The PSP Association runs a two stage research grant application process. The process for applying for a grant is the same for all types of funding sought, i.e. funding for a PhD studentship, a research fellowship or a project grant.
How to apply - the process
In the first instance applicants are requested to submit an Outline Application.
Applications for PhD studentships and research fellowships must be accompanied by the supervisor's CV and full publication list.
For PhD studentships, applications should be from potential supervisors only. Supervisors must be able to show that they have a full time position at a UK based institution for the lifetime of the grant. The PSP Association will not accept applications from potential PhD students themselves.
Awarded supervisors may begin recruiting post award.
Please note, the CV of potential PhD students must be submitted to the Director of Research at The PSP Association for approval before the appointment is made.
For project grants the CV and full publication list of the lead applicant and co-applicant(s) is required.
Outline Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year. There is no deadline for receipt of Outline Applications.
Outline applications are considered by The PSP Association's Medical Advisory Panel and assessed on their:
- Relevance to people with PSP
- Scientific merit and feasibility
- Value for money
Applicants will normally be informed of the outcome of their Outline Application within six weeks of its receipt by The PSP Association.
Successful applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed Full Application.
Deadlines for receipt of Full Applications are 1 March and 1 September.
Full Research Grant Applications are peer reviewed. After considering the peer review reports, The Medical Advisory Panel will make a recommendation to The PSP Association's Board of Trustees as to whether the charity should fund the research.
The Board of Trustees considers research applications at its meetings in June and November. Applicants may be invited to present their proposed research at the Board of Trustees meeting at which their application is being considered for funding.
Following the Board of Trustees meeting, applicants will normally be informed about the outcome of their application within 2 weeks of the meeting date.
Assessment criteria
Criteria used to assess the full application include:
- Relevance of the research to people with PSP
- Scientific merit and feasibility
- Track record of the applicant(s)
- Value for money
In the case of applications for grants for PhD studentships and research fellowships additional criteria include:
- The suitability of the project for research training
- The track record of the supervisor and the supervisor's training record
- The quality of the research environment in which the work is to be undertaken
The application form
Applicants are expected to submit:
- One single sided, non stapled application with original signatures (see (i) below)
- Two double sided, stapled copies
- One electronic copy addressed to the Research Department at The PSP Association,
(i) All authors of the grant must provide their signatures on the original singed copy; this is to ensure concurrence of the content of the proposal by all named applicants.
When submitting electronic copies, please remove the initial guideline, FAQ and checklist pages.
The application form is a locked document; if you find writing in boxes creates blank spaces below the text please remove these spaces before printing. If you experience any problems with the form please do not hesitate to contact The PSP Association for advice.
What to submit
The following documents should be included with both electronic and paper applications:
- Previous unsuccessful PSP Association applications that are relevant to the current proposal
- Papers that are in press only. All other preliminary data pertinent to the application should be incorporated in the application form
- Copies of similar research proposals that have or are being submitted elsewhere and the expected date of outcome
What not to submit
It is not necessary to include:
- Relevant papers that are in the public domain. These are obtainable by peer reviewers and our Medical Advisory Panel members if required.
Receipt of application
When applications have been received, a receipt will be sent via email to the Principal Applicant. If a receipt is not sent within one week of the closing date, please contact The PSP Association.
Revision process
To ensure that applications are as full and complete as possible, members of the Research Department may contact the Principal Applicant to request revisions or further information.