Research Facilitation Fund 2027
Research Facilitation Fund 2026
Deadline: 16:00 Wednesday 3 February 2027
Costs: £50,000 – £250,000
Duration: Up to 60 months
Funding decision: July/August 2027
Contact: awards@arthritis-uk.org
Focus
We have extended the lifespan of our research strategy to spring 2028, to align with our organisational strategy. We fund research that covers the causes, consequences and effects of the most prevalent arthritis conditions, and those that have the highest impacts on people. We will also support those conditions most frequently associated with arthritis. We do not actively exclude any areas of arthritis-related research. We will prioritise our investments to ensure that we maintain a varied and balanced research awards portfolio that covers the most prevalent arthritis conditions as well as rarer conditions.
Arthritis UK recognises and understands the value of the charity as a facilitator of arthritis research as well as a direct funder of hypothesis-led science. The Research Facilitation Fund provides support for hard to obtain resources, facilitating research that will change the lives of people with arthritis.
We welcome applications from across the research pipeline for a variety of activities, including for example: networking, collaboration, scientific meetings, project management support, key personnel across technical and administrative roles, data platforms and sample collections, but does not support buildings, equipment or major facilities.
Investments will only be made where critical additional resource is required and where realistic impacts are sought towards bringing ground-breaking scientific discoveries to people with arthritis at pace and with precision. Applicants must show how the award aligns with existing resources, clearly demonstrating strategic value and intent.
Who can apply?
The lead applicant must be based at an eligible UK institution.
One applicant must have a tenured position within the lead institute.
What can you apply for?
Costs for salaries, expenses and small items of essential equipment can be requested.
Awards of up to 60 months duration, between £50,000 - £250,000 in value are available.
We plan to invest up to £0.5 million across 2-10 awards.
How to apply
Applicants are invited to submit applications through the Arthritis UK Awards Portal (from 1 April).
There is a one-stage application process.
Applicants should carefully read the call document (PDF 192 KB), guidance documentation (PDF 319 KB), and application form before starting an application.
Please ensure that the most appropriate language is being used in each section of the form and that the correct sections are completed.
The deadline for the receipt of applications will be 16:00 Wednesday 3 February 2027. Please allow time for management of appropriate reviewers and signatories to access the grant management system and provide their approvals. Submissions after 16:00 will not be accepted.
If your proposal is suitable for co-funding with another funder, or if you intend to outsource parts of the project to a third party, please email us as early as possible, at awards@arthritis-uk.org to discuss this with us.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your research proposal, please email the Awards Office at awards@arthritis-uk.org.