MRC Confidence in Concept scheme 2018

The Confidence in Concept (CiC) scheme is a key part of MRC’s translational research strategy and provides annual awards of up to £1 million to institutions, to be used flexibly to support the earliest stages of multiple translational research projects. It is intended to accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects by supporting preliminary work or feasibility studies to establish the viability of an approach.

Ensuring that fundamental science is translated into new therapies, diagnostics and medical devices is central to the MRC mission. The CiC scheme aims to accelerate the transition from discovery science to the early stages of therapeutic/biomarker development by providing locally-administered, responsive and flexible funding to support preliminary translational work.

The award can be used flexibly by the institution to support a diverse portfolio of preliminary-stage translational projects. The projects supported should aim to provide sufficient preliminary data to establish the viability of an approach before seeking more substantive funding.

Institutions may apply for an award up to £1 million.

The MRC anticipates that only a small number of leading institutions that can show funding will deliver transformative benefits will be awarded funding at the upper limit. Most institutions are encouraged to apply for lower value awards. Applications may be broad in scope or focused on a specific therapeutic area or intervention modality.

Find out more information and how to apply here.