Research and Enterprise invites applications for funding for projects relating to impact, commercialization and external engagement. 

All activities must be based on previous or current research. Applications will be open to members of staff in any School within the University that can satisfy four essential criteria; 

1. Translational potential 

2. Submitted an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF):  

• For Translational Catalyst Fund projects an IDF must be submitted in advance of application 
• For Early Career Translational Fellowships (ECTFs): 
  • An IDF is required based on the activity nature and fellowship strand. 
  • Translational and Partnership Fellowships may require an IDF before funding is confirmed.
  • The Emerging Talent Fellowship will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for IDF requirements.

3. Activity must be able to start reasonably quickly  

4. Completion Dates:  

• All MRC IAA funded activities are supported for a duration of 3–6 months and must be completed within six months of the agreed start date.

• All activities must be completed (cost or spend incurred) by 31 December 2026. 

For more information and to access the Invention Disclosure Form please visit https://www.qub.ac.uk/Business/Commercialisation/IP-and-innovation/Got-an-idea/ or contact Maria Colligan (m.colligan@qub.ac.uk) in the Commercial Development Team. 

All MRC IAA applications should be registered on the Research Application System (RAS).  Applicants should work with the relevant Faculty Finance Office to calculate budgets. Please be in contact with your Faculty Finance Office at least 5 days in advance of submission.

It is strongly recommend that IAA applicants attend an MHLS Signposting Session to receive valuable guidance on their applications and explore available funding avenues. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity to receive expert feedback on your application, refine your approach, and ensure your project is positioned for maximum impact. By attending, you'll be able to align your research plans with available funding opportunities, gain insights into how to strengthen your proposal, and ensure that your project is in the best position for funding allocation and future success. You can find more information and register for a session using the following links:
More information: https://qubstudentcloud.sharepoint.com/sites/int-re/SitePages/MHLS-Signposting-Initiative.aspx
Registration: https://forms.office.com/e/FdELuTiUBb

If you have any queries or would like to discuss a funding proposal please email Emma Doherty emma.doherty@qub.ac.uk and include 'MRC IAA' in the subject line. 

MRC IAA Translational Catalyst Fund  
 

The Translational Catalyst Fund (TCF) aims to overcome a key barrier in advancing research within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences: securing early-stage funding for novel ideas to achieve proof-of-concept. 

The fund supports translational activities that generate critical validation—such as prototype development, translational data, or concept testing—directly accelerating clinical, commercial, or patient impact. Applications should clearly justify how the proposed activity is essential to advancing the wider research and how it fits into a broader development pathway, potentially unlocking follow-on funding or commercialization opportunities.

Awards of up to £40,000 are available for activities lasting 3–6 months. Applications focused solely on extending fundamental research or producing research papers are unlikely to be successful.

An Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) should be submitted two weeks prior to the submission of this application.

Link to application form: https://forms.office.com/e/CL9WQ0XdLT 

For application inquiries, please contact emma.doherty@qub.ac.uk and include "MRC IAA" in the subject line. 

MRC IAA Early Career Translational Fellowships

The Early Career Translational Fellowship (ECTF) Fund at Queen’s University Belfast, supported by the MRC IAA, is designed to foster knowledge transfer and commercialization by enabling Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Postdoctoral Researchers (PDRAs) to drive critical translational activities from inception. Fellows gain experience in business engagement, build industry partnerships, and enhance their career development through this initiative.

ECRs and PDRAs can apply as Co-Investigators with support from a permanent academic Principal Investigator (PI). Applications should describe the critical translational activity or opportunity for advancement, alongside a personal development statement detailing the fellow’s vision and goals.

The ECTF Fund offers three fellowship options, each covering a maximum period of six months:

• Partnership Fellowship: Up to £20,000 for collaborative activities with external partners, who are expected to match funds through cash or in-kind contributions.

• Translational Fellowship: Up to £40,000 to support early-stage, translational activities for independent or academic-focused initiatives.

• Emerging Talent Fellowship: Up to £40,000 for promising ECRs, supporting activities with high translational impact. The need for an IDF will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

This call is currently open. All applications must be submitted via the online form. For application inquiries, contact emma.doherty@qub.ac.uk and include “MRC IAA” in the subject line.

Link to application form: https://forms.office.com/e/VXL9Hrs9YT 

For ECTF applicants, the requirement for an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) varies by fellowship strand and activity type. Translational and Partnership Fellowship applicants may require an IDF prior to confirmation of the funding award. For the Emerging Talent Fellowship, the IDF requirement is evaluated individually to avoid undue restrictions. For guidance on IDF requirements for your proposed activity, contact Maria Colligan (m.colligan@qub.ac.uk) in the Commercial Development Team.