CSO Launch Rapid Research in COVID-19 Programme
Thursday, 26 March, 2020
The Scottish Government is making funding available for research aimed at tackling the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland. The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has launched the Rapid Research in COVID-19 programme (RARC-19 programme) and will manage the resource to fund studies being conducted in Scottish academic institutions that draw on the very best science and methodologies.
In particular, projects that address the following key priority areas are sought:
- Improved characterisation and treatment of infection and sequalae, including novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Development of new surveillance approaches that can be implemented rapidly.
- Novel interventions to help prevent infection, particularly for those providing care.
- To support the resilience and mental health of front-line health and care staff including those who returned to the NHS or came early from nursing or medical schools into the workforce.
- Understanding the longer-term health impacts of social distancing and other behavioural interventions introduced to prevent the spread of infection in the population.
Studies will address specific hypotheses through a range of research approaches, including experimental medicine, data science or social science. The outputs from this research will provide timely evidence to inform clinical practice and policy relevant to the current pandemic.
Studies within portfolios that involve collaboration with industry, the third sector or existing externally funded centres and institutes that bring expertise, access to reagents and matched funding are welcomed. In addition, studies within portfolios that extend or can be built into the Scottish arm of studies funded by other organisations are accepted.
It is expected that studies awarded funding will start immediately and be completed within 3-6 months.
The total overall sum requested for a single portfolio application from any individual institution (or group of institutions if working on a portfolio in collaboration) should be no more than £1.25 million.
Applications from Scottish universities should be submitted by the deadline of 8 April 2020 (5pm).
More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.