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The Prevention and Cure scheme

Find out about the Prevention and Cure scheme and how you can apply.

In this section

What's the purpose of the scheme?

This scheme aims to support scientific excellence and innovative research that will lead to quicker, earlier diagnosis to save and improve lives, and new and better treatments that pave the way for cures. Under the scheme, you can apply for either a project grant or a PhD studentship.

How long can a grant be?

We expect that most projects will last 3 to 4 years, though this may vary. We will consider shorter or longer projects, but this must be fully justified in your application. 

If your project would last more than 4 years, please contact the research team as early as possible before applying.

PhD awards can be for 3 or 4-year full time studentships, or the part time equivalent.

How much funding can I apply for?

The funding available for projects can vary and there is no specified cap.

If your project would cost more than £400,000, please contact the research team as early as possible before applying.

Funds will cover staff salary, research expenses and essential equipment.

For PhD studentships, there is a specified cap. The total amount you request must not exceed £171,500.

Which areas of research do you support?

  • Areas we can support:

    • Project grants or PhD studentships within the scheme’s scope of varying duration and cost
    • Intervention development and pilot studies to generate preliminary data for, or test the feasibility of, a larger project
    • Non-salary costs to support researchers whose salary is supported elsewhere (such as NIHR Academic Clinical Fellows)

  • Areas we're unable to support:

    • Infrastructure, such as setting up or maintaining research units
    • Service developments, unless they have wider generalisability. Note: the costs of any new service would not be funded
    • Audits or surveys (although these elements may be part of an integrated research study)
    • Market research
    • Policy development that does not involve new data collection or analysis
    • Direct support (such as financial support) to those affected by breast cancer inequalities
    • Grants to be used to part fund other projects or supplement existing grants, especially not PhD/MD training

When will my application be reviewed?

The committee will review applications in November 2026.

When is the next funding round?

The next funding round will run over similar dates in the following calendar year. We’ll update this page once exact dates are confirmed.

Useful links and documents

Apply for a research grant

You can apply for a grant using SmartSimple. If you have any questions, send us an email and we'll be happy to help.

Please make sure you read fully the ‘remit and eligibility information’ and ‘how to apply’ documents above before starting your application.

Apply here

More about funding processes and policies

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  • Dr Ross Chapman

    Funding FAQs

    Find the answers to common questions about our funding process.

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    Research policies

    These policies govern the management of your grant, from open access to conflicts of interest. Please read them carefully.

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