NHS Grampian Charity has announced an open call for research projects through its annual Small Research Grants programme to support health and social care research in Grampian.
The programme is open to applications from any researchers in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, including those working in dental, scientific, clinical, social care, nursing, midwifery, and allied health profession areas.
Researchers can apply for up to £20,000 to support a pilot or preliminary research project which will impact on health and social care. Research projects should have the potential to benefit NHS Grampian patients, and to attract new external funders.
This year, the charity particularly welcomes applications which have an emphasis on promoting health and wellbeing, improving health outcomes in seldom heard patient groups, and listening to patients and their families.
Lisa Duthie, NHS Grampian Charity Lead, says, “The charity has a strong history of funding innovative early stage research projects which have ultimately led to significant advancements in patient treatment and care – not just here in Grampian, but across Scotland and the wider UK too.
“In recent years we have supported a broad range of health and social care research through seed-funding grants, including investigating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in patient diagnosis and treatment, and research into the impact Grampian’s rural geography has on the follow up care and treatment of cancer patients.
“We couldn’t fund these projects without the incredibly generous support of our donors, and we are so grateful for their investment in advancing research and healthcare in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
“Ensuring the people of Grampian have the best possible healthcare experience is a top priority for the charity, and we look forward to working with our next grant recipients to make sure patients across the region have access to the best and most innovative treatments and care available.”
Dr Simon Dunmore, Research Grants Officer at NHS Grampian Charity, who is leading the project says, “We are incredibly fortunate to have so many talented researchers in Grampian – both those working with the NHS and those in academic settings.
“Many of the research projects funded through the Small Research Grants programme in previous years have gone on to be awarded substantial grants from national charities, government and other sources, and in many cases have led to significant changes in how patients are cared for in hospitals and communities across the Grampian region.
“Like anywhere else, Grampian has its own, in some ways unique, challenges, such as a population with an increasing proportion of older people, living across a vast, often rural, area. So supporting research projects which are tailored to the particular needs and circumstances of the people of Grampian is imperative for ensuring patients are receiving the best healthcare possible.”
For more information on the Small Research Grants programme, please visit www.nhsgcharities.com