The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute has introduced a scheme to encourage healthcare practitioners, patients, the public and University of Bristol researchers to work together to develop innovative thinking around clinical problems.

This is a 2 stage scheme. Please see the flowchart and guidelines for full details of how the scheme works.

About the scheme

This is a challenge led scheme where we consult with healthcare workers, patients, the public, managers & commissioners to collect information about problems they encounter that could potentially be solved via innovative research at University of Bristol.

In stage 1, ideas are selected by our review panel and these form the basis of the stage 2 call for solutions funding competition.

In stage 2, University of Bristol researchers are able to apply for funding from the EBI to enable them to solve these selected challenges.

This scheme aims to develop research projects focusing on finding innovative solutions to current clinical problems and is specifically aimed at encouraging co-operation between the University, the NHS and the public.

Funding is available for up to 4 projects with a funding cap of £25K per project. Individuals or teams of researchers are welcome to apply.

Eligibility

• Stage 1: Call for Challenges is open to all doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals (this includes anyone involved in treating patients and the provision of healthcare or public health services) based in the UK. We also welcome applications from patients, the public and managers involved in either the provision of healthcare or in the commissioning of services. 
• Stage 2: Funding Call for Solutions open to any individual employed by the University of Bristol on a permanent basis. 

Important dates

Call for Health Challenges open                                   15 March 2017

Call for Health Challenges Deadline                            09:00 GMT 24 May 2017  

Funding Call for Solutions Opens                                 26 July 2017

Funding Call for Solutions Closes                                 09:00 GMT 18 October 2017

Solutions Applications Assessed                                  November 2017

Further information and queries

If you have any queries regarding this scheme please contact Lisa King at the EBI, email: Lisa.King@bristol.ac.uk or telephone 07875 077715. 

Terms and conditions

The funds awarded include contribution from our Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund and as such are covered by the Wellcome Trust terms and conditions (https://wellcome.ac.uk/funding/managing-grant/grant-conditions).

Please note that Clause 8.2 of the Wellcome Grant Conditions, related to Intellectual property (IP) and its exploitation, is waived in the context of this funding scheme.

If you have any questions please contact EBI Manager Dr Nina Couzin ebi-health@bristol.ac.uk