What is this funding scheme for?

This small-scale funding scheme seeks to support Early Career Researchers of all disciplines working within mental health research fields. Awards between £3,000-£5,000 will be allocated for research activities supporting pathways to external funding and/or impact and engagement. These could include, for example:

• Support for pilot research projects

• Holding a mental health research workshop or networking event to develop inter- or multi-disciplinary ideas leading to funded research projects

• Support for patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities or projects involving people with lived experience of mental health difficulties

We expect to fund between 3 and 5 projects/activities.

We are particularly interested in funding projects from members within the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) or interdisciplinary work that connects to CSE. One award will be specifically allocated to a project from CSE. 

Funded projects will only be eligible if the applicants can clearly describe their proposed pathway to external grant funding and/or a pathway to tangible impact and engagement. This might include:

• Stating how the proposed project will lead/contribute to a larger project or application

• Clearly outlining what impact the project or activity might have and how this will be measured or evaluated (e.g., through an impact case study)

• Demonstrating, if applicable, how the project will include PPIE or the engagement of people with lived experience. In cases where this may not be applicable (e.g., for particular disciplines) applicants will need to demonstrate how their proposed project will lead to future engagement activities.

Applicants will also need to carefully consider how they will monitor, evaluate, and evidence the outcomes and impact of their proposed project.  All funds must be spent by 31st July 2025, so we encourage projects with an early start date to ensure maximum chance of delivery.

Who can apply?

This seed funding scheme is open to Early Career Researchers (ECRs) of all disciplines working within mental health research fields. We define ECRs as researchers who fit one of the following criteria:

• Are in a postdoctoral position or equivalent

• Are less than 6 years in their first academic role

• Have not received major external research funding

The lead applicant must be based at the University of Edinburgh and their contract must last until at least the 31st July 2025. We encourage submissions from diverse applicants, especially from underrepresented groups and/or those working with underrepresented groups. 

How will applications be evaluated?

Your applications will be scored by the EMH management team. All outcomes will be communicated with applicants and a full list of successful applications will be shared. In deciding whether to fund your application, we will consider:

• Whether the project meets the funding criteria (see ‘What is this funding scheme for?’)

• Whether the project can realistically be delivered within proposed cost and time constraints.

• Whether there is evidence of demand or need for the activities/research proposed. We encourage innovative proposals, especially those which are challenge led.

Terms and Conditions

• Any funds awarded will be administered via your school/unit research office. Ensure you speak to your School/unit’s research office before submitting. Local research office deadlines may be earlier to ensure review of applications.

  
  

• All money must be spent, and projects must be completed by 31st July 2025.

  
  

• Successful applicants must make themselves available for a mid-project meeting and provide a brief end-of-project evaluation report to the EMH management team on completion of the project.

  
  

• The end-of-project report will include a summary of activities (including, any images, publications, or other relevant documentation) which may be used as material for the Edinburgh Mental Health Network blog, website, social media, and email updates.

Application Procedure

Please complete the application form and email to emh.network@ed.ac.uk by 5pm on 20th December 2024. We expect to be able to share funding decisions by January 2025.  

If you have any questions about this scheme please contact our Network Coordinator, MacKenzie Robertson, at mrober27@ed.ac.uk. 

*Please note than an earlier version of this application form had an issue that has since been resolved. If you downloaded the form prior to 09 December and are having trouble completing certain sections of the form please download the new version.