Joint Health Systems Research Initiative (Closed)
This scheme supports research based in low- and middle-income countries to improve health systems in those locations.
The scheme is jointly supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Wellcome Trust.
We’re changing our funding schemes
The way we fund research is changing to support our new strategy.
Scheme at a glance
This scheme is now closed
- Career stage:
- Type of researcher:
- Basic, Clinical, Public health
- Where your administering organisation is based:
- Level of funding:
Approximately £4 million is available to fund five to ten research grants. Foundation grants are up to £200,000 each.
- Duration of funding:
Research grants normally last up to three years. Foundation grants last for 24 months.
Eligibility and suitability
Who can apply
You can apply to the Health Systems Research Initiative if your research is based in a low- or middle-income country.
The principal investigator for your study must be employed by an eligible organisation either in a low- or middle-income country or in the UK. If the principal investigator is based in the UK, there must be a clear partnership with, and scientific leadership from, co-investigators based in the countries where the project will take place.
You can find out more about eligibility for this initiative on the Medical Research Council website.
What we're looking for
Health systems in low- and middle-income countries face the challenges of substantial socioeconomic and health inequalities, rapid globalisation and evolving disease burdens. We need a robust evidence base to strengthen health systems and improve the delivery of healthcare.
Our reviewers are looking for proposals that will generate evidence on how to strengthen and improve health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Research findings should inform the delivery of evidence-based interventions or structural changes that are of direct relevance to decision makers.
You should describe how and why your project findings will have the potential to improve the health of people living in low- and middle-income countries.
We encourage applications from multidisciplinary teams that include biomedical scientists and social scientists.
You can chose from two types of grant:
- Research grants: These grants are for small and larger-scale projects.
- Foundation grants: These grants support researchers who are conducting preliminary studies before designing research grant proposals. The grants are also for exploring possible innovations, under-researched areas and creative approaches.
You can find out more about eligibility for this initiative on the Medical Research Council website.
What we offer
There are two types of grant. Both types include research expenses directly related to the study.
1. Research grants
These grants normally last up to three years, with a maximum duration of five years. There are no budget limits.
2. Foundation grants
Each foundation grant has a maximum budget of £200,000 and lasts for 24 months.
You can find out more about the support we offer on the Medical Research Council website.
What we don’t offer
We don't fund the routine delivery of health services. Funding is available for research only.
How to apply
The next call has been temporarily suspended. You can find out about the need to review all Official Development Assistance at UK Research and Innovation.
Please go to the Medical Research Council website to find out how to apply. The MRC processes all applications for this scheme. Please don’t apply to the Wellcome Trust.
The Joint Health System Research Committee shortlists and recommends applicants. There are no interviews for this scheme.
Key dates
The Medical Research Council considers applications once a year.
Research grants
Closed to new applications
Outline proposal deadline
19 January 2021Invited full proposal deadline
16 June 2021Panel meeting
October 2021
Foundation grants
Closed to new applications
Application deadline
Date to be confirmed (this call has been temporarily suspended)Panel meeting
Date to be confirmed.
Contact us
If you have a question, contact the Medical Research Council:
Funding partners
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More information
Find out about how we've worked with the funding community to develop principles and obligations setting out what we expect from those responsible for clinical training, trainees and funders across the UK.