Clinical Biomarkers

This scheme supports the identification, validation, and implementation of clinical biomarkers that bring us closer to an early and accurate diagnosis, and/or inform the management of brain tumours.

In order to encourage collaboration between the laboratory and the clinic these grants will be awarded jointly to a Scientific lead and a Clinical lead researcher.

Key Dates

Due to the COVID-19 situation, all grant calls are under review. Future grant call dates will be announced as soon as possible.

Purpose and scope

These grants are available for up to £100,000 per year for up to five years.

Studies may make use of the samples and infrastructure brought about by funded clinical trials, to go beyond the primary and secondary endpoints and generate new knowledge around clinical biomarkers.

Applications must include a Clinical lead researcher and a Scientific lead researcher.

Public and patient involvement

To obtain input from those affected by brain tumours, we strongly recommend that applicants access our Research Involvement Network (RIN) for public and patient involvement. In order to receive feedback from the RIN, please allow for a minimum of 3 weeks turnaround time.

Applications must include a Clinical Lead and a Scientific Lead
Both the Clinical Lead and Scientific Lead must hold an employment contract beyond the period of the grant
All applications must address the issue of earlier and accurate diagnosis, as highlighted in our research strategy ‘Accelerating a Cure‘
This award is open to international researchers but all proposals must demonstrate how they can benefit patients in the UK health system
If the proposed research makes use of the infrastructure and/or samples already in use for a funded trial, the funding obtained may not be used for the purposes of achieving the primary or second endpoints of the trial.
All applications must have input from those affected by brain tumours as early as possible, preferably during scoping of the project

Methodology
Projects must have a sound approach and methodology in order to address the questions raised. Proposals that make use of the infrastructure and/or samples, already in use for a funded trial, are strongly encouraged
Statistical validity
Projects must be statistically powered so results are significant and meaningful
Expertise of applicants
The applicants must be appropriately trained and well suited to carry out the planned studies
Potential for patient benefit
Projects must articulate a clear pathway leading to patient benefit as well as the anticipated impact and likelihood of achieving an early and accurate diagnosis. Applications with a clear path to clinical or practical application will be strongly favoured. Applicants must demonstrate how their findings will be taken up and funded by the NHS following The Charity’s investment
Value for money
Projects must demonstrate that the funds requested are essential for the work and how these represent value for money

Please read the following documents before applying for funding

Grant conditions – PDF

These grant conditions, together with the grant award letter, set out the terms and conditions on which we make a grant to the host institution and grantholder.

Finance guidelines – PDF

These guidelines explain which of the costs incurred will be paid for by The Charity

Data protection statement – PDF

This statement details how the information you give us will be processed, used and stored in accordance with data protection legislation

Guidance document – PDF

Please take note of, and allow sufficient time for, the approval steps required to complete the submission process. We cannot guarantee late submissions will be accepted.

Applying for this grant

Due to the COVID-19 situation, all grant calls are under review. Future grant call dates will be announced as soon as possible.

Further information

If you would like to discuss project ideas or need any information, please contact the Research Team.
E-mail: research@thebraintumourcharity.org
Phone: +44 (0) 1252 418190