher as a named applicant.  The lead applicant must have at least 24 months remaining in their current role from the start of the award.

Professor Yannis Pappas, director of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Research and Innovation Hub, said:

“The local health and social care system is a vibrant one for research and innovation, where ideas flourish.  The Research and Innovation Hub wishes to support service providers to develop their plans for research and innovation by funding up to three programmes.

“We are now ready to accept applications for this new award.  Proposals can be submitted to address any aspect of research or innovation in integrated care provision, but they should ascertain user needs, address inequalities, and/or build capacity for further research and innovation.”

Emma Brown, Head of Innovation, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB, said:

‘It is vital we invest and support our organisations across BLMK to participate in research and innovation.  It is often the people working in our communities that have the best ideas on how we can improve the services we deliver. We hope this funding will ignite a passion in research and innovation to help us transform services for the future. This will ensure future care will support people to live longer, healthier lives. ’

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Links to the strategic priorities of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System;
• Potential to attract future funding for further research or plans to ensure sustainability of the innovation;
• Proven expertise of the partners in research or innovation areas.

Funding awards are expected to last for one year, but shorter or longer awards (up to 18 months) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  It is expected that applicants will access other sources of funding to complement this award.  Funds in this scheme are provided for time to spend on research, evaluation of innovation, travel, and other collaborative activities, such as workshops or exchanges; costs will not include overheads or items of equipment.

Applications will be assessed by a panel representing the University of Bedfordshire and the Integrated Care System.  The closing date for submissions is 14 March 2024, with the successful applicants notified by the end of May.

For more information, please email dany.arnaud@beds.ac.uk

Research and Innovation Funding Award Application form