In this section
Find out about the Equity and Wellbeing scheme and how you can apply.
What's the purpose of the scheme?
This scheme supports scientific excellence and innovative research that explores what helps people manage the physical and emotional impacts of breast cancer. Research funded by this scheme will lead to everyone getting the best care and support.
This funding scheme focuses on inequities in breast cancer. It will support research that increases access and improves health by reducing variation in access and outcomes.
How long can a grant be?
The duration of projects can vary, although we expect most would last 3 to 4 years. Projects with shorter or longer durations will be considered but you will need to fully justify this. 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?
For projects there is no cap on the funding available.
For PhD studentships, the total amount you request must not exceed £171,500. This includes £2,500 for conference costs.
Which areas of research do you support?
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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)
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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 people affected by breast cancer inequalities
- We wouldn't will not allow the 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 next be reviewing applications in June 2026.
When is the next funding round?
The current round is open for applications until 8 December 2025.
Please note: As we are moving to a new grant management system, the application process will be different from previous rounds. Do not use the old system. Please read the how to apply guidance below.
Find out more
Read the scheme remit & eligibility information
How to apply for a research grant
Committee membership 2024
Apply for a grant
You can apply for a grant using our new grant management system SmartSimple. If you have any questions, send us an email and we'll be happy to help.
More about funding processes and policies
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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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Our funding processes
Find out how we award research grants.
