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Common questions

Below are the answers to a number of frequently asked questions about the Bupa Foundation and applying for a medical research grant or award.

Can I apply for a general grant if I work for a registered charity in one of your areas of interest?
Sorry, no applications can be accepted via registered charities. This is to ensure accountability between the Bupa Foundation and researchers funded. The Foundation can only consider applications directly from medical researchers themselves.

If my application is peer reviewed, does this mean it is more likely to be funded?
No, the sending of an application to be peer reviewed is not promise of an award. All short-listed applications are subject to peer review.

Will I be told why my application is declined if this happens?
Every effort will be made to provide feedback where the anonymous reviewer permits. The Bupa Foundation's policy is to provide copies of anonymised referee reports where possible, but in some cases a reviewer may request that his/her comments are not forwarded to the applicant. No correspondence can be entered into regarding an unsuccessful application and the chairman's decision is final.

Will I know who my referees are?
No, the Bupa Foundation's policy is to never reveal the identity of referees.

What is the maximum grant allowed?
There is no maximum (or minimum) grant. Careful budgeting is expected, and as a charity, the Bupa Foundation does not pay organisational overheads. You also need to estimate salary increases etc at the outset, as the amount of grant is not varied once set.

I am studying for a postgraduate/higher degree/fellowship. Will the Bupa Foundation pay my academic costs?
No, the Foundation does not pay course costs, e.g. registration or tutorial costs.

I am a medical student. Will the Bupa Foundation fund my medical elective travel/study costs?
No, this is not within the Foundation's remit.

Does the Bupa Foundation fund seminars or conferences?
No, this is outside the Foundation's remit.

Will the Bupa Foundation fund my systematic review?
No, this is outside the Foundation's remit.

Can I re-apply for the same or a different project?
For a different project, there is no problem. You may apply whether you have previously been successful or not. In the case of the same project, which you have revised, re-application is not allowed unless specifically requested by governors. It will be clearly stated in your decision letter if this is the case.

Why does the application form ask me to identify the sponsor of my project?
This will enable the Bupa Foundation to comply with new Department of Health rules for research governance, which will affect all medical research in the UK, whether privately or publicly funded. These are expected to become law in April 2004.

If I am successful, how soon will I be able to begin my project?
We recommend that you allow at least one month from the date of the board meeting when deciding the start date. If you will be recruiting new staff, two to three months after this might be more realistic.